Top best Child Custody Lawyers in Seattle near me | 41 available

Compare reviews, case statistics, faqs among 41 Child Custody lawyers available in Seattle, Minnesota and avail free consultations.

Active Lawyers

24 - 41

Hourly Fees

$229 - $394

Free Consultations

50% - 77%

Average Rating

4.2 - 4.6 ★


Child Custody Case Statistics Overview

Child Custody Case Timeline

Min4Max15

Most Seattle child custody cases resolve between 4 to 15 months, depending on complexity, court schedules, and whether litigation is required.

Seattle Court Backlog

Low120Medium180High250

Seattle courts typically have a backlog of 120 to 250 active child custody cases, with seasonal fluctuations and resource constraints affecting processing times.

Child Custody Seattle Filing Volume

Min90Max160

Estimated monthly filings for child custody in Seattle range from 90 to 160 cases, reflecting the city's population and family law demand.

Child Custody Case Outcomes

Pre-litigation35Post-filing55Trial65

Approximately 35% of cases settle pre-litigation, 55% after filing but before trial, and up to 65% reach resolution at trial, though outcomes vary by case specifics.


FAQs - Child Custody Lawyers in city Seattle How many Child Custody lawyers actively serve residents of Seattle, Washington? Approximately 75 licensed attorneys focus on Child Custody across Seattle, Washington. Most matters are filed through the Washington District Court, where local rules shape timelines and filing steps. What is the typical hourly fee for Child Custody lawyers in Seattle, Washington? In Seattle, typical rates range from $236-$397 per hour for Child Custody. End-to-end case budgets frequently land between $3710 and $8472, depending on hearings and discovery. How long do Child Custody matters usually take in courts near Seattle? Child Custody cases in Seattle, Washington usually take around 3-11 months depending on complexity and the Washington District Court docket. Which local court most often hears Child Custody cases for people living in Seattle, Washington? Residents of Seattle typically see Child Custody filings handled by the Washington District Court. Proximity to helps with quick submissions and clerk communications. Do attorneys around offer a free first consultation for Child Custody? About 43% of firms near ZIP offer a free first consultation for Child Custody, so you can compare strategy and fit before committing.

41 Child Custody Lawyers Found Near You

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98115
Firm: Pruitt-Hamm Law & Mediation Services, PS

US Supreme Court Justice Burger advised lawyers to be “Healers of Conflict”. We agree. 98% of our clients surveyed (over a 2 year period) report they would recommend us to a friend or use the firm again. We have helped people in more than 1 thousand cases. We would like the opportunity to help you. Our job is to help you to “heal” conflicts as productively, as cheaply and as quickly as possible, not to promote them or provoke them. Having studied conflict resolution theory since the 1970’s we work with you to better understand how the legal system can be used, along with other “alternative dispute resolution” strategies, to resolve the conflicts or problems that led you to seek assistance.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: Envision Family Law

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.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98104
Firm: Wechsler Becker

Natalie Roberts has spent the entirety of her legal career mastering her skills in family law.  She is well distinguished in the legal community and known for her persistent, intelligent and strategic litigation – both in the court room and in negotiations.. When hand-crafting her legal arguments for the court room, Natalie keeps her client’s quality of life and financial stability at the forefront.  She understands that every decision/request throughout a case can have major life impacts on her clients such as transporting your children to and from exchanges, ensuring you have enough spousal maintenance to pay your monthly bills, or protecting your assets to ensure the other party does not dispose of them.  These details are all important.  For these reasons, Natalie takes time to meet with her clients and go over every aspect of the case and her proposed strategies.  Natalie firmly believes that success in or out of the courtroom requires a strong, collaborative working relationship with her clients.. Experience and a good reputation also helps when negotiating with the opposing counsel/party.  She understands that not every case is meant for the courtroom and will often suggest mediation or initiating negotiations.  Mediation can be, and most often is, a place where two very disagreeable parties can reach an agreement.  Reaching an agreement usually means both parties can move on with their lives quicker and in a more positive atmosphere versus going to trial, which is extremely stressful for clients and their family/friends.. While reaching an agreement is generally the preferred outcome, that does not always happen.  In that situation, Natalie is prepared.  She is not shy in the courtroom and has represented clients in all facets of family law trials.  Natalie has the attention to detail, work ethic, and knowledge to handle difficult, complex cases at trial.. Prior to working at Envision Family Law, Natalie worked for several years at a high-volume law firm in Seattle.  Having worked for several years primarily in the Seattle area, Natalie established an excellent relationship with other attorneys in King County and is a familiar face to the judges and commissioners on the bench.  Natalie’s practice is not limited to King County and she has significant experience in Snohomish County and Pierce County as well.. Natalie graduated Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2009.  Prior to law school, Natalie attended the University of Tulsa and received a Bachelor of Arts degree, Cum Laude, in English Literature.  Natalie was a member of the Division One University of Tulsa track and cross-country teams.  Natalie still enjoys running in her spare time.  Natalie also enjoys sailing, skiing, and other outdoor activities with her family.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.5 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98161

