Child Custody lawyers in Washington Heather Swann to Mark Gouras

Explore Washington attorneys like Heather Swann, Jamie Walker, Jason Benjamin, Jenna Hatch, Jennifer Forquer, Jonathan Bisceglia, Juliana Wong, and Mark Gouras. in cities like Tacoma, Seattle, Seattle, Seattle and Kent. These attorneys specialize in Child Custody in Zip codes like 98418, 98403, 98032.
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.7 out of 5

Heather Swann

Firm: HAY & SWANN PLLC
201 S 34th St , Tacoma , Washington 98418
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce
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.
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“f my case and offered clear, practical guidance that helped me feel confident and informed every ste”
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“I endorse this lawyer. Heather was my opposing counsel on a very contentious and unusual matter. She did an excellent job advocating for her client, both in writing and orally, and…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Jamie Walker

Firm: Jamie Walker Family Law
2312 N. 30th St. , Tacoma , Washington 98403
Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Support, Child Custody, Family, Arbitration, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
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.”
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“th her knowledge, even keeled and pragmatic approach, that I knew I had to hire her no matter the co”
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“I endorse this lawyer.”
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“Ron Nerio and his team - Vanessa and Kendra helped us with guardianship of our granddaughter. They did an amazing job. It is a complex case, during a very difficult time. There is …”
— aaron bedker
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Marguerite Smith

1215 Fourth Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98161
Practice Areas: Divorce, Business, Child Custody, Mediation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
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:
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“e as my attorney then I might have lost greatly. I am thankful that I made the right choice in choo”
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“Maggie and I are members of the KCBA Business law section. She has a strong business acumen which she uses seamlessly in all areas of her practice. I've admired the way she has dev…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.4 out of 5

Margaret Fitzpatrick

Firm: Puget Sound Family Law
1734 NW Market Street , Seattle , Washington 98107
Practice Areas: Divorce, Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
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“scussed at meetings prior. I have not had one invoice from Margaret Fitzpatrick that states where my”
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“Margaret is a relentless advocate on behalf of her clients. She is thorough, prepared, and most importantly she delivers results for her clients. I worked with Margaret for several…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 3.8 out of 5

Margaret Brost

Firm: Gravis Law, PLLC
1800 Cooper Point Road SW Suite 18 , Olympia , Washington 98502
Practice Areas: Adoption, Child Custody & Visitation, Child Support, Divorce, Family , Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody, Child Custody
Ms. Brost started her professional career in nursing, and continued to military social work. She has worked as a family counselor, drug/alcohol specialist, and Guardian ad Litem. With over 25 years of experience as a family law attorney, she is an experienced litigator of cases involving significant assets and/or serious allegations of abuse. She utilizes her broad base of knowledge and experience to obtain successful outcomes for her clients and their families.
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“s against you.”
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“I have known and worked with Margaret the entirety of my legal career. Margaret is well prepared, determined and effective in her approach to litigation as well as settlement negot…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Margaret Bender

777 108th Ave Ne Ste 2240 , Bellevue , Washington 98004
Practice Areas: Child Custody
Our company has been responsible for providing outstanding service for over 20 years. Our specialty is in the areas of family law and wills.  We are an experienced team with Diana Kershner as our paralegal with over ten years of experience. Jessica Burton has four years of paralegal experience with our office.  Our regular customers particularly value the results that we provide for them and come back to us if they need help with new issues.
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“d not stop me in any way. She took the time to learn how I communicated so she was able to communica”
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“I endorse this lawyer's work. She is an excellent trial attorney. She is always on time with deadlines, produces a trial brief that portrays the client's story, and is skilled on c…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Leslie Irwin

14058 2nd Ave Nw , Seattle , Washington 98177
Practice Areas: Domestic Violence, Family, Child Custody, Family, Family, Family, Family
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.
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“I’m a dv and TBI survivor and I met with her for a CS modification. Leslie is compassionate, carin”
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“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 …”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.0 out of 5

Laura Carlsen

Firm: Carlsen Law Offices, PLLC
1001 Yakima Avenue , Tacoma , Washington 98405
Practice Areas: Child Custody
Every client who walks in the door has a different life story, so I never know what the day will bring. Emotions often run high in our type of practice, and it is a challenge for family law attorneys to strike the appropriate balance between compassion and empathy on one hand, and calm objectivity on the other. But, that is precisely what we must do. In family law, we deal with real people, not faceless corporations. For me, it is much more satisfying to help families during the most difficult times in their lives.
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“as totally ghosted. No invoices were ever received and they took my retainer funds. Tried to get in”
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“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Kimberly Powell

Firm: Pacific Northwest Family Law
1359 Columbia Park Trai , Richland , Washington 99352
Practice Areas: Child Custody
Ms. Powell was admitted to the State Bar of Washington and is attorney of Pacific Northwest Family Law. Ms. Powell is a dedicated and compassionate attorney focusing on all aspects of family law, including divorce, separation, custody, child support, division of property, relocation actions and spousal maintenance (alimony), and other family law related matters.
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“mistakes along the way, we should have fired her within the first month. But we hung in there and t”
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“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Kelly LeBlanc

Firm: Envision Family Law
1201 Pacific Ave, Suite 1503 , Tacoma , Washington 98402
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Military Law, Divorce, Child Support, Alimony, Family, Prenuptials
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!
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“had the strongest possible safeguards. Through this journey, we became acutely aware of significant”
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“Prior to working as an attorney at Envision Family Law Group, Kelly was known for being the best family law Guardian ad Litem in Pierce County. She is highly respected by both the …”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.9 out of 5

