Vashon Family Lawyers

Behind Jennifer Payseno’s calm and deliberate demeanor are the intellect and ability of one of Seattle’s finest family law attorneys. Affiliated with McKinley Irvin since 1999, Jennifer is highly regarded throughout the legal community for her integrity, courtroom skills, and unwavering commitment to every family she serves.

Bruce Pruitt-Hamm is an attorney who can litigate, mediate or collaborate.
Litigation- As an attorney with over 20 years experience, Bruce Pruitt-Hamm has been awarded the highest rating by the national lawyer-rating service, Avvo.com. Since graduating in 1994 from the University of Washington School of Law near the top of his class, he has litigated over one thousand cases in a wide variety of areas of the law. Bruce volunteers for the Washington State Bar Association’s “Moderate Means Program“, offering reduced rates to people of moderate means. Bruce’s standard rate is $280/hr.; but he offers discounts for those on legal insurance...

Rita is a founding partner and CEO of McKinley Irvin. With an eye toward the future, Rita works with the firm's leadership team to maintain McKinley Irvin’s commitment to excellence in law practice, client service, professionalism, and firm management. In addition to her work at McKinley Irvin, Rita is deeply involved in the Tacoma community and has served as a director on several local and professional boards. She currently serves on the Legal Pathways Community Advisory Board and as a Dressel Scholars Mentor at the University of Washington Tacoma. Additionally, Rita founded MI’s Black Law Student Mentorship Program where she...

Attorney Heather Forrler is the Managing Attorney at Compass Legal Services, P.S., a Kitsap County based law firm located in Silverdale and serving all of the county’s local communities, including Port Orchard, Bremerton, Silverdale, Seabeck, Kingston, Hansville, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and surrounding areas. She provides legal advice, consulting and full legal representation as an Estate Planning Attorney, Family Law Attorney, Divorce Lawyer as well as supporting new business startup and incorporation, including serving as Registered Agent for domestic corporations registered with the Secretary of State in Washington State.
Attorney Forrler started in the legal field as a legal assistant in...

I've been practicing family law in Pierce County since 2006, including divorces, custody, child support, modifications. I handle contested cases, agreed cases, and collaborative cases.

Stacey Smythe joins Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny firm with over 24 years of legal experience, focusing in Family Law, Estate planning and Probate. Stacey Smythe graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor of arts in Business Administration and Sociology. She received her Juris Doctorate from University of Puget Sound School of Law in 1991, nka Seattle University School of Law. Ms. Smythe is committed to an open line of communication with her clients and recognizes the need to keep clients fully informed of all aspects of their case. Ms. Smythe...

Debra Synovec, founder of Whole Mediation, Inc., provides skillful mediation services in Seattle, Washington. Whole Mediation offers clients a progressive, productive, and peaceful process to resolve family challenges and create a more balanced, empowering approach to conflict resolution. Debra ‘s mediation and divorce consulting practice primarily concentrates in: divorce, premarital and post-marital agreements, parenting plans, cohabitation and LGBT dissolutions, estate planning, estate administration and small business disputes.?? Debra combines her unique skills acquired as an attorney, CPA and social worker to pragmatically and compassionately help clients address the legal, financial and emotional...

Kelsey Morfitt is a former United States Air Force attorney and hails from Enumclaw, Washington.

Kelsey graduated magna cum laude from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington and majored in Spanish and Political Science. She graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington while serving as a member of Gonzaga Law Review and interning for the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, Washington State Attorney General’s Office Social and Health Services Division, Washington State Senate Committee Services, and the Chambers of Judge Robert Whaley in federal district court. Kelsey also completed service projects in Honduras with...

Attorney Cheryl Van Ackeren is passionate about protecting the rights of service members and ensuring that veterans get the benefits they deserve.
Long before graduating from Seattle University’s School of Law, Cheryl knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Cheryl enlisted in the Army at 18 to achieve her goal and hoped to take advantage of the “green to gold” program to become an officer, and eventually, a Judge Advocate General. Cheryl’s military career began in the signal corps with the 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood, Tx. Her enlistment included a 15 month deployment to Iraq during the early days of...

Devoted. Prepared. Accessible. Compassionate. Michelle Dellino is the managing attorney at Dellino Family Law Group. At Dellino Family Law Group our practice is results oriented and heavily focused on client communication. We excel at providing aggressive representation when needed or solutions borne of a cooperative approach when appropriate. We provide non-judgmental and efficient representation with an emphasis on achieving client goals through immediate problem solving. The firm was founded by Michelle and on her belief that there is, very simply, a solution to every problem. Her personal practice focuses on complex family law matters including high conflict cases, domestic...

