Top best Family Lawyers Near me in ZIP 98101

WMAC Certified Mediator

When the stakes and emotions are high in a family law case, Nathan Julius calmly stands by his clients. He helps them understand their options and make fully informed, high-quality decisions that will move their lives forward.. Said one client: “Nathan explained the issues clearly, and most importantly, in a way that was easy to comprehend. What also sets him apart is his genuine care for clients and desire to help others to the fullest extent.”. Nathan is an accomplished trial attorney with a strong history of litigation success. Nevertheless, he strives to resolve cases in a manner that is the least stressful for his client, often through pre-trial settlement.. He places high value on maintaining effective communication and working relationships with all parties and professionals involved in the divorce process.. "You can be a strong advocate for your client while also exuding kindness. Being respectful and professional toward the opposing party gets you more than being combative.". A former bankruptcy attorney, Nathan understands how powerful it is when people get a fresh start. He has a unique understanding of the special issues families face when involved in a bankruptcy proceeding or dividing debt during the divorce process.. Known for his fun-loving personality and sense of humor, Nathan is always happy to have an interesting conversation or may spontaneously burst into song. He enjoys pop culture, movies, concerts, traveling the world, and taking walks with his spouse and their Corgis, Paige and Cooper.

Troy was born and raised in Seattle. He has a large extended family living throughout the Puget Sound region and Washington state.. Mr. Courage graduated from Seattle University cum laude, majoring in liberal studies, and earing two minors, psychology, and French. Mr. Courage studied in Grenoble, France, in an immersive French program during his senior year at Seattle University.. After working for several years in the field of sales, Mr. Courage attended law school. After graduating from law school Mr. Courage volunteered with the King County Bar Association’s Family Law Mentorship program. The family law mentorship program is where Mr. Courage discovered the difference he could make in improving people’s lives by practicing family law.. Since becoming a lawyer, Mr. Courage has helped many clients in all areas of family law. Mr. Courage has experience with complex divisions of property involving multiple properties throughout Washington state. Mr. Courage has extensive experience working with Real Estate Professionals, Real Estate Appraisers, Certified Professional Accountants, Certified Divorce Financial Analysts, Psychologists, and Social Workers to achieve fair and equitable outcomes for his clients.

Throughout my practice, I have focused on family law cases, specifically those with complex financial issues such as closely held businesses, executive deferred compensation plans, stock grants and options, and other valuation issues. I also handle complicated parenting issues, including dealing with parents with substance abuse histories or mental health issues... Having assisted clients in a full range of property division, spousal maintenance and parenting plan issues, I seek to combine strong client advocacy with a deep understanding of the legal issues in order to provide efficient, effective, family-focused resolutions.. I was recognized by SuperLawyers magazine as a Rising Star in the area of family law (?cid=4608979).. A Washington native, I began my legal career in the Seattle area at a boutique family-law practice. Today, I practice primarily in King and Snohomish Counties.. When I'm not practicing law, I can be found spending time with my two school aged children. I'm also a frequent volunteer at their school events and in the West Seattle Community. I'm also a runner and enjoy participating in half-marathons.

Theresa Lorella became an attorney to help people find their voices in difficult and emotional circumstances.. “Expressing yourself can be challenging in any situation, but more so when your whole life is about to change. That’s why I always prioritize my client’s need to be heard and validated, whether I’m helping them navigate a contentious divorce, modify a parenting plan, or negotiate a property settlement.. First and foremost, this entails listening. Theresa’s clients are relieved to have someone listen to their story, their concerns, and their hopes for the future, and by fully understanding where her clients are coming from, she can help them achieve the best resolution.. While she is a strong advocate in the courtroom, Theresa believes in reducing conflict whenever possible. She is specially trained in collaborative law and serves as a neutral mediator in settlement conferences. This experience gives her a unique perspective and the tools to think “outside of the litigation box.” Whether she is acting as an attorney or as a mediator, Theresa is highly efficient in facilitating fair and long-lasting agreements.. “I view each family law case as a puzzle to solve instead of a fight to be had. My goal as an attorney is to help my clients minimize conflict, anxiety, and discord while advocating for their needs.”. Theresa has significant experience representing clients in the technology industry and in high-value asset cases involving real estate, work-related benefits, and stock award division. As a trained guardian ad litem (GAL), she is effective in cases involving parenting plans and non-parental custody.. Outside of the office, Theresa keeps busy by running marathons, publishing novels, and chasing after her two young children.

