I wonder how a Soprano would handle a Washington divorce and custody battle…

Lorraine Bracco has built quite the career for herself over the years.  Goodfellas is arguably one of the best mob movies ever made, there is no better ponytail in the world than the one sported by Sean Connery in Medicine Man, and even the cyberpunk pseudo cult hit Hackers has its redeemable components.  Add to her career brew Radio Flyer and The Basketball Diaries, two films that redefined the coming of age story M.O.

Despite the makings of a well designed acting career, Bracco got sidetracked following the completion of Basketball Diaries.  Bracco was married to Harvey Keitel for over 10 years when their marriage fell apart, thus beginning a protracted custody battle over their daughter Stella.

A drawn out custody battle can be a nasty bit of business that drains both the emotions and the pocket book.  The fact that her legal battle dragged on for five years makes me wonder what in the hell was really happening.  Did she get bad advice from her divorce attorney?  Which party was actually at fault for the litigation continuing on and on for such a long period of time?

Five years of legal fees and taxes can really add up and in 1999 Bracco declared bankruptcy.  I’m sure after such a drawn out custody battle declaring bankruptcy would be a relatively pain free legal process.  Of course, Bracco quickly got back on her feet as Dr. Jennifer Melfi in The Sopranos, whose 1^st season aired that same year.  Just goes to show, you can always bounce back after taking a couple of hard knocks.

Many Washington divorce proceedings end up hitting the wall over custody issues.  It is often one of the most difficult parts of any divorce.  Mothers often feel betrayed and abandoned.  Fathers often feel unappreciated and alienated from their children.  And, many mothers shamelessly wield their children like blunt instruments both in vindictive spite, and to try get more property and money.

Washington State’s child custody and child support laws are complicated.  If you have questions about your legal rights and options, it’s always best to consult with an experienced Washington divorce attorney.

If possible, you should consult a good WA State divorce attorney long before you ever file a Petition for Dissolution.  There are many ways to properly for and handle the early stages of a divorce, especially if there are children involved.