Top Family Lawyers in SEATTLE | 188 available

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.

In my role as an attorney I enjoy complex analysis and problem solving. I have experience as a litigator in criminal court, immigration court, and family court. I enjoy analyzing complex family law issues including interstate and international custody, parental kidnapping and non-parental custody actions, among many other issues related to family law. My analysis has been included in amicus briefings to the Washington Supreme Court and in briefs to the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th District. I am a member of the Washington State Bar Association and member of the family law section. I was recently recognized in Super Lawyer Magazine and Seattle Met Magazine as a “Rising Star” and “Outstanding Young Lawyer.” Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about divorce, child custody, mediation or other family law matters.. I am an active volunteer in the Seattle area. I'm the former Board Chair and founding member of Reel Grrls, an organization that empowers young women from diverse communities to realize their power, talent and influence through media production. My husband and I have served as volunteer facilitators for the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS). I provide pro bono legal services to low-income immigrants. When I'm not working, you may run into me at the Children's museum or the Zoo with my husband and two young children. In addition to raising my kids, I'm also raising two teenage cats: Ginseng and Lola. I travel regularly to my ancestral country, Peru.

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 was drawn to the law after going through a divorce myself, so I understand how the legal system feels very intimidating to clients. I prioritize approaching cases in a common-sense manner, based not just on law, but on experience.. I have a degree in economics as well as the law, and served as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army. When I'm not in the office or working on a case, I am active outdoors (climbing, skiing, etc.), fixing something under one of my aging vehicles, or spending time with family.

I was born in the Philippines and came to the United States when I was twelve years old. I have always wanted to serve as a role model for other immigrant women and minorities and open as many doors for others as were opened for me.. I attended the University of Washington School of Law in 1998, graduating in 2001. At the UW I was active with the Student Bar Association. I also interned with the King County Prosecutor’s Office at the Maleng Justice Center and with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office through graduation. At Pierce County, I had the opportunity to argue criminal appellate cases before Division Two of the Washington State Court of Appeals, and to be first chair in misdemeanor trials during the summer. After graduation I moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where I clerked with the Honorable John S.W. Lim of the Hawaii State Intermediate Court of Appeals. Then I joined the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office as a deputy prosecuting attorney and practiced criminal law, including an assignment in the Career Criminal Unit where I prosecuted sex crimes, some cases involving child victims.. I moved back to Seattle and started practicing family law in 2006 with a veteran family law attorney. I became the senior associate and handled almost everything for the solo practitioner with whom I practiced. I came to work for the DuBois Cary Law Group in 2012. In support of our external and internal clients, I have taken on the hybrid role of Associate Attorney and Business Manager.. My husband and I are big football fans and support the Huskies and the Seahawks. We have two adorable cats, George and JoJo. We love to travel and explore new places. During my spare time I enjoy taking pictures, creating photobooks, and spending time with friends. On occasion, I get involved in artistic projects for friends and family. We support a number of charities including the American Cancer Society and the ALS Foundation.

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA, and went to the UW for undergrad. I then obtained a degree from Willamette Law School in Salem, OR. I have practiced law for over 16 years with BAR licenses from California and Washington state..I moved back to Seattle from California in 2012 and have experienced Seattle's economic boom in the last 7 years. I have successfully helped new businesses and immigrants meet their growing legal needs.

I want my clients to take the next step forward in a way that is best not only for them, but their families, too.

I want clients to know that they can make it through this. It may be emotionally  difficult, but I will be there to help them make sound decisions that will enable them to resume normal life again.

I know that you and your family are seriously impacted by conflict created during your divorce.  Wherever possible, I help clients reach agreements in the least contentious, most cost effective, way.   Although I have litigation experience, as well as trial backing in my office, I  work  as cooperatively and amicably  as possible.   I am also trained in collaborative law and as a mediator.. I have been practicing law in Washington State since 1982. Since 1998, I have focused my practice on complex family law in Seattle and King County. Before then, I built a solid foundation of experience practicing commercial law with leading Seattle law this  combination of both family and commercial law experience, I have experience representing high net worth individuals in their family law matters.