Thank you for reviewing my profile. My practice focuses on litigation, involving commercial disputes, family law and employment law. I have represented employers in a range of matters, including preventative consulting to minimize the risk of litigation, and has represented employees in disputes with their employer. My family law focus is on clients with complex financial issues for dissolution. I am committed to resolving disputes in the most efficient means possible.

Sue's reputation as an intrepid, successful, tenatious family law attorney is proven by a practice consisting of referrals from clients, other attorneys, and -- most tellingly -- from former opponents.. She has been a staunch advocate for her Seattle and Eastside clients for more than 30 years.. Sue was a trial lawyer in Texas for 13 years, and has extensive experience handling jury trials in both commercial and family law litigation matters. While practicing in Texas, Sue received a specialization in family law from the state of Texas Board of Legal Certification. Sue also taught family law and marital property law as an adjunct professor of law at Baylor University.. Sue has actively participated in pro bono work in the community, primarily for Northwest Justice Project. She served on the Board of Directors of Residence XII in Seattle, Washington. Sue also has served on numerous community and professional boards servicing social, family, and youth groups in the states of Washington and Texas.

Shana E. Thompson has achieved success by listening carefully, understanding her clients’ long-term objectives, and helping resolve dissolutions as amicably and expeditiously as possible. In 2022, she received a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, awarded to only those lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability.. For 24+ years, Shana E. Thompson has been proudly serving individuals in family law cases throughout the cities of Seattle, Everett, and Kent. Since COVID, she has expanded her work in Washington to counties such as Clallam and Whatcom. Her client base has been built through hard work and determination, allowing her to become what she is today. She takes great pride in providing top-level service and promises your complete satisfaction when you choose her to handle your family law needs.. As with many Northwesterners, Shana is a dog person. Where she goes, so go her four-legged friends. She finds it so sad that in divorces, the court treats pets as property. When there is a dispute, the court generally places a value on your pet, gives that pet to one spouse, and provides the other spouse an “offset” in the rest of the property division for the monetary value of your pet. Shana knows that you cannot put a price on a loved one, and will do everything possible to help her clients protect their relationships with their pets. She has devised pet visitation schedules for past clients—something which can only be done through mediation.. Often, when parents separate, one parent relocates out of Washington State and long-distance transportation of children becomes something many clients have to coordinate. It is a challenge with which Shana is personally familiar, having been to the airport at 4 a.m. with her unaccompanied minor. She knows the anxiety of putting your child on a plane and the long absences that follow. She empathizes with her clients, and is right there, ready to assist in arranging the best possible long distance residential schedules for their children.. Shana is dedicated to providing you with the right services for all your divorce needs. Shana is always learning, educating herself on the latest court cases and changes to statutes that affect the practice of family law. Shana advises her clients on the current law and the effect it will have on your case.. Since 2000, I have assisted families navigate through the litigation process, both in court and through alternative dispute resolution.  I have litigated hearings and trials in King and Snohomish County for over twenty years.  I have represented clients in countless mediations and arbitrations, and have performed as a mediator as well.  I have volunteered as a CASA, investigating the needs of children, then writing reports for and testifying before judicial officers as to what is in the best interest of a child.  I attempt to resolve matters with less conflict whenever possible.  I can assist with divorce, legal separation, paternity, parenting plan modifications, child support and maintenance modifications, domestic violence protection orders, prenuptial agreements, and restraining orders.

