Top best Family Lawyers Near me in ZIP 98405

Tim Sutherland embodies the fiercely competitive state of his birth, and like that state, he hates to lose. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Tim was raised to believe that every problem has a solution; it just needs to be found. The legal experience Tim has gathered over the previous few years, combined with his natural determination and enthusiasm, makes him an ideal yet unusual attorney.. Tim grew up a military dependent in the United States Air Force and bounced around between several states before his father retired as an air traffic controller after twenty years of service to his country. After graduating from a military high school, Tim attended the University of California at Davis and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He made the Dean’s honor list and participated in the University’s Political Science Honor Program.. While in college, Tim also worked in Sacramento, the capitol of California, for the political arm of the National Rifle Association (NRA-ILA). His duties included tracking and interpreting legislative bills, assisting NRA members with various gun-related inquiries, and occasionally "working" at the firing range.. Tim also spent a summer abroad with his future wife, studying medieval warfare and history at Sterling University in Scotland. While there, he learned the real history behind the movie Braveheart, and visited numerous countries, including England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Austria.. Legal Experience. During Tim’s first year of law school, he worked for a premier boutique law firm in Southern California. Michel & Associates specializes in the areas of firearm law, criminal defense, and contract law. The firm represents such groups as the NRA, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and Second Amendment Foundation, and the California Association of Firearm Retailers. One of the firm’s original partners, Mr. Carmen "Nuch" Trutanich was recently elected Los Angeles City Attorney in 2009.. As a legal clerk for the firm, Tim handled a number of complex matters, including the drafting of an amicus curiae brief to a court of appeals explaining the legal and technical applications of California’s assault weapons laws. Tim spoke daily with the legal department of the firearm division to the California Department of Justice and worked closely with firearm clients.. Tim also assisted in a number of criminal defense matters relating to firearms, ranging from charges of possessing firearms that should have been classified as antiques, pen guns, and assault weapons. In addition to his firearm work, Tim worked on an assortment of other legal matters, including a first amendment freedom of express case, defamation case, and the incorporation of various business entities.. Following his time at Michel & Associates, Tim proceeded to work for the Domestic Violence division of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office (located near Portland, Oregon). Tim was entrusted with prosecuting the county’s restraining order violations and overseeing the county’s domestic violence deferment program, a program directed at the rehabilitation of domestic violence offenders. As part of the deferment program, Tim worked closely with various woman’s groups, battered women intervention programs, and shelters. In addition, Tim prosecuted physical assaults, cases of strangulation, and other incidents relating to domestic violence. Tim also had the opportunity to work on several felony cases, including prosecution for the sexual assault of a minor and a high profile organized crime capital murder case .. In addition to his work fighting for victims of domestic violence, while studying at Lewis & Clark School of Law, Tim focused on working with the National Crime Victim Law Institute [] (NCVLI), the first institute of its kind aimed at promoting crime victims with comprehensive and meaningful legal rights in the criminal justice system. Through NCVLI’s clinic, Tim helped draft a brief aimed at protecting the identity of a child victim in a criminal sex abuse case. In that same case, they vigorously protected the rights of the child from being forced to testify in open court in front of her offender. Tim also assisted victims of crime with enforcing their rights on appeal after their rights were denied at the trial court level.. Tim also has experience working for the public defender’s office, defending individuals accused of various misdemeanor crimes and has represented clients in an assortment of practice areas, including wrongful termination, real estate issues, and business copyright matters.. Tim currently resides in Tacoma with his lovely wife, two cats, and two rabbits. When Tim isn’t tirelessly working to advance the interests of his clients, he relaxes by exercising and playing softball, watching sports (baseball and hockey), watching Babylon 5 with his wife (the best sci-fi show ever created), and playing online strategy war computer games with his friends. He also helps his wife run her small business, you can see her beautiful art and jewelry at !. Bar Membership. Pierce County Bar Association, Member in Good Standing. Washington State Bar Association, Member in Good Standing. Organizations. The National Alliance of Victims' Rights Attorneys (NAVRA). Education. Juris Doctorate, Lewis & Clark School of Law, 2009. Bachelor of Arts, University of California at Davis,2006. Other Tidbits:. Favorite Books: The Rainmaker (John Grisham); Romance of the Three Kingdoms; The Rise & Fall of the Third Reich (William Shirer). Favorite Sports & Teams: Seattle Mariners (Baseball- American League); San Francisco Giants (Baseball- National League); San Jose Sharks (Hockey- Western Conference). Favorite Movies & Shows: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy; Monty Python & The Search For the Holy Grail; Braveheart; Godfather Trilogy; Batman Begins; Live Free or Die Hard; John Adams (HBO mini series); The Band of Brothers (HBO mini series); Babylon 5.. Favorite Music: Alternative Rock; Classic Rock.

