Best Family Law lawyers in Seattle, WA

542 Family Law Lawyers in Seattle, WA

>542

experienced lawyers

Elizabeth Mount Penner

520 Pike St, Seattle, WA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

06 Jul, 2022 by Michael

I hired Liz as I was a victim in a DV case which grew to stalking as my partner was also assaulted. Liz was amazing from start to finish. Her process was meticulous. So much so that when the person who had repeatedly attacked me and my partner tried to file complaints against us they were immediately dismissed. What I like best about my experience with Liz, other than the resounding WIN, was how well she communicated with us. Her explanations of the process and what was happening and the potential outcomes were amazing as well as comforting. This was a whole new set of fears and anxieties I had never experienced and her style, demeaner and communication helped alleviate all of that. Even with the process dragging on through COVID Liz just nailed it. I am grateful that I had Liz by my side during this terrifying experience. I cannot say enough good things and I would encourage anyone to trust her and have her as your advocate!

26 May, 2021 by Mark

To: Elizabeth M. P. (Attorney) and Christine C. (Paralegal) of the McKinley Irvin Law Firm From: Mark D., McKinley Irvin Divorce Case Customer Reference: McKinley Irvin Unprofessional And Non -Transparent Business Conduct Date: 5/11/21 My conscience will let me go no further in life without voicing my significant dissatisfaction with your professional conduct while handling my divorce case. Early on in my divorce case, unfortunately, Elizabeth's mother passed away. Because of Elizabeth's grieving, I understood and accepted the ignoring of numerous questions in my emails and the very lengthy delays associated with McKinley Irvin's responses to me. Because of Elizabeth's grieving, I did not voice my concerns at the time. Though I accepted these occurrences at the time, I believe the more appropriate path for McKinley Irvin to have taken would have been to switch me to a different Attorney (while Elizabeth worked her way through her grieving). Many months after Elizabeth's mother's passing, however, the same pattern of behavior was still observed. It does appear that this delaying and ignoring of customer inputs is McKinley Irvin's normal modus operandi. On several occasions, phone conference times were scheduled only to be cancelled at the very last minute, with Christine C. citing "emergency issues". Significant delays, ignored emails/questions, and last minute cancellations always left me feeling, as a customer, that I am extremely low on McKinley Irvin's priority list. This is really surprising given that truly successful companies strive to make it a goal of satisfying their customers. However annoying the above conduct is, it pales in comparison to the more serious complaint of unprofessional (possibly unethical?) non-transparent behavior that I will detail below... On April 30th 2021, I requested, for my records, copies of all communications between Tara R. (my wife's attorney) and McKinley Irvin. As you know, there is a line item for each one of these communications in the McKinley Irvin billing system which, as a paying customer, I have been billed for and have paid good money for. My request for copies of all of these communications was met with "I will look into this for you" (Christine C.) and, during a 1:30 pm phone conversation on 5/4/21, "We have a cumbersome document system, I will see what we can do" (Elizabeth M. P.). At the end of the 5/4/21, 1:30 pm phone conversation with Elizabeth, Elizabeth did say she would get me the communications I requested. To-date (as of 5/11/21), I have yet to receive the requested communications which I have paid good money for (and which I do not expect to pay one penny more for). Clearly "do what you say and say what you do" is not a motto which McKinley Irvin runs their business by. It is clear, also, that there is a lack of transparency happening at McKinley Irvin which is highly unprofessional and, I would even argue, bordering on unethical. As a paying customer, to be denied what one has paid for, is absolutely unprofessional. It is perplexing that I have to explain to the McKinley Irvin firm how it should respond to one of its paying customers. The response should not have been "I will look into this" or "we have a cumbersome document system"; the response should have been, "you are a venerated paying customer of ours who has paid for these communications and we will get these communications to you just as soon as we can (at no additional cost to you)". What I would like to have happen is for McKinley Irvin to acknowledge this significant lapse in customer service and refund my money. I am dissatisfied with your treatment of my divorce case. Divorce is devastating enough in itself. To feel like the attorney/firm you are paying good money to, in order to guide you through one of life's toughest journey's, is hamstringing and hampering you along the way, makes it feel many times more devastating.

01 Aug, 2018 by Josh

I used Elizabeth to represent me in a serious criminal case. It was a complex case that was made worse when "Seattle's Best" defense attorney messed up my case and Elizabeth definitely did a phenomenal job fixing what the first attorney screwed up. She was always to the point with me and never sugar coated the problems we faced in my defense. We went after the witnesses medical records and despite the state hiring an attorney to fight that for them we won and got access to the records. In the end we went to trial against the states star prosecutor and she beat him. I was acquitted of all charges. I can't express how grateful I was to have her represent me. She is the first person I would turn to.

Kristyna Larch

11300 Roosevelt Way Ne Ste 300, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

4.3/5

4.3

6 Reviews

06 Jan, 2017 by Christina

Don't waste your money on this one. She is an absolute disaster and will cost tremendous amounts of money. My husband assaulted me, but she was not able to successfully prosecute the case and I lost everything. Avoid this lawyer, please.

06 Nov, 2015 by Leslie mccann

Kristyna stood by my side during a recent CPS incident where I was falsely accused. Kristyna was warm, compassionate, and absolutely lovely. I felt like my best friend was in the room with me at the CPS interview and it gave me a great deal of peace and comfort. I'm currently going through a divorce and chose a different firm only because of a conflict of interest within Kristyna's firm (my soon to be ex has a family member who works there). If not for that, I would have chosen Kristyna in a heartbeat. When discussing the possibility of divorce with her, I felt that she was reasonable, knowledgeable, efficient, and level-headed. She seemed eager to find amicable solutions first - which is more my style than cut-throat. Though, undoubtedly, able to hold her own against a cut-throat type attorney and not being intimidated by them. I think if you're in the market for a compassionate attorney who will walk you through not only the legal maze, but be warm and compassionate while you navigate the emotional roller coaster, Kristyna is your gal. Also, if your soon-to-be-ex is of the reasonable variety, I can't imagine a better person to use for a collaborative divorce .

02 Mar, 2015 by Anonymous

My children and I were victims of domestic violence and after several other attorneys on the case over many years, Kristyna immediately understood what was happening and the tactics our abuser was using to continue abuse through the court system. With Kristyna's help, we were finally heard and have some peace. She knows how to present things to the court logically, concisely and effectively, which is so important in the he-said, she-said family court forum where the facts can become lost. I highly recommend Kristyna Larch.