Selected as one of “The Top 50 Women” attorneys in Washington and a "Best Lawyer". Rated A/V Preeminent by Martindale Hubbel.. Lisa provides the highest level of legal services to clients in complex divorce and custody cases.  Her clients include:. She is a tough advocate who works to protect the best interest of her clients and their children. Her practice emphasizes resolving contested financial issues and child custody issues.. Lisa is the current president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, has been selected annually as a Super Lawyer in Family Law and has been selected as one of “The Top 50 Women” attorneys in Washington. She has an AV rating and has been selected as one of the “Best Lawyers in America”.

Sarah is a Family Law attorney who helps clients manage the legal issues surrounding what can be difficult and emotionally charged situations. She researches complex legal issues, drafts memos, interviews witnesses and assists with case management.. An active member of her community, Sarah regularly participates in activities that promote diversity in the legal community, civil rights and charitable giving.

Sands is the founder of McKinley Irvin. Together with his partners, he has built a firm of outstanding lawyers, staff, and service delivery models – all focused on delivering personalized client service and excellent legal results in every client relationship.. Sands began practicing law in 1991. In 1999, he retired from active law practice to focus on the firm’s strategic plan, growth, and developing a strong management team. Since that time, McKinley Irvin has established itself as the largest family law firm in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the largest in the U.S. More importantly, McKinley Irvin has distinguished itself by the quality of its lawyers, and by the high level of service and results provided to clients.. In 2020, the firm’s co-founder, Rita Herrera Irvin, replaced Sands and now leads the firm. Sands now focuses his time pursuing opportunities to help solve problems for law firms and their clients.

Rachel works hard to advocate practical and workable legal solutions in every case, while simultaneously giving the utmost attention and respect to the feelings and emotions that drive her clients. She views every case as a privilege and opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life and in the lives of the families in her community.

My practice focuses primarily on family law litigation, including complex marital dissolutions of high net worth estates that often involve business valuations and separate property tracing. I have broad experience with contested parenting matters, including establishing residential schedules and child support, as well as post-decree modifications of parenting plans, child support orders, and relocation actions. I also have experience litigating parentage cases and committed intimate relationship claims, as well as drafting, negotiating, enforcing and defending against prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

My practice focuses on all areas of family law including dissolutions of marriages, legal separations, child custody and parenting plans, relocation, spousal maintenance, child support and complex property division.

Matthew Taylor is an experienced attorney at McKinley Irvin. Prior to joining the firm, he worked as a civil defense litigator at a leading law firm in Seattle before choosing to focus his practice solely on family law.. Mr. Taylor makes it his priority to help clients avoid needless escalation of the divorce process by offering compassionate yet frank counsel on financial, custody, and other matters. He takes his role as his clients’ advocate very seriously and strives to look for the best solutions possible to the issues his clients face: “My clients will know I exhausted every possible legal avenue with maximum effort on their behalf.”. Mr. Taylor represents clients in King County in a wide variety of family law cases. He is also experienced in LGBT family law, appellate law, and Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) cases. He recently co-authored the Lexis Family Law Practice Handbook section on spousal maintenance.. Outside of the firm, Mr. Taylor is a dedicated family man and enjoys spending time with his two children.

Lisa Gilmore spent years volunteering with the King County Bar Association Domestic Violence Clinic and is now working with the Greenwood Family Law Clinice.  She also volunteers at FareStart, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations through Helsell Fetterman's Diversity Committee.. Lisa has presented at Continuing Legal Education seminars on the topics of the Indian Child Welfare Act the State Domestic Partnership Registry, Domestic Partnership Agreements and discovery of children’s records.. For her continued work with the King County Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Family Law Clinic, Lisa has received recognition. She received a Special Recognition Award from the Greater Seattle Business Association for Collaboration for Social Change and received a Cynthia Gillespie Award from the Northwest Women’s Law Center for her work with the Marriage Equality Team.. Lisa enjoys playing soccer, jogging, hiking and skiing.