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The Law Offices of Clayton R. Dickinson is a well-known Tacoma family law firm that represents clients throughout Washington. Armed with the abilities to tackle even the most complex divorce case, our team takes a thorough and proactive approach to resolving divorce, child support, property division and other related family law issues. Our lawyers will keep you informed, updated and make certain that you have what you need in order to make a smart decision.

Rita is a founding partner and CEO of McKinley Irvin. With an eye toward the future, Rita works with the firm's operating leadership to maintain McKinley Irvin’s commitment to excellence in law practice, client service, professionalism, and firm management. McKinley Irvin was founded in 1991, is the largest family law firm in the Pacific Northwest, one of the largest in the U.S., and has offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Everett, Issaquah, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Portland.. Rita has over 12 years of experience serving as a director on several boards. She has served on the Executive Committees of each board and has chaired the following committees: Governance, Development, and Collections.. At the University of Washington Tacoma, Rita serves on the Legal Pathways Community Advisory Board, and as a Dressel Scholars Mentor.

Riley’s strong desire for justice and fairness led her to the practice of law, where she strives to ensure her clients receive compassionate and meaningful representation. Prior to joining Bliss Law Group, Riley represented youth and young adults at a Pierce County non-profit civil law firm.. Growing up in a military family, she moved around to various locations, including North Carolina and Germany, until her family landed in Washington. She earned her B.B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University before attending Seattle University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2019. During her time in law school, she earned the Outstanding Recognition Award for her extensive pro bono work with civil rights, immigration, and juvenile law organizations. She also earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award and was selected as the QLAW Foundation Sher Kung Fellow.. As a mother to two young children, Riley is passionate about protecting the rights of children and families. Using creative strategies and transparent communication, Riley aims to provide holistic resources, information, and zealous advocacy that allow families to make well-informed choices for their future. She was recognized by the American Bar Association as the Fearless Children's Lawyer for April 2023.. During her spare time, Riley enjoys traveling with her family, volunteering with local youth and LGBTQ+ organizations, running a small jewelry-making business, and baking.

Our firm believes that everyone deserves exceptional legal representation. We strive to ensure that each client receives our very best and we are not afraid of tough cases. We serve Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston and King county residents. We offer discounts to all military service members. Please allow us to serve your legal needs.

Originally from the Boston area, Ken Levey has lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1980. He received his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1983 and received his law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1991. That same year Ken was sworn in as a member of the Washington State Bar. He opened his law practice in Tacoma in 1992.. Unlike many attorneys, Ken also is trained in collaborative law, represents families in CPS investigations and dependency actions, and has a great deal of experience and a high level of comfort dealing with the juncture of the military and family law.. Ken serves on the board of Agape Adoptions, an adoption agency emphasizing adoptions from China. He also serves on the board of Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County.

Mr. Wallis' aggressive practice emphasizes personal injury, criminal defense of innocent people and civil litigation.  Mr. Wallis worked as a federal extern for the Honorable Thomas Coffin, U.S. District Court.  From there he was hired by Bill Barton of Newport Oregon where Mr. Wallis helped secure millions of dollars in major medical malpractice claims.  This success launched Mr. Wallis into doing trial work here in Washington State where he runs the Wallis Law Firm, PLLC.   While practicing in King and Pierce County Mr. Wallis has been active with the Pierce County Bar Association, and American Inns of Court.  In the past, Mr. Wallis also worked as an expert biologist for the State of Washington and this experience now helps him tremendously in addressing legal issues involving medical malpractice or any other physical injury to his clients.