My practice is primarily family law with an emphasis on separation, divorce, child custody and complex property including closely held business issues. My emphasis is negotiation where possible and litigation, as a last resort, where necessary.. I also provide dispute resolution services (limited to negotiation, mediation and arbitration) for closely held business disputes.. I handle WA, interstate and international cases.. I am a member of several Bar Associations and Sections amongst which are the following: KCBA Family Law section, Chair of the International Law section for KCBA, Vice Chair ABA International Family Law section, KCBA Collaborative Law Section.. My goal  is to reduce stress and expense to the parties  as much as possible and to explore all avenues to defuse conflict and  reduce litigation.. I provide mediation,arbitration,collaborative law,cooperative law and litigation services to clients.. I am a member of the WA State, District of Columbia, Minnesota Bars, and a member of the Bar of England and Wales.. I can be reached at, e-mail:

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: Stacy D Heard

Ms. Heard is an attorney who practices exclusively family law in Seattle, Washington, where she has served clients for over 20 years. Her family law practice includes cases involving high-conflict parenting/custody, international custody disputes, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, relocation, complex financial issues, restraining orders, and child support. Stacy is trained in cross-border mediation, arbitration, mediation, collaborative law, and as a Guardian ad Litem. She is a member of the American Bar Association Family Law Section and serves on council and as Chair of the International Law Committee. She is also a member of the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts (“AFCC”) U.S. and Australian chapters. She is a past president of the Washington State AFCC chapter. Stacy is the is the author of Washington Family Law (LexisNexis Practice Guide 2019). She is currently co-authoring a book for the ABA Family Law Section on Attorneys working with Parenting Evaluators. Stacy is a frequent speaker on parenting plans in the state of Washington, nationally, and internationally.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98109

Mr. Merrill graduated from Seattle University School of Law, earning his J.D. in 2015, and graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Philosophy. He believes in giving back to the community and has volunteered with the Moderate Means Program, the First Responders Will Clinic, the Ronald A. Peterson Law Clinic, and most recently the Family Law Section of the Volunteer Legal Services.. His practice is focused primarily on family law. He applies his legal knowledge to help people transition through a difficult time, and to get people to the next chapter in their life. He has handled both uncontested and contested divorces, involving parenting plans, child custody and spousal maintenance. He makes a point to maintain clear and open communication with his clients in order to achieve the best solution. Acting in the client’s best interest, he will seek a viable solution both outside and inside the courtroom.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98122
Firm: Hemmat Law Group

Mr. Hemmat is the Principal Attorney and founder of The Hemmat Law Group, a preimeir family law, domestic violence, and civil litigation firm in Seattle, Washington.. With over 36 years of legal experience, Steven Hemmat has earned the respect of his adversaries by approaching litigation and negotiations with high ethical standards and with professional integrity.. Whether clients are involved in a hotly contested divorce or emotionally wrenching custody battle, seeking redress for a severe personal injury, or wrangling over a contract, Steven Hemmat’s determination to be reasonable has achieved the best results for client after client.Clients trust Mr. Hemmat’s compassionate and conscientious approach to resolving even the most emotional issues.. Visit his website: hemmatlaw .com.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98164
Firm: Meridian Family Law, PLLC