Joeana C Catarata

927 N Northlake Way Ste 210, Seattle, WA

Family Law Litigation +2

4.3/5

4.3

33 Reviews

06 Sep, 2024 by Vincent - chief orchestrator

Great family law firm. Well connected to the legal community, empowering quick solutions with integrity and fairness.

03 May, 2024 by Peter creed

I had worked with Lucia Levias for almost two years on a case and regret doing so. Based on my experiences, I would not recommend Dubois levias law group

06 Mar, 2024 by Parsa shams

Diane Chrismer Patton

800 5th Ave Ste 2000, Seattle, WA

Family Law Government Juvenile Law +3

4.3/5

4.3

12 Reviews

08 Oct, 2024 by Olga nikitina

Waited for over a week for someone to get back to me, had to call several times and left messages, I used them about a year ago and things went very well. Not anymore. They couldn't find any records of my case, not helpful at all. Not sure what happened with them but I waisted a week for nothing, now looking for a different law firm.

16 Aug, 2024 by Blaire broten

Greg Pittman is fantastic for estate planning

13 Mar, 2024 by A malek

Cassandra L Stamm

1000 Second Avenue Suite 3140, Seattle, WA

Appeals Criminal Defense Domestic Violence +2 +5

+1 (855) 817-3653

4.2/5

5.0

13 Reviews

3.6

18 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by River witch

Michelle Fze Chong So is an extraordinary lawyer who embodies the passion and tenacity often portrayed in movies and TV shows. Her commitment to delivering justice is inspiring and remarkable, reflecting the true spirit of a legal champion. Her unwavering support and expertise were nothing short of amazing. Winning a case others claimed was hopeless showcased her exceptional skills and immensely impacted our lives. We are profoundly grateful for her ability to turn the tide in our favor when all seemed lost. She not only our saved our butts, but she also saved us tens of thousands of dollars. She is a true warrior with superpower legal skills. Her legal expertise was vital to securing our future. Her dedication and hard work have made all the difference in our lives. We are forever appreciative and profoundly grateful for all her effort and hard work.

07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler

Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney

06 Sep, 2024 by X x

David J Penny

1000 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

4.2/5

4.2

20 Reviews

30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne

Dylana is an amazing attorney. She helped me make decisions when I was unable to, guided me in the direction that would be most beneficial for myself and child, and always listened and acknowledged how I felt. I would recommend her to anyone!

09 Nov, 2023 by N marin

Dylana Jones of Wakefield Legal was an excellent (and triumphant) advocate for me regarding a particularly challenging DVPO case involving a narcissistic abuser with a JD. She is kind, responsive, sympathetic and genuine beyond being highly skilled and capable in many areas. 10/10 Highly recommend.

26 Jul, 2023 by T smith

Dylana is a true advocate of her clients. She was professional, candid, and still compassionate.

James Thomas Saulsbury

Po Box 66195, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Domestic Violence Estate Planning +2 +5

4.2/5

4.2

16 Reviews

22 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

Understanding of the problems I wanted to solve, provided concrete advice on what I need to prepare to present my facts and logic, very responsive when I had questions. Helped me achieve my goal and resolve issues. Good advocate for me as a client.

04 Mar, 2022 by Lindsay

My divorce was incredibly stressful and James took much of that away. I felt he really understood my goal of a dissolution with as little drama as possible. He was very kind and respectful, he seemed to be friends or at least friendly to all staff members at the court house. I could tell he was well respected. He’s funny and brings humor to help ease uncomfortable situations. He had great communication. I appreciated that he had a sensible approach as opposed to being cut throat. I highly recommend him anytime I hear someone may need an attorney for a family law issue.

12 Jan, 2022 by Karen

I feel so honored to have been excepted and then hired Jim to handle my divorce back in 2007. I just picked him out of the phone book and hit the jack pot when I retained him. He was professional, sensitive , and extremely helpful. He has always left an enormous impression on me. I am a flight attendant who had two children and was now living out of the state. He arranged meetings with me at the airport because he knew I didn't live in town and I did not have a car. My ex- husband was a con man and I came with all the proof he needed to take my case and win my divorce. In thinking about him today, I googled him to see how he and his business is doing. I would like to thank him for his caring, friendly, and professional service. I would highly recommended him every day and all the time. 30+ years strong that is wonderful. Thank you, Jim

Lisa Marie Gilmore

1001 Fourth Avenue , Suite 4200, Seattle, WA

Adoption Family Law +2

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

27 May, 2020 by Keith

Imagine after many years of marriage your partner has you served for divorce at your office. She wants an ungodly amount of maintenance/money for 20 plus years and wants to keep you from your son (who is a Division 1 Top Recruit) unless you agree to pay more money. My ex-wife's attorney was vile, ruthless and not a good person in my opinion. This was what I was facing and I was a total broken man. I was in denial and needed the assistance of a professional attorney to keep me from hurting myself. I was not thinking in my right mind and just wanted it to go away. I met Lisa Gilmore at the lowest point of my life. She listened, was compassionate, funny and incredibly professional. Lisa coached and guided me through every phase of the divorce. Her courtroom demeanor was unbeatable. The judge had total respect for her and I felt this helped my case immensely. My main focus was my son. How could a person who spent 80% of his son's time/life be asked to leave his home? Lisa again helped me process that this was not the end of the world... In fact, I believe I became a more loving father in the end. Let's face it... No one ever truly wins in a divorce but I can say without a doubt, I would have been in a horrible position if not for Lisa Gilmore and her staff. I thank God I met her and I thank Victoria (also in her office) for giving me the extra nudge to push me through the divorce. My relationship with my son is outstanding and I am even friendly with the ex-wife... but I still have my shirt, my dignity and feel very blessed Lisa Gilmore represented me. I am the typical guys' guy. I spent many years in the military and while I like to have fun, I tell it like it is... Trust Me!! Use Lisa Gilmore as your attorney. You will thank me later!! Thanks again Lisa Gilmore and Staff!! Oh, my son now plays football for a large PAC-12 University and is doing fantastic!!