Morgan’s practice focuses on both family law and trust and estate disputes. She enjoys helping people handle issues that can feel insurmountable and finding an expeditious and efficient resolution. In the past, Morgan has represented businesses, individuals, and fiduciaries navigate litigation focusing on business, real estate, and trust and estate matters. Her broad-based experience helps inform her domestic relations practice and provides a strong foundation to help her clients find a better result.

Kelly LeBlanc has been practicing law for over 35 years.  She has been admitted to practice in five (5) jurisdictions and appeared on behalf of litigants at the state and federal level.   She served as an Administrative Health Law Judge with the Department of Health and worked as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Pierce County many years before joining Envision Family Law Group as Senior Counsel.  When the Court was faced with particularly difficult cases, Kelly was often designated to investigate and provide recommendations on how best to protect the interests of the child(ren) involved.. As a GAL, Kelly served as the court’s designated expert in hundreds of cases relating to child custody.  She was routinely subject to cross-examination in contested family law proceedings and experienced trial tactics by dozens of her colleagues both as a witness and advocate.   While serving as a Health Law Judge for the Department of Health, Kelly presided over licensing and disciplinary proceedings involving medical doctors, dentists, therapists and other health care providers facing charges under the Uniform Disciplinary Act.  In this role, Kelly was charged with the responsibility for making evidentiary rulings and ensuring fairness and integrity in conduct of proceedings.. Kelly has not only experienced what it feels like from the witness box, she has also experienced the challenges facing the fact finders in judicial proceedings.  Thus, Kelly understands the importance of preparing cases in a way that will afford her the ability to defend her work and recommendations down to the smallest detail and her experience as GAL provides her with a unique vantage point, or “head start”, from which to prepare her own clients.. When Kelly is in the courtroom, she dominates with her smart, direct and thorough legal arguments while maintaining the utmost professionalism.   Kelly tempers her natural perfectionism with efficiency, yet takes the time to ensure that her clients are well-informed throughout each aspect of the case.  Her skill and work ethic is widely respected within the legal community.  While serving as a neutral investigator, Kelly established herself as someone who could be trusted and along with that, developed good rapport with the Judges, Commissioners, and supporting staff.   Kelly has a wide range of experience which helps her formulate arguments, theories, and themes that resonate with the Court.   Kelly has a deep understanding of the issues confronting families during divorce and custody cases and can provide seasoned advice on how to address concerns with domestic violence, chemical dependency, or complex medical or mental health issues.  She has in-depth knowledge of programs and resources available through DSHS, JBLM Family Advocacy and a well-developed network of private resources who provide support and assistance for families and children facing difficult times.. Kelly and her husband came to Washington in 1995.  They have had the joy (“most of the time,” says Kelly) of raising six children but are now "empty nesters" and grandparents!  Three of her children still reside here in Washington so that made the transition from "full house" to a "much roomier (and generally cleaner) one" a little easier.   Kelly and her husband both enjoy cooking though she admits: “I like cooking even more when he does it.” During her leisure time, she loves hosting family and friends at social gatherings or taking off to go camping.  She also enjoys running, hiking, bicycling, hanging out with friends, and simply relaxing with a good book when she’s not working.. Don't forget to ask about Kelly's special reduced rates for active duty military members!

