Reviews

I started my divorce with a different lawyer than Christine Hayes with McKinley Irvin. I always felt like I was in the dark on what was happening and did not understand why the process was taking so long and is so complicated with my first lawyer. Christine took the time to explain exactly what was happening at the time and gave me clear guidance on how long each step would take. She is so professional through a very difficult time and offers help, suggestions and options when I would have no idea any of this existed. For example, I was having a lot of stress over property exchange with my ex. Christine had a couple different option for me to choose from to help make the day go smoothly. The option I chose, she quickly navigated and had it all set up for me. I appreciate her so much!

Where do I start to describe such an intense year? I needed help after a very bad separation and the other parent took away my daughter, I was unsure what to do and if I was going to be able to do anything at all. This was an extremely complex case in the murky waters of GLBT defacto parentage laws. I sought a lawyer and spoke to a few, but then I found Deanna and I knew from the moment we spoke, I wanted to have her represent me. In meeting Deanna, I can say I have been blessed and granted with good fortune. Since the year I last saw my daughter, I felt for the first time I had a chance in getting my daughter back. After a year, Deanna continues to be my strength, sanity, and the force that safeguards the chance to hold my daughter again. Deanna has guided me through the chaotic and emotional world of the legal system. Every step of the way she has made sure to cover every potential aspect the case could take without faltering on the goal to have my daughter and I together again. She is a rock star in the courtroom; she conveys an absolute confidence and presence without being overbearing and arrogant. My hope and confidence rose seeing her in court, where her passion for law shines by her words, fervor, and knowledge. As with such a complex case filled with many uncertainties and potential pitfalls as mine has been, many times my stamina wavered on the brink of collapse. Deanna was the crusader that pulled the case and myself through it all. Deanna’s team was exemplary, to describe them as a team is absolutely spot on, and I love them all! Her friendly team is knowledgeable and communication is always clear and concise. Dominique, you are super! If I had to describe Deanna and her team in a single word, it would have to be, heroes. Not only have the heroes vigorously fought for my case, they wholly believed in my case, and cared about my daughter and me. They fought for the family my daughter knew since birth, this declares them compassionate heroes. We won my case. We made history and protected not just my rights, but also others in similar circumstances. We did it, but really, Deanna and her team did it. I call her my friend and she will always have a spot in my heart. She was able to return the light of my life to me and I will never ever forget that. Thank you so much Deanna, words cannot in any form truly express what you have been able to do for my daughter and me. Until the end of time, I thank you.

Michael Hallas was my attorney who helped me through a difficult divorce and child custody case. It was truly a battle. I learned of him through a review of what someone else wrote and felt he was just the one for me. He kept me grounded and gave clear perspective. Michael helped me to not get angry or retaliate when hurtful things were said and done by the other party. He is witty and genuine. Michael has a way of talking to the opposing counsel, even when they punch below the belt that maintains his high standards and stands strong and firm. He is a man of character that you want on your team. I highly recommend Michael Hallas for any divorce or child custody case. #foververafan

Teresa Foster has been my personal lawyer for the past three years. I went through a very difficult and lengthy divorce when I was living in Camas, WA with three young boys. My ex was relentless in his attempts to destroy me emotionally and financially. Teresa advised, assisted and represented me in a most determined and professional manner, far above and beyond normal attorney practices. I am sure Teresa would agree that my case was possibly the worst she had seen in her long and distinguished career. This included having to deal with five different plaintiff attorneys during the proceedings. She also endured serious personal attacks by my ex to her professional standing and integrity. While under these varied attacks she stood by me and my case, solidly and relentlessly. She won me custody of our boys and got a relocation approved despite a bitter battle. She obtained passports for my children despite my ex’s objections. Every fight that Teresa went into for me she came out on top. She has been an inspiration and loyal supportive attorney since she first took on my case. I am honored to have had Teresa as my lawyer. She is a sincere and talented person with a wealth of experience and knowledge. She fights aggressively for what is right for her client. I will forever be grateful. Allison J Leix

Deanna is an amazing attorney. She is personable and very driven. She has gone up against one of the very well known male attorneys in the Vancouver area and destroyed him. I actually ordered the video of the courtroom appearance and he was speechless and truly looked pathetic compared to her. She is an amazing attorney who will fight for you to the end. Wake up McKinley Irvin---if you where smart you would make her a partner in the firm. Best money I have EVER spent!!