Most people wish to resolve their separation or divorce matter in manner that is respectful and that best preserves their long term well-being and that of their children. I work with my clients to help manage conflict and provide the guidance and advice my clients need to make decisions that meet their short term and long term objectives.. I understand the difficulties and emotional turmoil involved in family matters and I help my clients understand and make decisions about all aspects of their case including parenting and child support, spousal support or alimony and the division of their assets and debts.   I also work with clients in pre-divorce planning and post-divorce matters such as enforcing the terms of settlement agreements and modification or enforcement of child support or parenting plans.. The long term well-being of my clients is important to me and while contested litigation is sometimes necessary or unavoidable, I find that practical advice and solutions often lead to the best long range outcomes.  There are various ways to approach reaching a resolution.  The commonly seen options are self negotiation, attorney negotiation, mediation, the collaborative divorce process and contested litigation.  My experience allows me to provide my clients with information and advice not only about their legal rights, but about the various dispute resolution options and then guide them through their chosen process.. I am also trained in and have been practicing Collaborative divorce in the Seattle area since 2011.. I've been licensed to practice in Washington State since 1995.  While I previoulsy practiced family law in Maryland and Washington, DC, after I returned to Seattle, I resigned from the DC Bar and went on inactive status with the MD Bar.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98104
Firm: Dellino Family Law Group

Juliana U. Wong is the Managing Attorney at Dellino Family Law Group. I focus my practice on family law matters, to which I bring an enthusiastic and dedicated effort to an often highly contentious and painful legal arena. I handle a wide array of matters ranging from complex marital dissolutions and legal separations, parenting plans, relocation actions, high-conflict child custody and child support matters, cohabitation/prenuptial and community property status agreements, and post-dissolution issues, including child support and parenting plan modifications. As a skilled negotiator and litigator, I look to manage cases initially with the intent towards equitable settlement, but has dependable, confident and proven courtroom skills if a matter must be resolved by litigation.. My Approach. I have always held steadfast to the following quote: “Educators take something simple and make it complicated. Communicators take something complicated and make it simple.” Especially in one of the most trying times in a person’s life, communication is an essential foundation in my practice, allowing me to help my clients navigate through the divorce process, which can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Building trust with my client is a bedrock to my cases and the only way to achieve this is through effective communication.. Background. Having litigated in both large and small firms for over twenty-years, I have garnered a set of skills which give me the knowledge to excel not only in the courtroom, but to negotiate settlements which are in the best interests of my client, and the family as whole. I have also acted as a private mediator for the last five years, allowing me to give back to my community and to assist with the legal talents afforded to me.. About Me. Although born in Germany, I have lived in the Seattle area nearly all my life. I currently live in the Eastside with my husband, Bill, and our son, Emerson. Two daughters have flown the nest and are doing well away at school. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, brunching, and outdoor activities. My other passions include enjoying a nice walk with my family and our dog, Milo, a friendly game of poker, and taking in a great play or show. I love independent films and the theatre.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: Envision Family Law

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.

Avvo Rating: Rated 1.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98103

I was born and raised in the Chicago-land area, and will always consider myself a Chicago girl at heart although I absolutely love living in Seattle. I earned a degree in finance from the University of Illinois and started my career as a futures and options auditor. I went on to become a financial analyst for a couple of years before deciding that I needed a career change where I could more directly work with and help people. I attended law school at Tulane University in New Orleans, and am incredibly proud to have lived in such a diverse, rich, and amazing city. The time I lived in New Orleans was a period of time where the city was filled with unfaltering hope, revitalization, and rejuvenation post-Katrina. I will be forever grateful that I was able to call myself a New Orleanian for three incredible years.. During law school, I interned at the Cook County Criminal Court in Chicago, and at the Northwest Justice Project in Seattle. After graduating from law school, I worked for the Honorable Judge Julie Spector at the King County Superior Court.. I feel very fortunate to be able to say that I love my job. I love being able to help people as they transition from the familiar to the unknown – to an unknown filled with endless possibility. Nothing brings me greater joy in my work than seeing the evolution my clients undergo from the beginning of their case to the conclusion. I think many people are surprised by their own strength and transformations; it’s thrilling to be a part of their journey!. Family law deals with two areas many people hold most dear – their family and their finances. It is a highly emotionally charged area of law, and I enjoy bringing my financial background to the table. It is my job as an attorney to advocate to the best of my ability for my clients, to educate them on the law, and to listen to them when all they need is an ear.. I love music and am a classically trained pianist as well as a saxophone player. A huge sports fan, I am always rooting on my Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and Fighting Illini. After living in the incredible city of New Orleans, I am an avid supporter of any and all things championing the rebuilding of NOLA. My favorite activity outside of the office is spending time with my daughter and my husband. I live with my husband, our daughters.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.5 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98164
Firm: Integrative Family Law, PLLC

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.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: McKinley Irvin