Joseph J. Loran was born in Tacoma, Washington and is a life-long resident of Pierce County. He has been practicing law in downtown Tacoma for over thirty years. Mr. Loran received his undergraduate degree in finance and economics from Washington State University and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University) School of Law.. Mr. Loran handles personal injury, family law, business and probate cases, and he provides estate planning services for his clients.. Mr. Loran represents several local businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. He has volunteered his time over the years serving as a board member for several non-profits.  He is the Co-Chair of the City of Tacoma's Parking Technical Advsory Group.. Mr. Loran is frequently hired as a mediator, and he also serves as a mediator for the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution and for Pierce County Superior Court. Mr. Loran was recently named as PCCDR's 2013 Settlement Conference Mediator of The Year.. Mr. Loran is a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington Mediation Association and the Washington State Association For Justice. Mr. Loran is licensed to practice in State and Federal Court.. Mr. Loran resides with his wife Nancy and they have three adult children. When he isn't practicing law, Mr. Loran enjoys boating, waterskiing, fishing, golf and supporting our local sports teams.

Jean M. Bouffard, Attorney at Law, provides real estate, contract and litigation legal services for businesses and individuals throughout the Puget Sound area. We offer aggressive, success oriented services at a competitive price. Our clients receive individualized attention, strategic planning and open lines of communication. Unlike the large law firms, where contract attorneys and litigators often work in completely separate departments, Jean Bouffard combines the skills of efficient contract preparation with the skills of successful contract litigation to offer clients the best of both legal services.

Janice Langbehn spent her first career in social work, primarily in Child Protective Services throughout Pierce, Thurston, and Lewis counties. During her 18-year career with the State of Washington, she worked with more than 1,000 children and families, while at the same time raising her own four adopted children and earning two Masters degrees in Social Work and Public Administration.. Upon retiring from social work Janice became an advocate for the LGBT community, seeking equal treatment for families in hospital visitations. In 2011 her work was recognized by President Barack Obama, who awarded her the second highest civilian honor in the country: the Presidential Citizen's Medal.. After five years as a Guardian ad Litem, Janice then set her sights on a career in family law. She attended Seattle University School of Law, completing her Juris Doctor in May 2018. While at law school Janice was involved in a number of school groups including co-president of the LGBT student law society, OUTLaws, president of the Student Bar Association, member of Moot Court Board, student editor of the Seattle Journal for Social Justice, and Student Bar Association Diversity Representative.. Janice currently serves on the Washington State Bar Association's Diversity Committee and is a member of that organization's Q-Law and Family Law section. She is a member of the American Bar Association, and the Pierce and King County Bar Associations.. Janice's service to families has been at the heart of her long career in the law, advocacy, and social work. She is committed to helping families navigate the complexities of family law, whether in high conflict custody matters, adoption, surrogacy, or dissolutions.

Jamie Walker is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Jamie was distinguished as a Washington “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers®  from 2013-2021, Super Lawyer from 2023-2024, and was listed in Best Lawyer's in America®  for 2021-2024. Jamie frequently gives presentations and releases publications on various family law topics. Jamie is experienced in a number of different family law practices, including divorce, collaborative divorce, custody, military family law, and more. With Jamie, you get an efficient, experienced, and caring attorney. In her own words, “I use every asset at my disposal to gain a positive result as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

I have adopted an income-based approach to legal fees I charge new clients. Every client is assessed at the first meeting to determine how much of a discount they will receive, and every client who has a household income less than $100,000 will receive a discount, some up to 40% off of my standard hourly rate.. This is my attempt to align hourly rates with what people can actually afford to pay, and even extends to the retainer, which is calculated based upon ten hours at the discounted hourly rate.. A brief bit about me.... I am the first person in my family to attend college and went into the Army right out of high school to see the world and figure out some way to pay for college. I was an intelligence analyst and viewed as one of the best in the world at my particular area. At age 22, I was delivering high level presentations to military leaders in Korea regarding the intelligence planning for major military exercises.. I left the military to attend college. I attended Seattle University where I majored in Finance and International Business. As I contemplated which path to take for grad school, I chose law school, viewing law school as a unique skill set that would benefit me in the corporate world.. During my second year of law school, I was hired by a large Canadian corporation that had purchased a business in Seattle and wanted someone to develop a strategic growth plan for the business unit. This led to a permanent job offer and a relocation to Toronto following graduation.. I left the company in 2002 and started my own practice in Tacoma. From the beginning, I have been committed to providing value to my clients through hard work, reasonable rates and desired results.. Today, my practice is focused on the following areas:. Family Law. Trusts and Estate. WIlls and Probate