23 Aug, 2019 by Ulana

Lisa was professional, sympathetic and organized. After recognizing the lack of cooperation from the opposing counsel , she was able to expedite the closure of a divorce prior to the court date, which saved everyone time, energy, and money. She expressed understanding about the pain a divorce can bring... She is truly an attorney with a "heart" !

13 Aug, 2019 by Anonymous

I retained Lisa to represent me in my divorce proceedings and I couldn't be more thrilled with her work, nor more grateful for the outcome. My ex is a very high conflict personality (HCP) and chose "bulldog"-type lawyers to represent her during the protracted proceedings. Lisa is EXCEPTIONAL at dealing with HCPs--both opposing party and opposing counsel. Lisa represented me in court as well as during mediation (and everything in between) and won the claims that I needed every time. Lisa is a very collaborative-type lawyer and handles collaborative matters as easily as she does the exact opposite. For more than two years, Lisa looked after my personal well-being, preemptively addressed harassment and protection issues, guided me through strategic and long-term planning, and fought and won on my behalf the freedom from abuse and financial stability I relish today. I remain continuously grateful for all the hard work and craziness that Lisa and her awesome legal team put in on this case and heartily recommend her to anyone seeking experienced, strong legal counsel and representation in family law matters.

Kenneth F Alan

1200 Westlake Ave. N, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

4.2/5

4.2

5 Reviews

19 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous

Charges through the nose ($300+) without the skill to back it up, misogynistic and highly inappropriate behavior. There are far more better lawyers in the Seattle area for a better rate and the high competition does not justify the price and entitled primma donna attitude Kenneth has with his clients.

28 Sep, 2018 by Anonymous

I was referred to Goldberg-Jones and in particular Attorney Alan by a friend who has been children's rights advocate for over 30 years (and also, yes, political correctness be damned, father's rights advocate given the still pervasive anti-men bias in the family court system, especially here on the Left Coast and states such as WA where my ex filed for divorce). My divorce and battle for at least a sensible, not massively discriminatory and/or unworkable co-parenting plan where I as a father would not be systematically pushed out of my beloved child's life, was already in progress. Attorney Alan reviewed my existing documents and provided via email and telephone consultation several pivotal pieces of advice, incl. follow-up phone class clarifying certain crucially important matters, and did not charge my a dime. (He did make clear how much his firm charger per hr. should one retain them; in retrospect, I more than likely should have retained his law firm (or similar, competent and aggressive pro-equal rights in the courthouse father's advocate attorney(s)) much earlier in my divorce process -- and will certainly give them a call if/when I get to go back to the court, which given the history of my ex-wife's behavior during the marriage as well as since she has successfully destroyed it on a whim and to achieve some financial gains without much of thought for the long-term well-being of our daughter, is fairly likely. I only wished I was referred to Attorney Alan and his firm much earlier in the process. Yes their hourly rate is on the higher end, but from my limited experience they are knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated to disenfrenchised fathers in WA state getting the best parenting rights possible in a largely dysfunctional and anti-fathers oriented (anti-) family law and practice in places such as Seattle, WA.

09 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous

I consulted with Ken on more than one occasion. In reflection, I realized that I asked him similar questions several times. Not only was he patient and thorough in his responses, but he was very consistent. I would introduce new details from the prior consultation to confirm whether his guidance would be different based on these new facts. He explained in detail, why the guidance was different or the same as prior. Ken proactively reached out to me as well, when new information crossed his desk. I asked what I thought were difficult questions as I "interviewed" him/his firm for evaluation. He welcomed the open dialogue. Ken is an encyclopedia of information and very concise in his delivery. Ken also did not hesitate to give me his opinion, even when it was obvious that it was something I did not want to hear. He was direct with this kind of information and immediately followed up with how his team would handle the scenario. I am very appreciative of the guidance that Ken has provided me thus far.

Jonathan Lew Bowman

500 Union St, Seattle, WA

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

4.1/5

4.1

93 Reviews

03 Sep, 2024 by Marilene s.

Jessica Creager at Seattle Litigation Group is an excellent and trustworthy attorney.I highly respect her knowledge, skills, and how quickly she responds, which is so important in any legal process.

29 Aug, 2024 by James

I highly recommend the Seattle Litigation Group, PLLC. Seth is very professional with a strong legal background. Communication with Seth and his team was also clear and timely.

18 Aug, 2024 by Mark church

I called Seattle Litigation Group for some legal advise. I spoke with Seth Rosenberg who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in dealing with my legal issues. I would highly recommend contacting Seattle Litigation for your legal needs.

Justin Maxwell Sedell

601 Union Stsreet, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Family Law Litigation +3

4.1/5

4.1

6 Reviews

08 Jun, 2023 by Anon

Justin assigned a paralegal to my case that did not perform well and after I repeatedly raised this he said “yeah we have had a lot of problems with that person.” He repeatedly gave advice that turned out to be wrong, which can happen but he always deflected. Overall he came across very caring but was not competent.

02 Feb, 2022 by Janelle

This guy is INCREDIBLE! Our family was truly taken care of in our time of need! My divorce was a mess from previous lawyers…Justin came in and worked out everything for us. His attention to detail and his education in law is superb. He doesn’t miss a thing, and he truly fights for who he is representing. One phrase, I’ll never forget, “Sometimes you got to stick to your guns.” This man is for Real, and He does things Right! Big Thank you to superwoman Shelley Alexander, legal aid for Justin. All I can say, is What a Team!!

05 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous

Justin was recommended to me by another attorney due to my case relocating to another county. Justin jumped right in and became a very strong advocate for me from the very beginning. He teamed together with a second attorney with the firm due to the complexity and volume of my case matters. The two worked together to come up with logical and ethical strategies that didn't always work out in my favor, but I appreciated them and felt good about what I was doing for everybody involved. My case was very contentious and far from ordinary. Justin encouraged me to take the high road every step of the way. I can look back at what I've done in court and know that I have nothing to be ashamed of. Unlike my ex, my legal team steered me away from abusing the legal system, and my ex throughout my several year divorce. Justin's strategy and work was strong and he did a great job. After relocating before my divorce was over, I needed to hire a new attorney to finish my case. Justin was nice enough to keep in touch to get updates on my case through the end. I'd hire him again and have recommended him to friends.