Brent Bohan is a family law and divorce attorney with high energy and a powerful drive to obtain the best possible outcomes for his clients.. While running a private practice, Brent discovered his talent for family law. He loves helping people solve problems, and family law provided a challenging and rewarding way to do so. Brent now focuses his practice on family law and divorce, including high asset divorce and LGBT family law.. Known for being a tough litigator, Brent combines a talent in the courtroom with his ability to develop productive and friendly relationships with the opposing counsel in a high stakes environment. Brent places a strong client-attorney relationship at the cornerstone of his practice. Due to the turbulent nature of many family law cases, Brent works to ensure his clients to feel secure and confident in the representation he provides.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.6 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98177

Before practicing as a family law attorney, Leslie clerked for two trial court judges who handled only family cases, thereby gaining valuable insight and experience into how dissolution and custody issues are analyzed by the court. Prior to graduating from Seattle University School of Law, Leslie had a successful career as an award-winning investigative journalist for three separate newspapers and an international news organization.. Leslie understands the breakup of a family is a life-changing and stressful event. She knows how difficult that first call to an attorney can be. Her primary focus with new clients is to learn their unique issues, concerns and expectations and work with them to put together a practical and effective plan for achieving their goals.. “Leslie brings to any matter she works on an rare energy that serves her clients and the profession well. Her background in investigative journalism provides her with a perspective and a sense of where facts may be found which often prove persuasive for the court."— Mark Patterson, Probate Attorney. Leslie does not enter into litigation lightly, but should it become necessary, she uses the interview, writing, investigative and analytical skills she honed as a journalist and judicial clerk to tell her client’s story in a compelling and powerful way.. Leslie’s investigative, evidence-driven approach has consistently turned cases around even where the court had previously restricted a client’s access to their children. She has repeatedly ecured parenting plans which restored her clients’ full parental rights, and when necessary, obtained orders protecting her clients and their children from the other party.. Leslie has been on the referral list for multiple domestic violence victim agencies for the past 10 years, attends the King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence Family Law Work Group Meetng and Volunteers at the New Beginnings Domestoc Violence Family Law Legal Clinic.

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98103
Firm: DuBois Cary Law Group

Attorney, Amanda DuBois. B.S.N., Nursing - Pacific Lutheran University. J.D. - University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University). About fifteen years ago, I started my own family law firm. I envisioned a place where individuals going through the de-coupling process could feel empowered though education and understanding. I am really proud to say that our office here on the water in Fremont is exactly what I had in mind all those years ago. Our firm practices exclusively in family law and estate planning and I have managed to find some amazing lawyers who all have backgrounds in either human services or finance. So, in addition to being smart strong advocates, the lawyers here are warm, compassionate, financially savvy, and most importantly, family focused. As the owner of a law firm, and a parent myself, I particularly enjoy working with business owners and busy professionals. I am continually amazed by my clients’ ability to keep up with the demands of their profession, while at the same time prioritizing their responsibilities as a mother or father. That kind of juggling act is almost incomprehensible within the context of a divorce. I fully understand the demands on the busy schedules of these individuals and work hard with my team to structure the legal process around our clients’ family and business obligations. Our time together must be efficient and packed with information. And after-hours availability is a must. All of my team and most of our experts are available long after five o’clock, and on weekends for check-in emails, texts, calls, or meetings when necessary.. As a strong believer in giving back to my community, I currently serve in several positions that help those in need. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about giving or would like to talk with me about your project.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98104
Firm: Wakefield Legal, PLLC

Anne practices solely in family law. She earned her law degree from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. Anne started her legal career as a public defender, honing her trial skills, and eventually transitioning into private practice handling family law matters. Anne understands the value of close client-attorney relationships. She gets to know each client on a personal level in order to better represent them. As a highly knowledgeable attorney, she always provides each client with all the information they need to make decisions.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.4 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98109
Firm: Lawgena of Washington

Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98115
Firm: Law Offices of Mackenzie Sorich, PLLC

Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98114
Firm: Attorney at Law


Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: McKinley Irvin

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.3 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98109
Firm: Goldberg Jones

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.9 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98107
Firm: Puget Sound Family Law

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.


Location: Seattle 98101
Firm: Brewe Layman, P.S. Attorneys at Law

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Avvo Rating: Rated 3.0 out of 5
Lawyers Rating: Rated 3.7 out of 5

Location: Seattle 98154
Firm: Curnow Family Law, PLLC

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.


Location: Seattle 98101

Experienced Child Custody attorney serving clients in Seattle and surrounding areas.

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Disclaimer: This content is based on aggregated public information and estimated market trends. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.