Karin Quirk

Firm: The Quirk Law Group, PLLC
520 Kirkland Way , Kirkland , Washington 98033
Practice Areas: Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Alimony, Family, LGBT+, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
Supportive, Considerate, Sensible, Constructive, Mutual.. Save Money, Time, Emotional Trauma, and preserve your privacy!. Karin Quirk is an experienced attorney focusing on settling dissolutions in a non-adversarial manner that allows the couple to move on with their lives with as little emotional baggage as possible. Fast, Fair, and Effective, putting you in control of the outcome.
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“e ignored every email and question from me. If you want I pay close to $10k for a spreadsheet you fi”
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“I have known Karin since the 2000s just as the collaborative movement and the King County Collaborative law movement settled down into its permanent meeting location in downtown Se…”
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“Karin Quirk and Jodie Levy both worked on my divorce and custody case over the last two years. I had hoped my divorce would end amicably, however, it did not. Karin and Jodie were …”
— Devon Albright
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.6 out of 5

Juliana Wong

Firm: Dellino Family Law Group
1011 Western Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98104
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support
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.
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“Ms Wong was an AMAZING advocate for my children. She believed in me as a father from day one and she”
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“I endorse this lawyer.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Jonathan Bisceglia

510 W Riverside, Suite 300 , Spokane , Washington 99201
Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Family, Family, Family
My practice focuses on family law, civil litigation, commercial litigation, and appeals. Before becoming a litigator, I clerked with the Superior Court Commissioners.
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“an’t thank him enough.”
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“Jon is an excellent attorney. He puts the work in and I wholeheartedly recommend him.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Jennifer Forquer

Firm: Meridian Family Law, PLLC
901 Fifth Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98164
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce, Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody
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.
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“Jennifer was outstanding in guiding me through the legal process of my divorce. While difficult at t”
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“Jennifer and I have worked together more and more over the last few years, focusing on Collaborative work. She is an incredible asset to the Collaborative Community and the intelli…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 5.0 out of 5

Jenna Hatch

430 W. Indiana , Spokane , Washington 99205
Practice Areas: Divorce, Mediation, Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
Jenna Hatch is an attorney at Hatch Law. Jenna’s practice encompasses selective criminal law cases and all areas of family law with a focus on mediation. Each year, Hatch Law mediates and settles hundreds of family law disputes. Jenna is equally comfortable either mediating or litigating contentious and complex dissolutions. Jenna is a Spokane native and received her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and ethics from Washington State University before graduating cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. Prior to joining Hatch Law, Jenna worked as an intern at the Spokane City Prosecutor’s Office. Outside of work, Jenna is an avid football fan (Go Cougs!) and keeps active in a variety of outdoor activities.
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“I hired Jenna for my divorce and never having been through a divorce, I didn't know anything. She w”
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“Jenna is an excellent mediator and litigator. She is a problem solver and help clients in both mediation and litigation achieve the best results for their situation. She isn't afra…”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Jason Benjamin

Firm: Envision Family Law
One Union Square , Seattle , Washington 98101
Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Family, Child Support, Prenuptials, Alimony, Uncontested Divorce, LGBT+, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation, Divorce & Separation
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.
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“pent the next three days calling everyone and anyone I could find trying to seek counsel to help me”
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“I know Jason both as opposing counsel in previous cases and now as an attorney in his firm, Envision Family Law. I endorse him enthusiastically.”
Avvo Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Mark Gouras

Firm: Gouras Law Firm, PLLC
6703 S. 234th Street , Kent , Washington 98032
Practice Areas: Child Custody
I am a native of Seattle.  I practice exclusively in family law in King county. I have been chosen by my peers as one of Washington’s best family law lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America, 27th Ed.  I have also been designated as a Super Lawyer for 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 through a process that includes peer review and that recognizes only 5% of the attorneys in each state.  I limit the number of cases that I will take at any one time.  The quality of my work and achieving an efficacious outcome for my clients are my primary focus.
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“I defended myself. But at the end of the day all I wanted was to be able to be around my girls son a”
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“I have worked on opposing sides with Mr. Gouras. Mr. Gouras is hardworking, honest and compassionate towards the needs of his clients. I highly endorse his work.”
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“Mark Gouras is an absolute pleasure to work with. I have ongoing custody issues, and Mark has made the process seem simplified and refined. I appreciate his attention to detail and…”
— Andrew Heydon
Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Kim L. Schnuelle

Firm: McKinley Irvin
1501 4th Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101
Practice Areas: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Unmarried Couples
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“Kim is smart, thorough, experienced, and effective.”
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Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.8 out of 5

Laura Anne Carlsen

Firm: McKinley Irvin
1011 East Main , Puyallup , Washington 98372
Practice Areas: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence, Adoptions, Unmarried Couples
Lawyers.com Review
“Great writer. Great oral advocate. Exceptional attention to detail. Professional always. Reflects the best in civility.”
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Lawyers Rating: Rated 4.3 out of 5

Lindsay Camandona

Firm: McKinley Irvin
1201 Pacific Avenue , Tacoma , Washington 98402
Practice Areas: Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence, Unmarried Couples, Gay and Lesbian Family Law, Military Divorce
Lawyers.com Review
“Lindsay is an excellent attorney. Her judgment and social skills are superior to many other attorneys. She attempts to diffuse volatile cases instead of adding to the problems.”
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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.