Kanti Carolyn Ramamurti

1908 E Madison St, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

4.0/5

4.0

8 Reviews

06 Jan, 2020 by David

Ms. Ramamurti took my case in September for an Assault charge in KCDC, that is ongoing. It is a case of mistaken identity, where a vehicle I gave to another person was abandon, towed, and then sold to someone that used it in an Assault. The level of care and attention she has afforded to my wife and I has given us confidence that this will be resolved equitably. The caliber of Experts she has brought to bear (private investigators, identification experts, etc.) along with the personal leg work she has done related to my case, is WAY above and beyond anything I have experienced in my life from an Attorney. She is knowledgeable, experienced, professional, and empathetic at the right time when needed most. She has absolutely gained a client for life, and our highest recommendation.

03 Jan, 2020 by Mariska

Ms. Ramamurti has been my legal representation in my family law case proceedings since January 2018. Prior to my initial meeting with Ms. Ramamurti, I had worked with/had been represented by five separate attorneys and had interviewed countless others since the beginning of my (never ending) custody battle in 2009. Ms. Ramamurti checks ALL of the boxes in qualities to have in a good family law attorney. Communication: Ms. Ramamurti is diligent and is accessible to me at all times with her turn around response time averaging in minutes, not hours. She maintains regular contact with me regarding the status of my case proceedings. She truly takes the time to ensure that I have a complete understanding of the process and has always been approachable for me to address any concerns that I have. Objectivity: Ms. Ramamurti approaches each matter with an analytical approach and will present you with the options available for you to make the most informed decision at hand to set you on the most successful course. She has the perfect balance of being assertive in the court room to achieve success. Integrity: Ms. Ramamurti is direct and to the point and has been honest with me about the strengths and weaknesses of my case since day one. Ms. Ramamurti is dependable, and will always prioritize your needs over her own time without pause. There is an old saying that “no one and nothing is perfect, or we wouldn't have uniqueness” and I would have to assume that who ever said this had never been represented by Ms. Ramamurti. I would recommend Ms. Ramamurti without reservation.

12 Dec, 2019 by Anonymous

I found Ms. Ramamurti to be disorganized and unreliable. She often discussed documents, filings and time frames with me, only to end up not doing what she told me she would or doing it much later than she told me. This process left me feeling under represented and not confident. I paid a 5K retainer that was being drained by repeatedly having to check in with her to only be given excuses after excuse why no progress on her end was being made. Since I had very little experience with hiring an attorney, I trusted a referral from a friend, also Ms. Ramamurti made a great impression when I initially contacted her, I questioned if Ms. Ramamurti's work ethic was normal for a legal professional. I expressed to her I was feeling under represented and I needed to see some progress, hopeful for a change. After what I felt was a prolonged time to have no response from Ms. Ramamurti, I terminated my relationship with her. I was provided back the remainder of my retainer, I was shocked at what my case with her had cost me, since very little actual progress was made. I then hired a new attorney and my case has progressed so much quicker with a better outcome and has cost me significantly less.

Tara Katherine Richardson

192 Nickerson Street, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

4.0/5

4.0

7 Reviews

05 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous

I wanted a collaborative divorce and mistakenly chose her on a friends recommendation, without interviewing other lawyers. One of the biggest mistakes of my life. She gave me minimal guidance and basically just took thousands and thousands of dollars from me. She could not stand up to the opposing counsel. She did not shield me or protect me from harmful information that I did not need to know. Ultimately she dropped my case because she couldn’t handle it - but did so in a totally unethical way that took advantage of my weakness.

07 Jan, 2016 by Anonymous

Tara represented me throughout my divorce. I was extremely impressed with her professionalism and her attention to detail. Although my divorce was relatively amicable, I felt that Tara's knowledge helped ensure a seamless process. She also made many suggestions that made the process smoother after the divorce. I trust her advice 100% and would strongly recommend her.

20 Oct, 2015 by Ben

I was referred to Tara from a friend who got her name from one of his friends. She is smart and knows her stuff but is spread way too thin. I never felt like a priority because she was constantly working on other things. I understand and hope she has other clients, but just a check in at least once a week would have been nice. I had to constantly keep on her to find out information. She would take forever to respond. Things that should have been resolved in two weeks took six. I'm sure her skills are solid, but her people skills are in serious doubt. I would not recommend Tara unless this is your second or third divorce and know about the process. First timers - stay away if you want to feel like someone has your back.

Mardi Jo Boss

5413 Meridian Ave. N, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +1 +4

4.0/5

4.0

6 Reviews

03 Nov, 2020 by Anonymous

I highly recommend Mardi. She is an excellent Family law/Divorce attorney. She gives specific, concise advise and ensures that you understand all of your options. She also gives specific to dos which helps make the process less stressful. Mardi is incredibly compassionate and understanding which also helps one be able to navigate through very difficult situations.

25 Oct, 2020 by Diane

Mardi appeared much more interested in making money off of me than helping me resolve my case. After failing to meet every deadline, and making mistakes, she withdrew from my case, leaving me in worse shape than had I’m not hired her at all. I would not recommend her.

28 Jan, 2017 by Anonymous

Mardi is kind, compassionate and competent. I have recommended her to others, but my only concern is that she was often slow in responding. I'm not sure if the problem was my Type A personality or if this is normal for a solo practitioner. (I've only worked previously with non-solo attorneys on will/trust issues , but all responded more quickly on questions and tasks.)

Kristina Marie Gibbs-Ruby

9030 35th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Family Law +3

4.0/5

4.0

4 Reviews

22 Jan, 2024 by Nathan

Kristina was great to work with through our divorce mediation. They showed care and solid knowledge of what to expect from the court filing our paperwork. We were able to quickly move through the process and she communicated clearly throughout. Highly recommend Kristina for any of your legal needs.

