Family Law Attorneys in Seattle, WA

Seattle parents working through custody, divorce, or support cases file in King County courts. A Washington-licensed family law attorney serving Seattle will discuss your options at no charge.

Free to use — fees quoted upfront, before you commit
Matched with a Washington attorney in 24 hours
30,000+ plaintiffs served nationwide

Free Seattle family law case review

A Washington attorney will take a look. Or call 1-833-WELEGAL.

By submitting, you agree that DearLegal and the attorneys or law firms we connect you with may contact you by phone and email about your inquiry, including by automated technology.

DearLegal is not a law firm and will not provide legal advice. DearLegal connects users to licensed attorneys.

How we match your Seattle family law case

When you submit a Seattle family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Washington law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Washington who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

Start my free case review How DearLegal works

DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.

Family Law cases in Seattle

More about legal help in Seattle →

Divorce and custody cases in Seattle often involve stock compensation from tech employers, a home that has multiplied in value, and parents living on opposite sides of Lake Washington. These matters are heard in King County family courts. Washington is a community property state, so property acquired during marriage is generally divided fairly, and parenting plans are built around the child’s needs rather than a default schedule. DearLegal matches you with a Washington-licensed attorney who handles family law cases in Seattle, and the first review is free.

Seattle divorces frequently involve dividing stock awards and a highly appreciated home.
Family law cases are heard in King County courts, with parenting plans tailored to each child.
Custody arrangements often span Seattle and the Eastside, requiring practical cross-lake schedules.

Washington family law rules at a glance

Seattle cases run under Washington law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Washington page.

Read the full Washington family law guide →

Residency Requirement: Resident
Resident at filing — no minimum duration (RCW § 26.09.030); 90-day waiting period from service
Property Division System: Community Property
Community Property — all property (community and separate) divided as just and equitable (RCW § 26.09.080)
Custody Standard: Parenting plan
Parenting plan with residential schedule under best-interests factors (RCW § 26.09.184, § 26.09.187)
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares
Income Shares model — RCW § 26.19
Spousal Support Framework: Maintenance
Maintenance under RCW § 26.09.090 — court discretion across statutory factors
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Seattle family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Washington · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Washington are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Washington are not handled on contingency. Washington Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a dissolution or on the amount of maintenance, support, or property settlement. Washington family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under RCW § 26.09.140.

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

Start my free case reviewTakes about two minutes. No obligation.

Exhibit F

Seattle family law questions, answered

Still unsure? Tell us what happened and a Washington attorney will review it for free.

Start free review

Divorces for Seattle residents are filed in King County court, and Washington requires a waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Either spouse living in Washington is generally enough to file. An attorney can explain the timeline and what happens in the meantime.

Restricted stock and options earned during the marriage are typically community property, even if they vest later, and courts often use a formula based on when they were granted and when they vest. Valuing and dividing them correctly matters, especially with large tech employers, so experienced counsel is valuable.

Washington uses parenting plans instead of traditional custody labels. The plan sets the residential schedule, decision-making authority, and dispute resolution method. King County courts expect detailed, workable plans, and an attorney can help you propose one that reflects your child’s needs and your actual schedules.

At minimum, 90 days from service — Washington’s waiting period under RCW § 26.09.030. Uncontested divorces typically finalize at or shortly after 90 days. Contested cases generally take 9–18 months in busy metros like King County.

Yes — Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under RCW § 26.09.030. Fault is not considered for the divorce or for property division.