Linda is a founder of Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson and has been in private divorce practice since 1976.  Linda is listed in the Best Lawyers of America for Family Law, as one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in Washington, is a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers serving as the current President of the Washington Chapter of the AAML, and has held the highest Martindale Hubbell rating of AV Preeminent for legal skills and ethics since 1997.  She has been annually selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law and Politics Magazine since 1999.  As a first rate attorney with an outstanding track record, she is a powerful advocate for her clients and their families.. Linda’s clients include:  Business owners, corporate executives, professionals in the fields of medicine, finance, accounting, music and sports, and spouses of business owners, executives and professionals.  Her practice emphasizes divorces and separations with complex asset valuations, tracing of separate property and characterization of assets, with attention to minimizing tax consequences in order to maximize her client’s interests.  Uniquely positioned in a firm with in-house expertise in tax and business, trusts and estates, employment, and real estate, Linda is a divorce attorney with an astute business sense.

Kyle's life in the law represents years of experience in high stakes family law matters, real estate, business law, and tax law representing a variety of real estate interests, closely held corporations, construction firms, mortgage companies, and entrepreneurs of all types. He is often consulted by other lawyers and frequently acts as a business and law guru to entrepreneurs.. In recent years, he has shifted his focus  to service as an independent neutral engaged in mediation and arbitration.  Those cases are generaaly done on a fixed fee basis as explained in his website at .. Kyle has extensive Alternative Dispute Resolution experience. He has worked as an advocate, arbitrator, and a mediator in the private sector at the request of clients, judges, and other lawyers.. As a result of the pandemic, he has become proficient at working remotely using zoom and other apps. He is now capable of consulting on matters state wide and assisting clients in a variety of matters. On request, he provides advisory and second opinions. He also is able to use his vast experience representing business clients over the year to draft plain meaning agreements.

Joel C. Odimba, Jr. is dedicated to helping clients navigate some of life’s toughest moments.. “Family law is important and fulfilling work. I take pride in knowing that my advocacy can make a direct and meaningful impact on my clients’ lives.”. Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® every year since 2020, Joel has been consistently recognized by his peers for his legal acumen and achievements. Carving out an impressive legal resume, his contributions include leadership roles within the Loren Miller Bar Association, serving on the Family Law CASA Board, and published works and presentations on various legal topics, including LGBTQ family law matters.. Joel is a skilled negotiator who frequently facilitates case settlements without litigation. However, when cases cannot be resolved outside of the courtroom, he is a tenacious advocate in litigation. He does everything he can to ensure that his clients’ voices are heard and their positions are clearly asserted.. “I represent my clients in court as if I were advocating on behalf of my best friend.”. With a gregarious and approachable demeanor, Joel’s clients view him not only as their attorney, but as a trusted confidant. It is not uncommon for clients to share life updates, family photos, and happy milestones with Joel, even long after their cases have closed.. Joel earned his Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law, where he was a member of the Black Law Student Association and the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. A lifelong Washingtonian, Joel grew up in Tacoma and attended college in Spokane at Gonzaga University. The Zag basketball fan and movie fanatic enjoys spending time with his family and wide network of friends.

Jessica serves Snohomish and King Counties in family law matters.

Jason Benjamin has spent the past 22 years of his legal career (since 1995) immersing himself in the intricacies of family law and particularly child custody cases.  He has personally handled more than 1000 cases where child custody is at issue.. He particularly welcomes families who have emergency custody, domestic violence or restraining order issues, as he can typically obtain appropriate orders within hours to protect you and the children.. From the beginning of his legal career, Jason has aggressively advocated on behalf of victims of domestic violence (even when domestic violence was not treated seriously by the courts).  He understands the complexities of domestic violence such as why victims often return to abusers or leave their children with abusers before they make the final decision to permanently leave the abuser.. Jason utilizes his years of experience in the trenches of hard fought child custody trials to competently advise parties on the best route to tackle complicated and intertwined issues of mental health (particularly cluster b personality disorders such as histrionic, borderline, narcissistic and anti-social) and chemical dependency (particularly abuse of alcohol, opiates, methamphetamines and benzodiazepines).. When it comes to the courtroom, Jason is extremely comfortable and puts his clients at ease.  There is no case too complex or too extreme for Jason to be willing to take it on.  He is known by his colleagues for his confidence and persuasive argumentative skills and his trial experience is nothing short of prodigious.  Many lawyers in the community are aware of his trial advocacy and often refer their clients to him for cases that are headed for trial.. Jason left Omak, Washington at 18 years of age and went off to the big city of Chicago where he attended Northwestern University.  After obtaining his BA in Philosophy, he came back to Washington State and graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 1995.  He and his wife have two daughters and enjoy various outdoor adventures.