I provide a variety of family legal services in need of quality affordable representation in the State of Washington. My practice areas include:  - Divorce & Legal Separation - Child Custody & Child Support - Modifications of Existing Orders - Relocation Actions - Paternity Actions - Emergency Custody - Legal Services for Unmarried Couples - CPS Investigations & Dependency Cases - Domestic Violence Actions My mission is to vigorously advocate for my clients while also offering much needed support as they endure one of life's toughest challenges - dealing with a family law issue.

I help families divorce with less conflict. My practice is focused solely on family law. I enjoy working with clients to navigate the difficulties of divorce as painlessly as possible.

I have a passion for my work. My goal is to get my clients their desired results without breaking the bank. I have two young children of my own. Therefore, I have a personal understanding of the toll family law litigation has on my clients and their families. I always keep this information in mind as I am working on behalf of my clients.

I grew up in Idaho but fell in love with the water, mountains, and trees of the Pacific Northwest during a legal internship in Tacoma. My wife and I moved here in 2017, and we have never looked back. I am a father to a young daughter who believes she owns the house and to a son who believes he owns his sister. I watches all sports with a ball and have even wandered into the realm of gymnastics due to my wife’s passion. On the weekends you can find me hiking rain, snow, or shine and cheering on local sports.. Now for the Boring Stuff:. Mr. Harris focuses primarily on family law. He aggressively advocates for his clients in and out of the court room. With years of navigating clients through difficult situations, Mr. Harris knows how important it is to be a supportive member in his clients’ legal journey. Before finding his passion in family law, Mr. Harris represented hundreds of clients during all aspects of their criminal defense matters, including but not limited to trial, domestic violence protection orders, and plea negotiations. Mr. Harris is well-liked and well-respected by his clients, colleagues, and other attorneys. He was selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.. Mr. Harris’ clients have found comfort knowing he effectively communicates with them, judges, and fellow attorneys in the community. When first meeting with him, clients are greeted with an attorney that wants to advocate for them. Through written advocacy, Mr. Harris successfully helps the Court understand the strengths in his clients’ positions before arriving in the court room. He understands that not every case is the same and there are often parties that do not want to take their cases into a courtroom.. He received a B.S. in Sociology and B.A. Spanish from the University of Idaho before being awarded his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law.

I believe my role as an attorney is to help my clients quickly, efficiently, and effectively resolve their disputes. As part of that, I am committed to keeping my clients informed, making sure they understand the process, the options available, and the potential risks and benefits of each option. Because most people are involved in very few lawsuits during their lifetime, I make sure each client is given the necessary guidance along the way.. I firmly believes in the value of resolving matters by agreement rather than through litigation. This allows the parties to craft more creative agreements, potentially maintain an amicable relationship even after the case is resolved, and typically costs far less than litigation. On the other hand, when necessary,I am fully prepared to advocate for my clients in court to protect their interests. I have experience handling family law cases, real estate matters, contract disputes, business and employment issues, and many others. For the past 10 years,  I have helped my clients reach successful resolution in these areas, through negotiation, litigation, and appellate work. I also act as a mediator to help parties reach an agreed resolution.

I am committed to providing quality, cost-effective representation in family law and personal injury matters. Whether you have an amicable case or are facing trial, I am ready to help. I have specific experience dealing with child protective services and the mental health system.