28 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

She is very inexperienced and unhelpful. Most importantly, she provided me with materially false information and coerced me to sign something that was not in my interest and not what all parties agreed to at a joint meeting. She had a duty to resolve the issue, do what she promised to do, and put in writing what all parties agreed to at a joint meeting. Yet, she failed to do her duty. I had no idea that signing what she told me to sign under the threat of withdrawal was modifying parenting plan. A normal process of modifying a parenting plan would take at least 13 months and with significant burden of proof by the party who wants to modify it. Yet, she just told me to sign something that was actually giving up my right, and she did not even tell me that. I thought it was a temporary thing. In summary, she is inexperienced, unreliable, extremely weak, unconscientious, not a good advocate for whom she is supposed to be paid for representing. She just let the other party dictate everything and told me to obey. I was hesitate to hire her at first. But her boss told me he would be providing supervision. But he did not; he sold me a lemon. Do not be fooled by her or her boss. Stay away. I had to hire another attorney to clean up the mess she created. I was able to achieve my goal with another attorney. So, save yourself time, resources and headache and stay away from her.

03 May, 2021 by Robyn

I hired Kristina when leaving a domestic violence marriage with a baby and I've never felt more supported than by her! She was extremely considerate, kind, did not push anything onto me, and made sure I understood 100% of everything going on. She was not judgemental and she gave wonderful advice and if she didn't know an answer off the top of her head she let me know and she went out of her way to get the knowledge. Kristina was someone I could talk to easily and was so friendly and professional and always made sure to get back to my emails very quickly. She is my #1 suggestion to anyone needing her type of service!

Raegen Nicole Rasnic

P.S. Rainier Tower, Seattle, WA

Adoption Business Family Law +3

4.0/5

4.0

3 Reviews

18 Apr, 2019 by Anonymous

I hired Raegen to write a not very complicated agreement. Almost 3 months later I got a partly filled out agreement that seemed to be a form or template. And a bill for over $4000. I complained and she agreed to finish it for not much more. But I feel that the service I received was extremely expensive for the product.

13 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous

She is excellent. she is very sincere and enthusiastic. She asked a lot of good questions, wanted to understand my goals, and was completely supportive of my objectives. She told me much knowledge. She’s a high integrity professional.

05 Oct, 2014 by Amy

Target represented me throughout a collaborative divorce and parenting plan that was occasionally technically difficult and occasionally emotional and occasionally greedy regarding division of assets. She was calm, clear-headed, yet personable and even the whole time. I annoy say enough positively about my experience with her. She knows the law, did not show one sign of being cutthroat and never fomented the parties. She reined me in a few times, and she reviewed everything from our mediated portion. Simply a great attorney.

Travis R Nye

PO Box 46274, Seattle, WA

Appeals Criminal Defense Family Law +2 +5

4.0/5

4.0

1 Reviews

16 Jun, 2009 by Anonymous

He was my lawyer and it was my first time being introuble. I was soo scared to go to jail. He called me all the time with new information he had for me on my case. He got me not that much time on 4 felonies and made me feel like he really did care about my case. I still call him for advice! he is a great lawyer!

Anne Wakefield

1000 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence +1 +4

3.9/5

3.7

16 Reviews

4.2

20 Reviews

30 Dec, 2023 by Cynthia kinne

09 Nov, 2023 by N marin

26 Jul, 2023 by T smith

Dylana is a true advocate of her clients. She was professional, candid, and still compassionate.

Helene Ellenbogen

2611 Ne 113th St, Seattle, WA

Estate Planning Family Law +2

3.9/5

3.9

12 Reviews

10 Apr, 2017 by Morgan

Family court is a horrible place to end up on the best of days. Helene always had honest answers, never sugar-coated anything, and is a 'good hand in a storm'! I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do, she will be my first choice.

05 Apr, 2017 by Micah

Helene is a cut-to-the-chase type of person, which is exactly what one needs in a lawyer or consultant. She isn't there to be your therapist, and frankly, it's you dollar so knowing that and sticking the script will save you a few bucks anyway. That is not to say she's is anything besides very kind and helpful, because she is both of those things. She knows how to get results and I would highly recommend her as a lawyer and/or consultant.

23 Aug, 2013 by Anonymous

She is a terrific lawyer. My case was a mess. I tried to represent myself and was completely confused. After my first session with Helene, I felt like I understood the basics of what the issues were the court could look at and what the law was. She was very responsive to my many phone calls and kept me well informed at every stage of the process. I am so grateful and my kids are in much better shape because of the advice she gave me and the outcomes she won in court. We even settled the case, even though my husband and I fought about everything in the beginning.

Shannon M Ellmers

1000 Second Avenue, Suite 1770, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

3.8/5

5.0

2 Reviews

3.6

18 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by River witch

07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler

Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney

06 Sep, 2024 by X x

Aaron James Naff

1000 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

3.8/5

5.0

2 Reviews

3.6

18 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by River witch

07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler

Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney

06 Sep, 2024 by X x

Caitlin Louise Fellows

207 E Edgar St, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

3.8/5

5.0

3 Reviews

3.5

11 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Gary guymon

Carena McIlwain is great! She’s very transparent and upfront but also empathetic. I am extremely grateful for everything and definitely recommend her!

04 Mar, 2024 by Kristin

I worked with Caitlin on some post-dissolution issues that had to be resolved quickly. I had my doubts about being able to resolve the matter without going to mediation or arbitration, but Caitlin was able to get it done quickly with a mixture of thoughtfulness and unfailing civility, but also firmness. I really admire her ability to keep her calm and focus even when the other party is being frustrating--her approach is ethical, classy, and above all effective. I'd also like to shout out Anthony, the paralegal she works with. They make an excellent team--his attention to detail, recall of facts, and warmth are second to none. I felt very well taken care of by this responsive team. I would recommend them to anyone going through a divorce or who needs help with matters that arise after the divorce!

14 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous

Caitlin represented me in a recent divorce that was initially amicable, but soured during the process. She was exceptional in communicating, strategizing, setting expectations, timeliness, empathetic, the list goes on. I found her to be very professional in her approach and communication with the other party's attorney, even when they tried to employ some unsavory tactics. Her paralegal, Anthony is also top notch and has been in the field for decades. Anthony was there to answer any questions at just about any time you needed him. The whole team was just fantastic and in the end we settled and most importantly maintained the custody we sought out in the beginning. Couldn't have been happier to have gone with Caitlin and her firm through a difficult process.

Dawn Sydney

1417 NW 54th Street, Seattle, WA

Domestic Violence Family Law +2

3.8/5

3.8

12 Reviews

14 Aug, 2024 by Calletano

Devastating, she broke attorney client privlage with her paralegal angela berg, making false assertions about me as her client. Told me to sign documents that were not in my best interest.

