
My family law practice opened in Bellevue, WA in 2001. Since then, I have assisted hundreds of couples with family transitions. In my first twelve years, I represented clients at court hearings and trials but my preference was always to encourage settlement. The truth is litigation never felt like a right fit for me. Since 2013, my practice has been focused on helping people who want to stay out of court and negotiate resolutions to their family law matters.
I bring a holistic approach to the practice of law by blending practical ideas with legal solutions to produce enduring results. Every parent wants their separation to have minimal impact on their children. Numerous studies have shown that ongoing, unresolved conflict is the thing that damages children most. I want to support your efforts to manage conflict in a way that helps you and your children thrive.
Good communication is equally important when people are beginning or continuing relationships. Family law isn’t only about divorce and separation. I also work with clients on co-habitation, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Parties can clarify their intentions and expectations regarding management of finances and property ownership using these contracts. I believe that discussions about the elements of these contracts can lay a foundation for effective communication as the relationship grows.
My practice goal is simple - to change the world one thoughtful decision at a time.
Credentials
2007 – Mediation Training – King County Dispute Resolution Center; 2007 – Communication and Negotiation Skills for Collaborative Practitioners - King County DRC; 2007 – Basic Collaborative Law training- King County Collaborative Law; 2011 - Collaborative Law Intermediate Skills– Seattle CL Training Group; 2014 –Mediation/Conciliation Training – Bellevue Neighborhood Mediation Program; 2015 – Conflict Coaching - Robin Amadei at Bellevue Neighborhood Mediation Program; 2015 – Neuroscience and Law Practice – Mark Bauman, Attorney at Law; 2017 – Co-Parent Parent Coaching Training– Karen Bonnell, ARNP and ongoing mentoring program; 2020 Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts - CDFA certification; Juris Doctor degree – Southwestern Law School