I grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., went to Emory University in Atlanta and graduated from Boston College Law School in 1993. In 1992, I externed for The Honorable William L. Dwyer in U.S. District Court and decided to return to Seattle after graduation. I am an active volunteer in the Family Law bar community and fully understand what it takes to help clients through difficult divorce situations.
RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION
My style is very direct and clients can count on this when I talk with them, analyze the case strategy, negotiate with the other side, or argue in court. At every stage of the divorce process, you need a family law attorney who will give you solid and practical advice.
I do not represent clients who plan to use the court or me as a way to punish their spouses. An uncooperative and unnecessarily aggressive attorney will increase your bill. That said, if you find yourself on the receiving end of this type of divorce, I can help you. I have a strong record of courtroom success and negotiated settlements. My expertise lies in dealing with difficult personalities and finding creative solutions without increasing conflict. If an issue or case cannot be settled, then I will advocate your position to the court, in a focused, simple and effective manner.
PERSONALIZED FAMILY LAW SOLUTIONS
I understand the complex financial and parenting issues involved in a divorce from many perspectives. In addition to my family law experience, I have a strong professional background in commercial litigation and I am a divorced parent with two children. Sometimes the process goes relatively smoothly, and an agreement can be reached with a reasonable (and expected) level of dispute by both parties. However, in situations where there is high conflict over parenting and money, you will need an advocate who knows the law, knows the facts of your case, and is with you every step of the litigation process. In the end, you will have to live with the division of assets and debts, a Parenting Plan, and Order of Child Support.
TIME INVOLVED AND COST
It is difficult to project the time it will take to complete the divorce procedures. In King County, divorce trials are scheduled eleven months after filing, and the court will not enter a final decree until at least 90 days after filing. The time involved and cost of your case will depend on (1) the number and complexity of the contested issues, (2) the parties’ desire for litigation or compromise/settlement, and (3) your spouse’s lawyer’s desire for litigation. You can only control yourself.
PROMPT CLIENT SERVICE
Attorney/Client communication is key. You can expect that I will promptly return your phone calls and e-mails. I will answer your questions and explain to you what your options are. As your advocate during this emotional time, my job is to remain objective, stay focused on your best interests, and work diligently to help you pursue your objectives.
YOUR ROLE IN THE PROCESS
Family law involves several deadlines and lots of paperwork. If there is a deadline, you need to be available to respond so that I have the information necessary to write pleadings, declarations, or other court-ordered documents. This typically means that you will need to spend time identifying and gathering financial, educational, parenting, medical and employment information. I need this commitment from you in order to effectively analyze your situation, and raise all issues to your advantage.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Please feel free to call me or e-mail me with a good time to have a screening phone call. I will usually talk with you for about 10 to 15 minutes on the phone to determine if there are any conflicts and if we should meet. After that, I charge my hourly rate and will require an advanced fee deposit before I begin to work on any case.