05 May, 2023 by Armund

I was fully engaged with my daughter's case and helped her decide on Dawn's selection. This was an unpleasant domestic violence case, dealing with a completely adversarial husband who had 4 attorneys drop him. This caused frustration and a very long period of time. All through that time my daughter felt that she was in good hands and the final result proved it. Dawn was sensitive to her client's ordeal while providing logical and compliant advice and actions. Thanks to the final orders, my daughter and her 2 children now have a happy life with a bright future.

28 Nov, 2017 by Carrie hite

Dawn was very knowledgeable, effective and a go getter. She took on my case with a fierce drive and was able to navigate a very complex situation bringing amazing results. She is a true advocate for the vulnerable and stands up for what is just! She is an amazing attorney!

Krista Ellen Stipe

901 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA

Child Support Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

3.8/5

3.8

6 Reviews

18 Jul, 2020 by Yvonne

While out of the country with my children, my husband of 24 years packed up and finalized his strategically planned “escape.” I was served on 12/31/2018 and was connected with Krista Stipe that day! Not only was she professional and a great listener, but kind and patient as the worst time in my life unfolded. I was dealing with deceit and intimidation and my daughters were struggling. Krista guided me through the entire divorce process while advocating and protecting me against my ex-husband and his various attorneys which were regularly hired and fired. Krista always kept me up to date on the status and informed me of fees due to opposing counsel’s need to be briefed and when dealing with their client’s demands and delays. The challenges were excruciating, but Krista reminded me that when this was over, I would know we handled this ethically and my daughters would be proud. She was absolutely correct! In addition, due to Krista’s experience, she knew I could not depend on my ex-husband for maintenance, insurance, etc. After the second mediation, Krista’s negotiation skills set me up to walk away and create a new life filled with happiness, confidence and my head held high. If you want to be represented by an amazing lawyer that possesses superior intelligence, strong analytical and advocacy skills, and CAN and DOES communicate effectively, you need Krista!

08 Jul, 2020 by Wesley

Krista was my lawyer in a family law matter. I found her to be friendly to my face, sickeningly passive aggressive via email and somewhat knowledgeable on family law matters. Please keep this in mind when considering hiring Krista as your lawyer: half-way through my trial, when Krista realized she was up against a formidable attorney who would do almost anything for her client (including bending the truth), Krista decided to go on vacation. I begged her not to leave but she was adamant. I was left with a runner up attorney (half a star?) who had not been to trial in years and had to be schooled on protocol and procedure.

05 Sep, 2017 by Brandon

Krista came on board my team as we learned that trial was going to be needed in my case. A prospect I wanted to avoid, but was necessary. From day one, she showed how her experience in trial preparation was a strength for her. In a time of doubt for me, she conveyed confidence, had absorbed the merits and details of my case quickly, and laid out a strategy that was a great balance of advising and collaborating. I didn't know this world, but her approach made me feel inclusive of the decisions and her time taken to explain things made me comfortable with the decisions I was making. There is an art to this, I've learned, a balance of guiding and listening, and Krista is able to strike that balance with ease. My case took more than a few twists and turns, and while I am sure everyone may feel that, even as it was happening I felt confident in my understanding of where we were and the decision that lay before us. More so, I felt confident in the steps we were taking and our preparation for trial. We were doing things the right way and setting the table so that as trial approached, we were well positioned. Tons of time and effort goes into this, but with Krista I knew that time was being used efficiently. She understood my position, both legally and financially, and found a path forward that I could believe in. What made this so exceptional and beyond expectations was her belief in me. Then we went to trial. All of the feedback provided before is echoed and really should be reinforced or amplified. In trial, things move fast, tactics by opposing counsel change or come to light, and the time to react and be prepared is short....but I never felt that way with Krista. She's sharp, quick, and experienced and her ability to think a few steps ahead made this so much better. I didn't feel surprised, even though the script was non-traditional, to say the last. We knew what we were doing. While that doesn't guarantee any outcome, it sure make you feel better about things that are highly stressful and moving very quickly. But what needs to be emphasized, beyond all the guidance Krista provided to me throughout was her dedication, her passion, and and her belief in my case. Seeing Krista in action in court, quickly assessing the situation, making the right decisions, being so prepared to accommodate changes to the flow of the case, incorporate new information, ready to adapt; truly amazing. She put in the work, and poured more than that into it. I couldn't not have been more proud of her preparation and her passion as the case came to a close. It was awe-inspiring, and made me so grateful to have her on my team. When the ruling came through with even better results than hoped, I know that so much of that is due to the whole Integrative Law team (the crew is beyond awesome), but Krista was completely spectacular. I would recommend her to anyone, and am so grateful to have had her counsel, her belief, her dedication, and her passion on my side in court. She just knocked it out of the park and I can't say enough about it.

Alena K Ciecko

1000 2nd Ave Ste 3140, Seattle, WA

Criminal Defense Family Law +2

3.7/5

5.0

1 Reviews

3.6

18 Reviews

10 Sep, 2024 by River witch

07 Sep, 2024 by Ken leffler

Kelley Duggan was disciplined by the Washington state bar for ETHICS violation, very incompetent attorney

06 Sep, 2024 by X x

Sara M Epler

701 Pike Street., Seattle, WA

Estate Planning Family Law Litigation +1 +4

3.7/5

3.0

6 Reviews

4.4

7 Reviews

30 Jan, 2024 by Sam jones

We are contemplating a move back to Washington state where we lived for many years. Without proper estate planning we would potentially be subject to the Washington estate tax. n our initial contacts with the firm, we clearly identified that we were residents in another state. We were instructed to provide our detailed financial picture as well as our current estate planning documents which we provided promptly and told that our information would be forwarded to the attorneys for evaluation. The following is the email response. “Thank you for filling out and returning your Questionnaire. I will forward your information to our attorneys for review. Once they have completed their review, I will be back in touch with you regarding a quote for services and the next steps for scheduling.” Well over a month went by with no word back from STIB. I finally contacted them by email requesting a status update. Within minutes, I received the following reply. “Thank you very much for contacting our firm. Unfortunately, we are not able to take on your case. Our firm does not advise out-of-state residents on tax issues. Our focus is estate planning and long term care planning.” The STIB website clearly tax issues as part of estate planning. I also found no restrictions on attorneys in Washington state providing consultation to out-of-state residents considering residency in Washington. Needless to say, I was astounded by what I consider to extremely poor communication and timely follow-up. If it is indeed not their policy to advise out-of-state residents on tax issues, I would have expected to have been informed of that policy up front thus saving us the time of compiling and sending detailed and confidential financial and estate planning information. In my opinion, this represents incompetent and totally unprofessional behavior.