I hope that this information will help you quietly, privately, and conveniently consider whether I, or my firm, might be the best match for your legal needs. If you need more information, then please visit my website at . Thank you, and I sincerely hope that either my firm or I can help you.

I hope that this information will help you quietly, privately, and conveniently consider whether I, or my firm, might be the best match for your legal needs. If you need more information, then please visit my website at .

Thank you, and I sincerely hope that either my firm or I can help you.

I hope that this information will help you quietly, privately, and conveniently consider whether I might be the best match for your legal needs. Thank you, and I sincerely hope that I may be of service to you.

I have had a general civil, and criminal  misdemeanor defense practice since 1976. I served as a member of the Washington State Bar Association Law Examiners for four years (1992 - 1996), writing and grading bar exam questions, and have arbitrated numerous civil cases for the King County Superior Court (Mandatory Arbitration Program). I have tried cases in US District Court, Washington State Superior Court (12 of 39  counties - primarily King and Snohomish Counties), Washington State District Courts, and Municipal Courts, and have prepared and argued cases in the Washington State Court of Appeals. I have handled Admiralty (Maritime), Personal Injury, Real Estate, Construction, Criminal Misdemeanor, and Family Law cases. While most of my work has been in litigation, I have also advised a number of small businesses, including setting up businesses as corporations or LLC's.. Since 2003 I have concentrated in Family Law, and all that that entails: property division (real estate, 401(k) plans, other assets), child support, parenting plans, maintenance (alimony), and domestic violence resolution.

I have exclusively practiced in family law since the inception of my career. I am drawn to this practice area because I love helping my clients through what is often the most difficult time in their lives. Whether a matter is agreed or contested, it is a pivotal event that will have lasting implications on family dynamics. Having come from a divorced home with siblings, I understand the importance of putting children first and keeping their interests at the forefront of every negotiation and court proceeding.. In between advocating for clients, I enjoy traveling, scuba diving, and hiking.

I have been a family law attorney for over 15 years, first in London, England and (since 2002) here in Seattle. I put this depth of experience to work for my clients every day.

Family law requires legal expertise, and a willingness to use common sense, in order to make the system work for children and families. I am proud of my litigation skills, and also proud to be part of the collaborative law revolution in family law.

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1984, where I was the the Editor in Chief of the International Law Review.  After practicing general civil litigation, particularly plaintiff's personal injury work and family law, I moved to Seattle in 1987.  I worked as an associate attorney at Williams Kastner & Gibbs for two years, doing defense work in product liability cases.. I returned to a smaller office, missing personal client contact. Over the years, I specialized in family law, including a successful third party custody case that was upheld by the Washington Supreme Court in 2005.  I continued handling plaintiff's personal injury cases, along with some probate and other civil cases.  For many years, I was an arbitrator for the King County Mandatory Arbitration program.. I completed Mediation Training at the University of Washington in 1994.  I partipated as a co-mediator with Family Court Services in a one-year program.  I have been a volunteer mediator for the Family Law Volunteer Settlement Conference Program for many years, mediating three family law cases per year.  In addition to acting as a mediator, I represent clients in mediations or advise them as they mediate directly with their spouse, without lawyers participating.  I also draft final orders for one spouse, based upon mediation agreements or agreements made by spouses on their own.  I believe that parties should make their own informed decisions whenever possible.  I provide unbundled legal services to provide limited services as requested by my client.. Volunteering has been an ongoing part of my practice. My current volunteering is primarily through my church. I have worked in a neighborhood legal clinic, briefly at the King County Dispute Resolution Center, and on the Status Conference Calendar at the King County Courthouse.  I have twice received the Random Acts of Kindness Award from King County Superior Court.  When funding for King County Services was at risk, I testified before the King County Council. For many years, I have provided services at a reduced rate through the CLC program (offered by some employers) and at times for clients as I guide them to self-help methods.. Since completing Collaborative Law training in 2008, I have been interested in working collaboratively with other professionals in suitable cases.  I am a member of Compass Pod.  For several years, I was a volunteer presenter at the Second Saturday divorce workshops presented by the West Seattle Pod (later dissolved) at Highline College.  I am a member of King County Collaborative Law (KCCL), Collaborative Professionals of Washington (CPW), and the International Association of Colllaborative Professionals (IACP). I believe in the benefits of collaborative practice and also in cooperatively resolving cases when possible, but I go to court when that's the best option.. Two of my passions are outdoor exercise and yoga.  Giving up long distance and relay runs, which I loved, I enjoy biking and cross country skiing.  I like to camp and hike.  I also have fun singing in a choir.  Outlets for stress are important for lawyers and clients, alike.