I am an experienced family law attorney dedicated to assisting people in closing chapters after challenging periods of their lives and moving forward. I am proud to bring my family law practice to Bliss Law Group where I am currently based in the Tacoma office and will work in the Olympia location when it opens. I am originally from Baguio City, Philippines, and I have been a part of the Seattle community since 1989.. With a career in family law dating back to 2006, my legal journey began at the University of Washington, followed by the Chicago-Kent School of Law. Growing up in a vibrant Filipino family influenced my career choice, and my interest in family law deepened through active participation in a legal clinic. I embrace the diverse challenges inherent in family law, finding fulfillment in helping individuals conclude one phase of their lives and embark on a new journey.. In cases involving children, I place a premium on fostering positive parenting relationships with former partners whenever possible. In situations where safety concerns arise, my focus shifts towards safeguarding the well-being of the children involved. I appreciate the supportive environment at Bliss Law Group and had the pleasure of collaborating with many team members prior to joining the firm. I was drawn to the firm’s modern approach to family law, emphasizing a team-oriented ethos in client interactions.. Married and the proud parent of an 8lb Yorkie/Maltese, during his free time, I enjoy biking and my goal is to participate in the Seattle to Portland Race for the second time this year. As a Pacific Northwest enthusiast, I relish the region’s hiking opportunities and I aspire to conquer the W Trail in Patagonia. With a passion for travel, I have traveled throughout Europe and Asia and explored the local food scenes from hawker markets in Kuala Lumpur to fine dining in New York City.. Inspired by Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, I admired Justice Marshall’s beginnings in community activism. As a Filipino American, this resonates deeply with me and has influenced my commitment to community engagement.

Hillary Dawn is proud to help people navigate what is often the most emotionally demanding experience of their lives: divorce.. "It’s fulfilling to see my clients come out on the other side of a divorce feeling empowered and in a better place than when they first came to me.”. Because Hillary is a mother of two young children, finding solutions that are in the best interests of the children in a divorce case is especially rewarding to her. She is committed to protecting the children from emotional damage in the process.. A deeply empathetic lawyer, she puts herself in her clients’ shoes and treats their cases as if they were her own family matters.. "I want my clients to know that I genuinely care about them, their children, and what happens with their case.”. Hillary is passionate about serving the LGBTQ community in family law matters. She understands the unique considerations involved in developing parenting plans for LGBTQ families, and is committed to protecting her clients’ parental rights when they are not biologically related to their children.. While Hillary is a relentless advocate in litigation, she strives to avoid it through skillful negotiation. Additionally, her experience in estate planning is a great asset in finding solutions to complicated family problems.. Hillary is an avid fan of the Washington Huskies and all other Seattle sports teams. She loves backpacking, snowboarding, and wakeboarding with her family.

Having experienced her parents’ divorce as a child, Margaret Quartararo has a deep understanding of the impact divorce has on a family. She identifies with her clients’ cases on a personal level."I relate to my clients’ struggles and will do everything in my power to help them recover their sense of security and peace of mind.”. Clients quickly learn that Margaret is steadfastly committed to their cases. While she strives to avoid conflict with the opposing party as much as possible, she is always prepared should litigation become necessary. She ensures her clients’ voices are heard and that their interests are well represented.. As an attorney in the firm’s Tacoma office, Margaret represents clients in all areas of family law, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, and parenting plan modifications. She is particularly skilled in helping parents navigate divorce in a way that protects the best interests of the children.. Margaret is a self-proclaimed “fair-weather” camper and hiker. She also enjoys baking, reading, needlepoint, and is teaching herself how to speak French.

Hannah Gurewitz delivers strong legal representation based on in-depth conversations with clients, and sound argument.  She presents her arguments with skill and poise. Her priority is always ensuring her clients are heard, whether in front of a commissioner, judge or mediator.  Hannah understands each family law case is different, and is prepared to deliver aggressive argument when necessary, or carefully crafted negotiation with the other party.  Hannah has a strong drive for ensuring clients have direct and honest communication about their rights.  She will provide all legal avenues available to you at each stage of the case so that you are well informed and feel confident in your legal decisions.. As an Oregon native, Hannah has spent her whole life in the Pacific Northwest.  She attended the University of Oregon Robert D. Clark Honors College, where she studied Spanish and Theatre Arts.  She decided to pursue a career in law after graduation, and worked at an immigration law firm where she helped many obtain legal residency in the United States. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband and their two cat-children, exploring local hiking trails, powerlifting, and tasting craft beers at Washington’s many breweries.