I've been an attorney for 24 years and I have litigated approximately 250 appellate cases in the Washington Court of Appeals, Washington Supreme Court, and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as lead attorney. I focus on family law appeals and also have a background in criminal appeals. The keys to my practice are a commitment to thoroughly understanding each case, a high standard of legal scholarship and a client relationship focus. I love explaining the legal system to people and I enjoy speaking with my clients and guiding them through the appellate system. Clients are generally referred to me by other lawyers but individual self-referral is also welcome.

I fight hard to protect the rights of every single client.  I believe that focusing on each client’s goals and listening to his or her story are central to achieving the best possible outcome.  I take the time to get to know my clients and explain every step of the process they are facing.

Having navigated her own path through hardship, adversity, and profound loss, Anna Linden is a tenacious litigator who stands firmly against bullying. She understands that her clients often face some of the most challenging moments in their lives and is dedicated to empowering them to reach their goals through passionate representation, whether in negotiations or in court. Anna practices family law because she finds fulfillment in helping others.. A native of Seattle, Anna attended Ingraham High School. While in school, her first job was serving food at a local residential care facility. She then attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where she organized fundraisers for the Wounded Warrior Project and food drives for local schools. Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Anna also minored in Biology and Environmental Studies.. Continuing her education at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, Anna started her journey in family law by volunteering at St. Andrew Legal Clinic and The Commons Law Center, both focused on serving families in need. Her dedication to pro bono work earned her the Pro Bono Challenge Award from the Oregon Supreme Court, recognizing her as the student with the highest number of pro bono hours. Additionally, she was on the editorial board of the Animal Law Review, represented her school in a regional mock trial competition, and served as a research assistant for the Dean of Diversity and Inclusion. Anna also led an auction that funded numerous summer internships for students in nonprofit sectors. She graduated cum laude from Lewis & Clark and passed the bar exam the same year, scoring in the top 1% of national applicants.. After law school, Anna moved to Alaska, where she served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Earl A. Peterson of the Fairbanks Superior Court. This experience exposed her to a variety of cases, including felony trials, complex civil litigation, and contested family law matters. After her clerkship, Anna returned to Seattle to launch her legal career.. Since returning home, Anna has focused primarily on family law. Her unique background and experiences allow her to approach each case with creativity, tailoring solutions to meet her clients' specific needs. Before joining Envision Family Law, she was the Litigation Lead at her previous firm.

Firm Description:. Ferrero Law Firm, PLLC is a boutique law firm dedicated to assisting clients in Washington State who are providing care for adults and minors living with complex and severe mental health and substance use disorders. The firm is committed to providing clients with tangible results in Washington State civil and criminal courts.. __________. Ray Ferrero, Esq. has over 25 years’ experience assisting families dealing with complex issues associated with crisis mental health and substance use disorders. Ray is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Treatment Advocacy Center, and The Florida Bar Association.. Ray was also a former Assistant Public Defender for the 17th Judicial Circuit, a Governor appointee to Florida’s Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Committee and has been certified and provided testimony in Federal Court as an expert witness on involuntary commitment issues.. In his career, Ray has handled thousands of involuntary commitment cases and hundreds of criminal matters, including trials and civil arbitrations.. Ray Ferrero is admitted to practice law in Washington State, Florida, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.