I go by "Wil Miller" not "Douglas Miller" (AVVO does not give you the option to list your name that way).. I am am a family law attorney in Seattle.  My practice focuses on family law litigation, and Collaborative Family Law (which seeks to resolve cases without litigation) .  I no longer handle matters involving criminal defense or protection orders.. I am a graduate of Duke Law School, Class of 1988, with 36 years of legal experience.. In addition to my legal practice, I also volunteer as a mentor, monitor and recovery coach for legal professionals struggling with addiction and mental health issues.  My own tale of addiction, recovery and reinvention was the cover story for the North Carolina Law Journal, the Washington State Law Journal, and 425 Magazine's January 2019 Wellness Issue.   For more information, click on my media links.

I frequently come into my clients' lives when they are at the end of their rope. The resiliency of the human spirit never ceases to impress me.. I see my role as first, helping clients first to determine their priorities clearly, second, developing a plan to achieve as many priorities as possible, and third, implementing the plan, with modifications as required as the case progresses.. Most cases, family or otherwise, settle. I can do that. But the most skilled negotiator always needs to have a "BATNA": a Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.  For this reason, some cases go to trial. I can do that too.

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.

I enjoy working as a mediator to help couples resolve problems. I have mediated cases involving parenting, property, support, and debt issues.  I have worked with couples prior to the time they file for divorce and who want to do an amicable divorce. I also handle mediations when both parties are represented by attorneys and are seeking to resolve their case prior to trial. In addition I do post divorce mediations on Parenting Plan issues.

I came to the family law arena reluctantly.  When I left law school 22 years ago, I swore I would never, ever, ever, ever do another dissolution.  Here, I am years later in a practice that deals with familys in every possible way.  In many ways, I am the only lawyer a person will have contact with in their lives.  I divorce them, do their pre-nuptial agreements, their annulments, their adoptions, their wills, thier probates.. At times it is a hard relationship.  I end up knowing more about people then anyone but then after lots of hard work together, I am satisfied in knowing I did the best I could to help them along to a new phase of life.. I feel it is important to take the long view.  Clients spend maybe a couple of years with their attorney but will be parents of the children forever.  It is important to handle matters in such a way as to protect the relationship so the children don't end up the real victims.

I believe in client-centered lawyering. I bring this view to all the cases I works on, creating a strong bond and relationship with each client. I believe that cases are a team effort between the firm and the client, where the client is the captain of the ship, and I helps make sure each client is steered in the proper direction to obtain his/her goals.. I earned my J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2016, where I graduated with Academic Distinction. While there, I worked for the University of Denver Criminal Defense Clinic for almost two years where I explored my passion for indigent defense. At the clinic, I represented clients in county and municipal court, conducted legal research and drafted constitutional motions on behalf of my clients. I continued my interest in criminal defense by working for the Colorado State Public Defender as a certified intern in the summer of 2015. There, I handled my own docket, and represented clients in county court charged with misdemeanor and traffic offenses. In total, I gained extensive experience through handling over 100 cases and trying many jury trials.

I am passionate about helping families reduce conflict and focus on their priorities.  I strive to help clients achieve sound parenting arrangements that meet their childen's needs and financial outcomes that provide longterm stability.