David Starks

David Starks

Partner at McKinley Irvin
  • Family Law, Divorce
  • Oregon, Washington
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Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography

I, David Starks, am honored to hold distinctions such as Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, recognition among the Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, inclusion in *The Best Lawyers in America*, and acknowledgment as a Washington Super Lawyer.

While public accolades are meaningful, I focus on being a strategic thinker, a dedicated advocate, and someone who values personal connections. I firmly believe that “law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things.” I strive to demonstrate that belief daily by representing clients in a variety of divorce cases, including those involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests. I also handle complex family law matters, such as international divorce and child custody.

Whether I’m at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, I am committed to “going the distance” to achieve outcomes that align with my clients’ best interests. I approach every case with compassion and respect.

Around the office, I’m known for my ability to connect with clients and for my willingness to mentor younger attorneys. I take pride in handling even the most challenging cases with confidence and care.

Practice Areas
Family Law
Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Paternity, Same Sex Family Law
Divorce
Collaborative Law, Contested Divorce, Military Divorce, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Contact for more information
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Oregon
Oregon State Bar
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Washington
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Partner
McKinley Irvin
- Current
Education
University of Southern Indiana
B.A. | English
Honors: Cum Laude
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Seattle University School of Law
J.D. (1998)
Honors: Cum Laude
Seattle University School of Law Logo
Awards
Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
Super Lawyers
Top 100: Washington Super Lawyers: 2012, 2014 - 2025
Washington Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Selected to Super Lawyers since 2010
Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers
Recognized since 2012
Lawdragon 500 Leading Family Lawyers
Lawdragon
Ranked Band 1 in High Net Worth Guide for Family/Matrimonial in Washington
Chambers
"Lawyer of the Year" in the field of Family Law, Seattle Metro Area
Best Lawyers
Awarded in 2022 and 2024
"Lawyer of the Year" in the field of Family Law, Seattle Metro Area
Best Lawyers
Awarded in 2022 and 2024
Professional Associations
American Bar Association
Member
Current
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Washington State Bar Association
Member
Current
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King County Bar Association
Member
Current
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King County Bar Association's Judicial Screening Committee
Member
Current
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Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Committee
Member
Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML)
Fellow and Certified Mediator
Current
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International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML)
Fellow
Current
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American College of Family Trial Lawyers
Diplomate
Current
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American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), Washington Chapter
President
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
International Family Law - Chapter 71
SBA Continuing Legal Education
International Family Law
Washington Family Law Deskbook
Speaking Engagements
International Family Law: The Hague Convention, King County Bar Association CLE
Family Law Bootcamp, Washington State Bar Association
Nuts and Bolts of Family Law, King County Bar Association
Family Enterprises in Distress: Issues to Consider, American Bar Association CLE
For Better or Worse: International Issues in Marriage and Divorce, American Bar Association CLE
Innovations, Breaking Boundaries in Custody Litigation, AAML / University of Texas
Conclusion of Case, Final Pleadings, Trial Preparation, Dissolution from A-Z, King County Bar Association CLE
Complex Assets: Finding, Valuing and Dividing, Top Challenges in Washington Family Law, National Business Institute
Family Assessments: From Errors to Excellence, Washington AFCC 9th Annual Conference
Websites & Blogs
Website
McKinley Irvin - David Starks
Website
McKinley Irvin - Kirkland
Contact & Map
McKinley Irvin
Bellevue Office
10900 NE 4th Street
Suite 2220
Bellevue, WA 98004
US
Telephone: (425) 329-3861
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Everett Office
2825 Colby Avenue
Suite 306
Everett, WA 98201
US
Telephone: (425) 276-6878
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Kirkland Office
10220 NE Points Drive
Suite 330
Kirkland, WA 98033
US
Toll-Free: (425) 230-6906
Telephone: (425) 588-3700
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Portland Office
111 SW Columbia Street
Suite 1315
Portland, OR 97201
US
Telephone: (503) 395-0244
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Puyallup Office
1011 E Main
Suite 456
Puyallup, WA 98372
US
Telephone: (253) 271-4605
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Renton Office
707 S. Grady Way
Suite 600
Renton, WA 98057
US
Telephone: (425) 400-5900
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Seattle Office
601 Union Street
Suite 3030
Seattle, WA 98101
US
Telephone: (206) 397-0399
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Tacoma Office
1201 Pacific Ave.
Suite 2000
Tacoma, WA 98402
US
Telephone: (253) 256-1265
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
McKinley Irvin
Vancouver Office
1111 Main Street
Suite 300
Vancouver, WA 98660
US
Telephone: (360) 830-6961
Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed