Top Divorce Lawyers Near Me in Seattle Area

“Compassion for Clients”. Dave Kitchell has been representing clients in Family Law matters for over eighteen years in Western Washington. As a graduate of Seattle Law School, he chose to be a client focused family law advocate and litigator, establishing a proven record of success in all phases of family law representation. He has represented clients in Superior Court throughout the Puget Sound Region including Snohomish, King, Pierce and Thurston Counties. His practice includes a wide variety of family law matters, involving hundreds of contested motions including temporary orders, domestic violence issues, discovery and contempt matters, through trial and presentation of final orders. With a degree in Economics with honors from the University of Washington, he has negotiated complex property settlements including valuations of closely held businesses, real property, pensions, and stock option grants.. Areas of expertise include:. Divorce Property Settlement Visitation Matters Child Support Paternity Matters Domestic Violence Issues Guardianships Third Party Custody. David’s Philosophy:. “I believe the issues raised by our family law clients are some of the most challenging issues lawyers face. I am a zealous advocate for my clients and professionally help them navigate the legal, emotional and financial complexities of their cases. My clients’ issues affect the most personal parts of their lives and have long term implications for their critical relationships and financial well being. It is an honor and privilege to help resolve those issues by tirelessly working to help my clients understand their options and get the best results possible.”. Dave Kitchell was a member with Kitchell and Hively, PLLC, before working with a downtown Seattle family law firm and later joining Tsai Law Company, PLLC in 2012.

Your divorce is in your hands. You are in charge at Westside Collaborative Law. Call us.

While I can't guarantee the results, I can guarantee effort. I will work for you until the job is done. I will tell you when I think we should go to court and when we should fold. I will strive to be a good steward of your finances, time, and emotional energy. I will approach the job with compassion, a sense of humor, and a deep knowledge of the law and human behavior.. I have been litigating family and Native American law matters since 2003.  I try up to three cases per year and represent three times that many at settlement conferences / meditations. I have been appointed a special master and sometimes conduct meditations. I also handle appeals.. My office is in North Seattle near Lake City. I appear regularly in King County Superior Court and less frequently in other counties throughout Washington. I am a member of the bar of most tribal courts in the State of Washington. I also practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts. I am a member of Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Whether we are involved in a relatively peaceful, collaborative law matter or a hotly litigated domestic violence case, I work closely with my clients to achieve the very best results for them and their families.

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.

Tsai Law Company, PLLC is a boutique family law firm located in downtown Seattle.  Our Seattle Divorce Lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience in the area of divorce and family law.  To speak with one of our Seattle Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys call.. Please visit our website at .. For additional information regarding our practice areas you may visit:. Adoption. Alimony. Annulment. Business Assets. Child Custody. Child Support. Attorney Profiles  Divorce Overview Martial Like Relationships Mediation  Military Divorce  Out of State Divorce. Paternity  Prenuptial  Property Agreements  Property Division Restraining Orders  Retirement Assets Separation

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.

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.

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”.

Sam’s dedication to family law is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up in a family of legal professionals – with a grandfather and great-uncles who served as stenographers for the United Nations and U.S. District Court Judges in New York – Sam developed an early appreciation for the American judicial system. As a child of divorce, Sam witnessed firsthand how skilled family law attorneys can positively impact the lives of both spouses and their children, inspiring a career path that would allow them to make a meaningful difference in their community.. Sam approaches client relationships with a philosophy centered on personalization and collaboration, recognizing that each family's situation requires unique solutions. Rather than defaulting to adversarial approaches, Sam advocates for mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate, while ensuring clients are empowered with clear, jargon-free explanations of their legal options.

Ross Amkraut graduated with his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law where he also received a Certificate in Family Law Litigation from the Center on Children and Families. Ross is a licensed attorney in the State of Washington and is an associate attorney with the Washington Family Law Group, PLLC. Ross's practice areas include Divorce, Legal Separation, Property and Debt Divison, Parenting Plans/Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance/Alimony, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Anti-Harassment Orders, and Modifications of Child Support and Spousal Maintenance/Alimony. Ross currently practices in Snohomish, King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties. Ross is an active member of QLaw: the GLBT Bar Association of Washington and the King County Bar Association.. Prior to law practice, Ross was a public school educator and community youth symphony conductor in Orlando, Florida. Ross is a classically trained musician and continues to both perform and teach private music lessons. Ross currently performs on French Horn with the Rainbow City Band and on violin with the Federal Way Symphony.. Beyond law and music, Ross has a long history of volunteer work with the Miss America Organization. He is a former executive director of the Miss Winter Park Scholarship Pageant and a former board member of the Miss Gainesville Scholarship Pageant. Currently, Ross is the Vice President of the Miss Seattle Scholarship Pageant and is the director of the Miss Seattle's Outstanding Teen program.

Prior to pursuing law, John had a thriving career as a software engineer. He made significant contributions to the field, particularly in machine learning in healthcare, for which he holds a U.S. Patent.. Wishing to transition from the impersonal realm of software creation to a more personal field, while preserving his passion for problem-solving, John made the decision to attend law school. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Akron in Ohio.. Having personally navigated divorce as a parent, John intimately understands the emotional toll it can inflict. The experience fueled his passion for helping people through the process.. “I’m committed to assisting others in having a more positive and supportive experience during this difficult phase of life.”. John's personable nature makes him an excellent communicator. He excels in presenting complex issues in a clear, digestible manner, ensuring clients have a thorough understanding of their cases.. By virtue of his diverse technical background, John is adept in valuing and distributing intricate assets. Raised in an Air Force family and having completed AFROTC, he has significant familiarity with military family law matters. He is also versed in regulated industries, particularly aviation, healthcare, and software.. In his spare time, John teaches sailing at the Center for Wooden Boats and snowboarding at Alpental.

Philip C. Tsai is a partner at Tsai Law Company, PLLC, a boutique law firm in downtown Seattle, where he almost exclusively practices family law. He received his B.A. in Sociology, cum laude, from the University of Washington in 1994; and his J.D., cum laude, from Seattle University School of Law in 1997. Mr. Tsai is a frequent Continuing Legal Education speaker through the Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association, and National Business Institute regarding various family law topics. In addition to his trial court work, he practices appellate work and has successfully argued before the Washington Supreme Court.  Philip is also the author of two chapters in the Third Edition of the Washington State Family Law Deskbook through the Washington State Bar Association.  Philip is also the editor of two chapters in the Third Edition of the Washington State Family Law Deskbook.  Philip's practice includes high net worth estates as well as custody litigation.. Please visit our website at .. For additional information regarding our practice areas you may visit:. Main Page Child Support and Divorce Contact Seattle Divorce Lawyers New Address Divorce and Separation Legal Separation Divorce and Property Division Divorce and Business Assets Child Custody and Divorce Alimony Restraining Order Divorce and Dividing Retirement Assets Testimonials Military Divorce Alternative Dispute Paternity and Divorce Marital Like Relationships Prenuptial Agreements Adoption Attorneys Annullment De Facto Parent Family Law Jobs Divorce Links Out of State Divorce Property Agreements in Divorce Reasonable Travel and Parenting Plans Attorney Emily Tsai Attorney Philip Tsai Attorney Helenka Koltonowska Attorney Todd DeVallance

One of the states in which I am admitted licenses me not only as an attorney but also a “Counsellor at Law”. I best counsel my clients as a supportive but calm buffer during their time of stress and emotion. With over 40 years in practice, I can clarify what seem to be incomprehensible procedures and legal gibberish to my clients, and explain how their facts fit into the legal factors the court weighs in deciding the issues.. If safety is not an overriding concern, I believe my client’s best interests (both emotional and financial) are served by negotiating agreed orders when possible, minimizing the mudslinging common in contested hearings. When hearings are necessary, my background as an accomplished debater, and writing skills derived as a legal writing instructor and Harvard English major, both help persuade the court.. In addition to full representation, I also offer hourly advice / drafting ("unbundled") legal services to individuals representing themselves. When the parties have their own attorneys but are unable to reach agreement, I have also served as mediator in settlement conferences since 1997.. Life is not all work, though. In my free time, I like digital photography, paddling a kayak, hiking, squash, tennis, cross-country skiing --- and playing Wii tennis, baseball, and bowling. Finally, I love tasty food and drink enjoyed with my wife and other good friends.. Favorite quote (from the late Judge McCutcheon, during a trial several years ago): “There’s still room in the law for common sense.”

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.

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.. Complex family law matters require an understanding of both the legal issues and the emotional toll involved and I approach my practice with this in mind. Each case is unique and I take the time necessary to ensure that each client's concern is heard and addressed head-on. It is critical that my client’s understand the law and its implications for their case.  I pride myself on resolving difficult legal matters on behalf of my clients through effective negotiation or direct advocacy.

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:

My practice focuses on family law  and  divorce.  I have  an LLM in taxation which is very useful when assessing the property and financial aspects of cases and when drafting settlement documents.  I also have a background in criminal law. I spent several years working as a public defender during which time I gained invaluable court room experience trying high profile criminal cases.  My criminal and estate planning background compliment and provide depth to my family law practice.  My experience, combined with my knowledge of family law, lends me a unique perspective when advising clients.. My criminal background is advantageous in many family law matters, particularly those where criminal allegations are pending, or domestic violence is alleged and protection orders are being sought.. My philosophy is to negotiate where possible, but not to waste my client’s time and money trying to reach agreement when none is forthcoming.  I am not anxious to litigate over every issue, but I am very qualified and competent in those instances where a court appearance or trial is necessary.

Ms. Beckmann is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association and Snohomich County Bar Association, including the Family Law Sections of each of these associations, and she is a WSBA certified Guardian ad Litem. She is a third-generation female attorney in her family and is of counsel at Michael Bugni & Associates.. Ms. Beckmann serves as a Volunteer Attorney at the King County Domestic Violence Clinic and for the King County Bar Association Pro Bono Advice. She is also an officer with local non-profit organizations that support local and national charitable organizations.

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.

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.

Marquis Summers provides legal services in the areas of trust and estate planning. Prior to starting Summers Law Office PLLC, Marquis was an associate attorney at Archer Price Law. Marquis has experience drafting prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives (living wills). Marquis enjoys helping clients plan for their futures by creating estate planning documents tailored to each client's needs.. Marquis received his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. While a law student, Marquis developed a passion for estate planning through working for law firms in Denver, CO, and clerking for a family law judge. Through these experiences, Marquis discovered joy in helping clients plan for the future.. Marquis was born and raised in Nashville, TN, and music has always been a big part of his life. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in French. Marquis learned how to be an effective communicator after spending a few years living in France. There, he learned that trust and communication are basic tenants of any relationship. It is his goal to help clients resolve any dispute and minimize any possible risk.. Since starting his own law firm, Marquis always tries to offer legal services to clients at lower costs with the belief that everyone should have access to competent legal representation. Most of his work is done virtually, which means lower costs for clients.. Bar Membership: Marquis Summers is admitted to the Washington State Bar and the Tennessee State Bar.. Marquis Summers has a deep commitment to addressing your concerns and questions regarding estate planning. Please call our office to discuss your estate planning needs and concerns.. Don’t wait. It is never too soon to plan for your future and gain peace of mind for yourself and your family.

Margaret strongly believes in empowering her clients by keeping them fully engaged in their cases, whether they are taking the first steps to educate themselves about their options, or involved in heated litigation. Margaret believes that negotiating a settlement in her client’s best interest is often the best way to give her client control over the outcome of their case and their future. However, when settlement is not possible, Margaret is a strong advocate for her clients in the courtroom.. Margaret has practiced family law for more than ten years. Before joining Wechsler Becker, Margaret worked for seven years with leading family law attorney Janet A. George, with a practice specializing in high-asset and high-profile cases. She has extensive experience helping clients navigate complex cases, including closely-held businesses, layered business structures, and tax issues. Margaret is also experienced in protecting her client’s privacy and in appropriate cases will discuss diverting cases to private arbitration for an additional layer of privacy.. Margaret’s clients span all incomes and circumstances, and she enjoys the challenge of problem-solving with them and planning for families that do not fit a traditional mold. She understands what is important to her clients and has handled cases involving difficult parenting issues such as addiction and mental health concerns. Every case is unique, but her clients’ safety is always a primary concern for Margaret; she is always cognizant of how legal decisions affect the everyday lives of her clients and their future.. Margaret is active in the King County legal community and previously served as the Chair of the King County Bar Association Family Law Section and has served as an Editor for the Washington Family Law Deskbook. She is also trained as a Guardian ad Litem for cases involving children. Prior to practicing family law, Margaret interned for the Honorable Timothy M. Burgess of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, as well as for the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations (now Alliance for a Just Society), the Northwest Women’s Law Center (now Legal Voice), and the Center for Reproductive Rights. While attending Northeastern University School of Law on a Dean’s Scholarship, she also served as a domestic violence advocate in Dorchester District Court in Boston.

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.