August 2, 2009: Rhode Island Attorney General files for divorce

by Jeffrey Cottrill

PROVIDENCE -- Patrick Lynch evidently wants to tie up a loose end or two before he runs for governor of Rhode Island. The state's Attorney General is getting a divorce from his estranged wife, Christin, from whom he reportedly separated in 2004.

The Lynches formally requested the divorce in Providence County Family Court on Wednesday. John Lynch Sr., Lynch's divorce lawyer, told the Associated Press that the divorce is an amicable, mutual decision.

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The divorce attorney, who is not related to Lynch, added that the spouses have already worked out their child-custody, financial, and property matters in private. The Lynches included a property-division agreement with their divorce filing, and they have agreed to a joint-custody arrangement for their children, 13-year-old Kelsy and 12-year-old Graham.

"There won't be any disruption in any shape or form," John Lynch told AP, referring the children's lifestyles.

As the couple has waived the standard waiting period of 60 days, their divorce could be final as soon as August 18.

Patrick and Christin Lynch married in 1993.

Patrick Lynch, 44, was elected as Rhode Island's Attorney General in 2003. The Democrat is running in next year's Rhode Island gubernatorial election; he announced his candidacy on May 22.