Ms. Rich is a Seattle transplant and a Boeing spouse. She is the first person in her family to go to college or to receive a professional degree.
Ms. Rich has been a lawyer in the Puget Sound area since 2007. Ms. Rich's passion for helping families led her to becoming a Guardian ad Litem for King and Pierce Counties.
Ms. Rich is a mother of two girls (and the guardian of three cats). When not helping her clients, she is busy being a mom. Ms. Rich can be found at her daughter's soccer games or...

Brien Galbraith is an associate attorney with Integrative Family Law. Brien accomplishes his clients’ goals by way of positive communication. By speaking with his clients regularly and in detail, Brien is able to understand their goals and set out on a path to achieve them. Brien is experienced in a number of different areas of family law, including custody, support, divorce, relocation, LGBT family law, and more.

I became a lawyer when I was 39 years old. I wanted to be a voice for people who could not obtain justice without a forceful dedicated advocate. I am committed to the highest standards when representing a client. The practice of law is challenging, interesting, and exciting. The art of practicing law requires knowledge, dedication, experience, imagination, persistence and hard work to obtain justice and the best possible result in each case. Each client warrants such an advocate.

Since the day that she became an attorney, Danielle LaBelle has focused her career on family law. Today, her goal is simple: to help families dealing in critical legal circumstances get the patient, caring, and professional guidance that they need. “I want my clients to feel like their voice was heard and their interests were well-represented,” she said.

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....

Through my work in criminal defense and family law, I understand the impact legal proceedings can have on families. I am committed to guiding clients through these difficult times. My approach to representation is based in compassion, kindness, and understanding.

Awarded "Best of 2018 Tacoma Divorce Lawyer." I have been a lawyer for over 28 years, because I thoroughly enjoy helping others. From January 2011 to April 2013, I served as a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner. I presided over family law, probate/estate, guardianship, mental illness, juvenile court, landlord tenant, mortgage foreclosure, and other matters. I chose to leave the bench and to return to private practice. I missed directly helping others. I still occasionally serve as a Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore.

I assist my clients primarily with divorce, legal separation, child custody, and child support issues....

Stacy Heard is an attorney who practices exclusively family law in Seattle, Washington. Stacy has served clients for nearly 20 years in the Seattle area. Prior to and during law school, Stacy worked as a family law and civil litigation paralegal for 7 years. Her broad experience in family law includes cases involving complex financial issues, parenting plan/child custody issues, relocation, restraining orders, and child support issues. Prior to starting her own practice in 2005, she worked at a large Seattle civil litigation firm where she also gained valuable negotiation and litigation experience. Stacy chose to practice family law because she...

Divorce and Child Custody: These are powerful words with powerful consequences. Established on the eastside of Lake Washington since 1973, my firm provides clients with vigilant and professional representation. As an experienced family law attorney, I will provide you with sound advice and guidance to resolve your family law issues. At the outset of my representation on your behalf, we will work together to analyze your issues, possible solutions, and the chance of success of each course of action available. We will then work as partners to devise the best strategy to achieve your goals. Success in family law...

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...

Peter W. Mogren was born in Seattle, Washington, May 20, 1955; admitted to Washington bar, 1981; also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington. Employed at Mogren, Glessner & Ahrens, P.S. since 1980, and managing partner since 1987. Preparatory education, Seattle Pacific University (B.A. 1977); legal education, University of Oregon (J.D. 1980). Fraternity: Christian Legal Society. Member: Seattle-King County, South King County and Washington State Bar Associations. A CLC and ValueOptions Referral Attorney. Peter enjoys running (5K's), skiing (water and snow) and working with his church youth group

Seattle Divorce Services is dedicated to conflict resolution in complex cases. Our Seattle divorce attorneys believe that our clients are best served by an approach that reduces fighting and allows for agreement building. In high-conflict cases, our Seattle divorce mediation lawyers work to avoid escalating hostility. This approach is designed to reduce the trauma of the divorce experience and prepare clients to move forward in life, also setting the stage for more successful co-parenting.

Susan has worked as a family law attorney for over a decade handling all areas of divorce and custody cases. Additionally, she has spent many years as a Guardian ad Litem in Washington. This role required hard work and dedication. During that time, she was called as an expert in several trials. She was subject to cross-examination and highly regarded by judges. As a result, she can process complex situations quickly.

In addition to her experience, Susan takes a realistic approach with her clients. She will provide you with information to make good decisions...

Brian Edwards started his career in clinical psychology, where he often served as a court-appointed counselor for mentally ill patients. With his listening and conflict resolution skills, honed through his years as a therapist, and because he’s driven by a desire to help people who are going through difficult transitions, he chose to become a family law attorney. He has significant trial experience and is particularly knowledgeable in non-parental custody matters. He feels most gratified when he can improve the welfare of children.

Roger Schweinler has over 25 years of experience in handling family law matters in Pierce County.