18 Jul, 2023 by Michael o'connell

14 Aug, 2022 by Susan zurek

Very experienced attorneys who truly care about their clients

Jean M Schiedler-Brown

606 Post Ave Ste 103, Seattle, WA

Appeals Business Civil Rights +3 +6

3.7/5

3.7

14 Reviews

14 Jan, 2024 by Cody

Boys are back in town. Gentle,Understanding,Collaboration of intelligent Lawyers and remarkable Humans

15 Sep, 2016 by Anonymous

this lawyer refused to help me out with filing an ADA rights lawsuit and said I need to pay like 100k to hire her to do this.... don't hire her if you can't afford 100k for that. one thing that name sounds familar.. she was a nun who helped a prisoner in the past... what a shame she can't help me out. Seems she turned into greedy lawyer.

12 Mar, 2016 by Elvie

Professional is an understatement when describing my experience with this attorney. Jean Shiedler-Brown saved my life. Attorney Brown studied my case and worked on my behalf to obtain the desired legal outcome as well as using the law to keep me safe during the proceedings. I found her to be knowledgeable, professional, caring and compassionate. In my opinion, this comes from a love of what she does and a love of law and of people. I was clearly in danger and the state gave the impression that I had no options. Ms. Shiedler-Brown showed me that I not only had options, but a right to be safe in my own home. She told me that she would handle everything and to not worry. She handled my case and I did not have to worry or appear from that day forward. I felt my first relief in a very long time. Finally, I had someone who believed in justice and she got that for me. Thank You Ms. Shiedler-Brown

Christopher A Kerl

2366 Eastlake Ave E Ste 228, Seattle, WA

Business Family Law Immigration +1 +4

3.7/5

3.7

4 Reviews

16 Jan, 2014 by Fred el

Chris helped my wife and me with two different matters. First, we were facing foreclosure on our condo. After the endless delays involved in that process, sending and re-sending financial documentation, he helped us finally get a modification on our loan so that we will be able to keep the property with affordable payments. In another case, he also helped me enforce a lease agreement with a tenant who had stopped paying rent. I found Chris to be very accessible, even in the evenings, when I had questions or concerns. His personable style was very reassuring during everything he helped us with and I will be happy to use him again in the future—

14 Jan, 2014 by Sukhbeer singh

I have used a few attorneys in the past and was introduced to Mr. kerl thru my Immigration Attorney. I was not very impressed by his office (Very Small) however I was very impressed by his knowledge. I was sick and tired of paying $250/hr to top notch attorneys and always charged for faxes and emails and even telephone calls I had made to them. I was charged even when I spoke to someone in their office. Attorneys are nice to you till you have signed and given them the retainer. Chris NEVER ONCE charged me for numerous calls I made to him. He is very INEXPENSIVE and not your typical attorney. He is busy. Probably due to the fact he don't charge you anything a typical attorney would charge. He is good with what he does. He is not 100% responsive, however he always called me back and kept me in the loop with my case. Don't get impressed with FANCY offices other attorneys have. You are paying their overheads. I sound like a salesperson, but I'm being very honest. Go to Chris. If he can help you he will tell you and if it's out of his expertise area he will politely tell you that he can't help you. Save your money. Stay away from the BOTIQUE Attorneys and use this guy at the end of the day they all face the same JUDGE. If you need to talk to me personally I'll be happy to do so. Sukhveer

13 Jan, 2014 by Sunny gill

Chris is a very easy-to-talk-to and effective lawyer. He successfully helped me with a long, messy divorce, through several hearings all the way to trial. He helped me avoid contempt at at least two different hearings and, at trial, my ex-wife basically settled very favorably at lunchtime after being questioned by him on the witness stand. Chris has also helped me on several other matters, fending off creditors (sometimes for years), and he even got a judgment vacated for me once. He’s a busy guy (because he’s reasonable and good) and he might not always hold your hand, but I’ve recommended him to several friends and family— Anyone need an honest opinion please do not hesitate to contact me. I will always use him for all my legal matters. Thanks Chris. You are a GOOD ATTORNEY.

Natalie M Beckmann

11300 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

3.6/5

5.0

1 Reviews

2.3

3 Reviews

02 Aug, 2019 by Tane

Smart. Tenacious. Creative. Hard working. Brilliant. These are just a few words I would use to describe Natalie Beckmann. I have had a very, very complicated divorce. Ms Beckmann was willing to take on this case involving financial issues as well as children, some with unique special needs after I had worked with several other attorneys. Ms. Beckmann is brilliant. She knows the laws inside and out. She is creative and thinks outside the box. She is there to answer every question and concern immediately. Ms. Beckmann is incredibly thorough and well organized. When in court, Natalie Beckmann is poised, organized and ready to answer every question and is clearly respected. I have never felt so well represented. What I value the most about Ms. Beckmann is her honesty and integrity and that she always puts the needs of my children as her first priority. She considers their needs not only in the short term but also far down the road in the future. I am so very thankful and honored to have Natalie Beckmann representing me. I trust her completely. She is a top notch family law attorney!!

12 Dec, 2018 by Leif madsen

i was referred to Kerry Richards by a friend who also had a great experience. Kerry Richards is a saint. saved me and my son. i owe to him all the little moments i get to experience as i watch my son grow everyday. we finalized everything almost three years ago and writing this still brings tears to my eyes. there is nothing more important than family, and i wouldnt trust mine with anyone else.

