Top review highlights

AI generated excerpts from the customers reviews
Pros
1
Deborah Bianco is described as a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney who works hard to achieve positive outcomes for her clients
“I have recommended her to others I know who are divorcing, and am pleased to hear nothing but favorable reports about the work she does.”
2
Clients have found Deborah Bianco to be direct, realistic, and trustworthy in handling their cases
“She is direct, realistic, hard working and well respected. In simple divorce or going all out to protect your kids in an awful situation, she can be trusted to do the hard work and keep your expectations and fears in check.”
Cons
1
Some clients have reported that Deborah Bianco does not thoroughly read or consider all the relevant documentation and evidence before making decisions, leading to uninformed rulings
“How can anyone in good faith not read such an important document before making such important decisions? This is your job when you sit on the bench and or represent clients.”
2
There are concerns that Deborah Bianco may prioritize financial gain over her clients' best interests, including potentially violating court orders or manipulating the legal process
“Deb Bianco is focused solely on practicing law for financial gain. I have witnessed first hand -Deb Bianco lie to the court and attempt to use her position as pro tem commissioner in family court to manipulate the legal process and to gain favor with other commissioners on her private practice cases.”

All reviews

star star star star star
01 Oct, 2020 by Leslie
“Deb” Bianco is focused solely on practicing law for financial gain. I have witnessed first hand -Deb Bianco lie to the court and attempt to use her position as pro tem commissioner in family court to manipulate the legal process and to gain favor with other commissioners on her private practice cases. Deb Bianco has violated DV PTO orders in place by the court (against her client) by seeking contact of the friends, family members, acquaintances m, coworkers, ex husband and former relationships of the protected party. ABD Deb Bianco sought to legally represent these parties against the “protected victim”. Deb Bianco violated a DV PTO -stalking protection order by making contact and she’s obtained information about the protected party to use in court on behalf of her client the perpetrator. Further Deb Bianco manipulated a third party by offering to legally representation- AND Deb Bianco accepted payment for legal services. Yet.,., Deb Bianco denied- In deposition filed in King County representing the third party and she denied accepting payment by check. Deb Bianco should be removed as a commissioner in King County Family court. “Conflict of interest” is an understatement.
star star star star star
03 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
If I could give her negative stars, I would. She was issuing Domestic Violence Protection Orders in court, but yet seemed to have no knowledge of domestic violence at all. She also did not read over any of the court records for the defendant and based her decisions off of what was said during the hearing. If she did, she would have known about the consistent issues the defendant was presenting with. I did not feel supported at all and felt like she had no idea what she was doing, but is yet up there making all types of decisions about peoples lives and safety. I want to make a complaint about her
star star star star star
26 Feb, 2015 by Sylvia
Deb and Lesley handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care. Although it took over two years to obtain a divorce decree and another two years in Appellate Court (both were in our favor) she handled my stresses and unending questions with kindness and compassion. While I certainly hope no one goes through what we had to endure, I would recommend Deborah to anyone - and have!
star star star star star
11 Dec, 2014 by Anonymous
I faced Ms. Bianco for a court case to receive temporary orders (financial and parenting) for my divorce. The facts (supported with evidence) which were disclosed for the case included: my ex liquidated our 6- figure IRA (without my knowledge), liquidated all but a very small amount of our daughter's college fund (without my knowledge) , had a hidden bank account in another state, had hidden credit cards mailed to an alternate address, and was refusing to support the children financially. Further, my ex had collapsed with a 0.3 BAC (over 3 times the legal limit) and credit card charges showed an average of $400 per month on alcohol. Ms. Bianco refused to transfer my daughter's remaining 529 into my name to prevent him from removing any more from it (this decision was revoked and I gained control over the remaining funds in the final divorce decree). She refused to apply 191 restrictions or mandate an alcohol evaluation based upon his history and expenses (an alcohol evaluation was later ordered by the parenting evaluator). She established a residential schedule which allowed him to return the children mid-week after their bedtime (this was revoked later when my ex was found in contempt of the parenting plan and he lost all mid-week visitation; the parenting evaluation also supported that the children did not spend mid-week with their father). Ms. Bianco also mandated joint decision making, which resulted in my ex refusing to allow the children to participate in counseling (this decision was also revoked after the parenting evaluation and I received sole medical/mental health decision making). Despite a written agreement between my ex and i (and our attorneys) which outlined the upcoming spring break was to be spent with me (and travel had already been arranged), and despite a declaration from the pediatrician which indicated my ex should not travel out of state with our medically fragile child (as he had never cared for him when he was acutely ill), she disregarded this and allowed my ex to have the children for the break. Not only were the orders unclear - they required amending to clarify financial division of costs for child care, date child support was due, and no consequence if my ex opted not to exercise his residential time (which costed additional fees). Just about every ruling Ms. Bianco made for temporary orders were revoked, repealed, or adjusted based upon facts, evidence, evaluations, etc. Just this fact alone should make you steer clear of Ms. Bianco. If you want the best outcome for your children, do not go to Ms. Bianco.
star star star star star
26 Nov, 2014 by Anonymous
I would recommend Deborah to anyone, any time, She has been my lawyer for over ten years. The past three years I have been in and out of court with my ex for changes to my parenting plan, child support modification and enforcement of my parenting plan. I have won every single time. Deborah knows family law and has been spot on with what the end result would be.
See more

Best lawyers in Bellevue, WA

See more
star star star star star
19 Sep, 2024 by Cameron summers
I have had the chance to be represented by Mrs. Mucklestone on a number of occasions. Every one has had a positive outcome. She and her staff are respectful, super responsive and have given me the piece of mind that I am taken care of through tough situations. I cannot give higher recommendations and honestly, five stars aren’t enough!
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Sep, 2024 by Eugene taits (et)
Jeannie handled my traffic ticket. The whole experience was flawless : from submitting documents to getting ticket dismissed in court. Don’t get tickets, but if you do - I highly recommend her service.
Read more Google Maps
star star star star star
17 Sep, 2024 by John anderson
Ms. Mucklestone was fantastic! She got both of my tickets completely dismissed and was very responsive to any questions I had. I didn’t even have to show up in court. Completely and wholeheartedly recommend!
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
05 Jun, 2007 by Anonymous
Matt Wagner is a fabulous attorney. So exceptional to the point that it's easy to get spoiled by Matt's responsiveness and detailed knowledge.
Read more Avvo
See more
star star star star star
07 Dec, 2023 by Travis
It was great to work with Koby. She's approachable, down to earth and practical with her recommendations. Helped me convert an entity and did an important contract review for me.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
03 May, 2021 by Sherronda
We are grateful to have the counsel of Ms. Wilbanks. Wilbanks is very responsive to all inquires and requests for meetings. No question is too elementary, she explains concepts well and will ensures her clients have a clear understanding. She also looks at all potential scenarios to a problem and gives feedback to allow the client to make the best educated decision.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
30 Apr, 2021 by Robert
Working with Koby on starting-up a craft distillery, has been a wonderful learning experience. Her approach has always been (since day one) direct & honest, to the point. Koby is able to explain legalities and contractual concepts in layman's terms to make them applicable to what we actually want to do: make rum. She has always provided feedback in a timely manner (even just to given indication on when a certain task will be completed). I look forward to continuing to work with Koby as we turn our start-up project into business reality.
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Bellevue, Washington?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
Scroll to top