As a longtime client of Teresa Foster I have to say she is simply the best family law attorney in the Portland-Vancouver area. I interviewed several attorneys before hiring Teresa and couldn’t be happier with her results. She provides a direct, honest, and strategic approach to successfully navigate even the most contentious cases. Teresa is passionate about her work and will fight to achieve/protect the most vital interest for you and your children in divorce. I highly recommend Teresa to family and friends – she has done an AMAZING JOB for me.

Deanna is a very honest, compassionate person . I was extremely nervous when I went to meet her but she put me at ease right away . She is very easy to talk to . Anytime I had a question or problem I always got a quick response . I also have to say her paralegal Dominique is a gem . If I ever need a lawyer again I will definitely be going back to see Deanna !

My nephew and his ex-girlfriend have 1 child together, but have not been together for a few years now. She recently moved out of State and took their son with her without discussing it with his father. Unfortunately, they did not have a custody agreement in place. We researched different sites to find a good attorney. Based on her rating and reviews, we decided to call Deanna Rusch. She saw us the day after we called her office. Everyone we had talked to had said it could take months for him to get his son back, if he ever did, so we were all feeling rather discouraged. However, Deanna had Court Orders for my nephew to bring his son back within 4 days of our initial meeting with her. Deanna was very caring, honest, and professional. When we would start to get frustrated, and/or angry at the process, she would calmly remind us of what the goal was and "keep us on track". We trusted her completely and did everything she advised we do. Deanna fought very hard for my nephew and his son. I am so thankful that we hired Deanna. She is by far the best attorney I have ever worked with and I would highly recommend her to anyone. I firmly believe that if it was not for her knowledge of the law, her wisdom, honesty, professionalism, and dedication, we may not have had the happy ending we have had. Thank you so much, Deanna. You have no idea how very grateful we all are to you and your team.

Nobody wants to go through a divorce but since it was happening I wanted the best…. and that’s what I got in Deanna Rusch. From the moment I met Deanna I knew that I wanted her on my side. She is strong, professional, knowledgeable, and guided me through my unnecessarily difficult case with ease. She was patient with me when I got upset and always addressed my concerns promptly and even talked me off the ledge a few times. Having Deanna on my side made an intolerable process tolerable. I won’t hesitate to recommend her to others in need of the best.

I would highly recommend Deanna Rusch as a divorce attorney; she is knowledgeable, forthright, honest, trustworthy and not afraid of confrontation. Whenever I had a question or concern, she was prompt in returning my calls and/or emails. We worked as a team to get the best possible outcome for my situation. Not only was I pleased with her work as my attorney but she seemed genuinely concerned for my family’s well-being. Deanna was very easy to talk with and truly understands the stresses and emotions that occur during divorces.

Deanna worked effectively in cooperation with my CA attorney to win Sole legal and physical custody of my child. I could not be happier as she helped get my daughter out of a very psychologically harmful environment . I was concerned at first about the cost and billing but now i see that every dollar spent was well worth it. Highly recommended for multi State jurisdiction issues, and for cases involving CPS / CJC investigations.

Great Acquisition - Deanna Rusch - The word is out; Deanna has a new office. As a former client, I can state without question the winner here is McKinley Irvin. Deanna is an incredibly talented domestic attorney. Deanna brings more than just her legal talents to any case, she is a friendly voice in the calm storm; she reminds her clients, while the divorce is the legal process, life still goes on. She constantly coaches her clients to focus on the new beginning, your children and yourself. McKinley Irvin's presence in Vancouver and Southwest Washington just got real!!!