15 Aug, 2018 by Rob fulwell

Daniel Edwards

605 1st Ave Ste 325, Seattle, WA

Family Law +1

3.6/5

3.6

40 Reviews

26 Sep, 2024 by Sandy martinez

The worst lawyer you can find in Seattle, really don't waste your time or money with these people. He worked on my case for 7 years, I was married to an American citizen, he was never able to fix my status, he just stole my money. I was done with him when immigration once called me to an appointment and Bart charged me $1000 just to go go with me to the appointment and what do you think? On the day of the appointment he told me to wait for him because he was already with another client at another appointment in the same place but then it was my turn as if immigration was going to wait for him, well the fact is that I showed up alone and he never arrived at the appointment. Then I called and called his office, which are also super unprofessional, to begin with, the one who answers the phone is the wife who is not even in the office but at home, she knows absolutely nothing about your case and always acts like she does . Well that day she answered my call and told me that the lawyer Bart couldn't answer me because he had others important clients, as if he would work for me for free... I was so pissed well I explored and I fired Bart and asked him to give me my money back, the $1000 that I paid him because he was going to go with me to my appointment but he didn't go, he replied that he was only going to return $800 since he had gone to the immigration offices even if it wasn't for me. I couldn't believe how cruel he was. But I went with my case with another great lawyer, in less than 3 months she solved what Bart couldn't do in 7 years. I went to my country and in 3 months I received my green card. Please don't fall into this horrible place, they are good for nothing, the only person who does their job is Kara, his assistant. I spent more then 15,000 in 7 years and all he did was nothing You suck Bart

13 Sep, 2024 by Yooku morro

22 Aug, 2024 by William morris

Bart didn't let me finish a single sentence on the phone before interjecting. He was condescending, rude, and unhelpful.

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What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

A family law lawyer provides legal services related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers help clients navigate emotionally charged legal issues, providing guidance and representation in disputes that affect spouses, children, and parents. Whether you're going through a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or drafting a prenuptial agreement, a family law lawyer ensures your rights are protected and your interests are represented.

Family law attorneys often handle sensitive matters and offer objective legal advice, helping clients reach fair outcomes either through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

Hiring a family law lawyer is beneficial in several situations, especially when legal matters involve close personal relationships. Common reasons to hire a family law lawyer include:

Divorce or separation: When ending a marriage, a lawyer can help you navigate issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
Child custody and visitation disputes: If you and your co-parent can't agree on custody or visitation, a lawyer can represent your interests and work toward a solution that benefits your children.
Child support: Whether you’re seeking child support or defending against a claim, a lawyer can help ensure the appropriate amount is calculated and enforced.
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: A lawyer can help draft or review agreements that protect your assets in case of divorce.
Adoption: Family law lawyers guide you through the legal process of adoption, ensuring that all requirements are met.
Domestic violence or restraining orders: If you're a victim of domestic violence or being falsely accused, a lawyer can help you obtain or challenge protective orders.
Paternity cases: If there are questions about the paternity of a child, a lawyer can help establish or dispute legal fatherhood.

Hiring a lawyer early can prevent issues from escalating, and they can offer you the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome in emotionally charged situations.

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

A family law lawyer provides a wide range of services depending on your specific legal needs. Their responsibilities may include:

Advising on legal rights and options: Helping you understand your legal rights regarding divorce, child custody, support, and other family law issues.
Filing legal documents: Drafting and filing petitions, motions, and agreements with the court, such as divorce papers, custody agreements, or support orders.
Representing clients in court: Arguing your case in front of a judge if a settlement can’t be reached through negotiation or mediation.
Mediation and negotiation: Assisting with alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, to reach agreements on issues like custody, property division, and support without going to trial.
Enforcing court orders: Helping you enforce court orders related to child support, alimony, or custody if the other party fails to comply.
Drafting prenuptial or postnuptial agreements: Creating agreements that protect your assets in the event of a divorce.
Handling adoption proceedings: Ensuring that the legal process of adoption is followed, from filing paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court.

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

Family law lawyers typically charge clients in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience. Common payment arrangements include:

Hourly rates: Most family lawyers charge by the hour, with rates varying based on experience and location. Clients are billed for the time spent working on their case, including consultations, court appearances, and document preparation.
Flat fees: For more straightforward legal services, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, some lawyers offer flat-fee arrangements.
Retainer fees: In cases that are expected to require significant time and attention, such as contentious custody battles, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers the initial costs of legal services. The lawyer then bills against the retainer as they work on your case.

The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fee structure, which should be discussed upfront.

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a family law lawyer varies based on factors such as the lawyer's experience, the location, and the complexity of your case. Here are some general cost guidelines:

Hourly rates: Family law lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the case.
Flat fees: For simpler cases, such as drafting a prenuptial agreement or handling an uncontested divorce, fees may range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Retainers: For more complex matters, such as contested divorces or custody battles, lawyers may charge a retainer ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or more. The lawyer will bill against the retainer for the work they do on your case.
Additional costs: You may also be responsible for additional costs, such as filing fees, mediation fees, or expert witness fees.

Always ask for a clear breakdown of the lawyer’s fees and any additional expenses during your consultation.

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable family law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and reputation:

Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your state and is in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews on websites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell. Previous clients can give you insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and success in family law cases.
Request references: Ask the lawyer for references from past clients who can speak to their experience with the lawyer.
Review their website or professional profile: Look at the lawyer’s background, case history, and areas of focus to ensure they have substantial experience in family law.
Look for professional memberships: Membership in reputable organizations, such as the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), can indicate a lawyer's expertise and dedication to family law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with a family law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

Relevant documents: Bring any documents related to your case, such as marriage certificates, prenuptial agreements, financial records, custody agreements, or court orders.
List of assets and debts: For divorce cases, prepare a detailed list of all assets (e.g., homes, bank accounts, retirement funds) and debts (e.g., mortgages, loans, credit card balances).
Details of the family issue: Provide a written summary of the situation, including key dates and facts related to your divorce, custody dispute, or support issue.
Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about the legal process, costs, and potential outcomes.
Your goals: Be prepared to discuss your objectives, such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support, so the lawyer understands your priorities.

Being organized and clear about your situation will help the lawyer evaluate your case more effectively and offer the best advice for moving forward.

Best Family Law lawyers in Seattle, WA

542 Family Law Lawyers in Seattle, WA

What a Family Law Lawyer Can Do for You

When Should I Hire a Family Law Lawyer?

What Does a Family Law Lawyer Do?

How Are Family Law Lawyers Paid?

How Much Does a Family Law Lawyer Cost?

Top Questions to Ask a Family Law Lawyer

How to Check the Credibility of a Family Law Lawyer

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?