Roger is dependable and reliable, and provides a comforting atmosphere for his clients. He is experienced in litigating complex dissolution cases, as well as highly conflicted custody cases. He is also aware that dispute resolution can be a beneficial tool in reaching amicable settlements.

He is extremely well qualified in the mediation of family law issues. Mr. Schweinler's overall goal is to provide competent and reliable representation in order to obtain the best possible results for his clients.

Andrew has been a member of the Washington State Bar Association for over 15 years and is an associate attorney at Envision Family Law. For the past decade, he has exclusively practiced in the area of family law to include divorce and custody cases. His wide-ranging background of litigation experience is extensively combined with years of knowledge as a skilled mediator.

Prior to entering law school, Andrew graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in political science. From there, he continued his journey into the legal profession at the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating at the top 10% of...

David Starks is a partner at McKinley Irvin and practices out of the firm’s Kirkland office. David is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers as well as the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has been designated to the list of “Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State,” Washington Super Lawyers®, rated 10/10 “Superb” on Avvo, and was chosen as "Lawyer of the Year" in the field of Family Law by Best Lawyers two times. David is driven by a passion for his client’s success and always fights to protect their best interests.

At Tsai Law Company, we have over 45 years of combined legal experience in the area of Divorce and Family Law in Washington State. Our law practice is concentrated in: divorce, determination of child custody, child support, parenting plan modifications, alimony, litigation, and the primary residential placement of children. Philip received his Juris Doctor Degree, cum laude, from Seattle University School of Law in 1997. Philip is a Member of the Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association, Snohomish County Bar Association, Pierce County Bar Association and is a Family Law Section Member in King County. Philip has exclusively...

Shana E. Thompson has achieved success by listening carefully, understanding her clients’ long-term objectives, and helping resolve dissolutions as amicably and expeditiously as possible.For the past 17 years, Shana E. Thompson has been proudly serving individuals in family law cases throughout the cities of Seattle, Everett, and Kent.

Her client base has been built on hard work and determination that has allowed her to become what she is today. She takes great pride in providing top-level service and promises your complete satisfaction when you choose her to handle your legal needs. Shana and her team...

Lindsay Noel is an attorney at McKinley Irvin’s Puyallup and Tacoma offices. As a divorce and family law attorney, Lindsay is experienced in a wide range of legal issues, such as custody, support, relocation, military family law, LGBT family law, and more.

Lindsay D. Camandona is a Partner at McKinley Irvin, the Pacific Northwest's premier family law firm. As a family-oriented person herself, Lindsay is able to identify with her clients and treat their cases as if they were her own. In Lindsay’s own words, “It is my priority to achieve a successful resolution my clients can live and be happy with.”

Janet George is widely recognized as one of the top family law attorneys in the state of Washington. She limits her practice to complex, high asset and high income cases, including those involving property characterization, business valuations, and the distribution of multi-million dollar estates. She has represented high net worth individuals across different fields, including business owners, corporate executives, legal and medical professionals, and professional athletes. Janet has received the top honors of her field. She has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) since 1992, serving as President of the Washington AAML chapter from 1997 to...

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...

Mark graduated from Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) in 1974 with a B.A. in History. He then attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (San Francisco, California) where he was the Articles Editor of Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal, and graduated in 1977 with a Juris Doctor degree. Mark was an instructor at the University of Puget Sound, School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) from 1977 to 1979 before entering private practice in Seattle. He is admitted to practice in California as well as Washington. He is also admitted to...

Elizabeth A. Hoffman-Graff is an Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin’s Kirkland office. She practices in all areas of family law, including divorce, domestic violence, unmarried couples, LGBT family law, and more. Elizabeth has been distinguished as a Super Lawyer by Washington Super Lawyers due to her experience, reputation, and consistently exceptional client service.

Kevin G. Rundle is a well-established and highly respected Family Law Attorney, zealous advocate for his clients, and Commissioner Pro Tempore (temporary/fill-in Court Commissioner) for the Pierce County Superior Court (since 2011 in good standing).

As a family law attorney with Envision Family Law Group, Kevin focuses his practice on complex family litigation, domestic violence litigation, and sexual assault litigation. Prior to joining Envision Family Law Group, Kevin served as Director of the Legal Services Program for the YWCA Pierce County from 2005 through 2015 and an attorney with same beginning 2004 through 2015. Prior to employment with the YWCA, Kevin...

J. Blake Hilty is an associate attorney at McKinley Irvin, one of the region’s premier divorce and family law firms. Blake practices at the firm’s Bellevue and Seattle offices. Blake is committed to maintaining the balance between aggressive representation and compassionate client service. He handles a wide range of family law cases, from child custody and support to military and LGBT family law. Blake is a member of the Washington State Bar Association (Family Law Section) and the King County Bar Association (Family Law Section).