Burton Family Lawyers

Joy Lee Barnhart graduated from University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1981. After working as an independent contractor primarily doing family law, she started her private practice in the 1990s. Since then, she has worked in estates and probate, guardianships, and consumer and small business bankruptcies. Her current work focuses on consumer bankruptcies and guardianships, and she continues to offer estate planning and probate services. She also does pro bono work through King County Volunteer Legal Services. When she is not working, Ms. Barnhart is active in her faith community and has served...

Theresa Lorella became an attorney to help people find their voices in difficult and emotional circumstances. While she is a strong advocate in litigation, Theresa believes in reducing conflict whenever possible. She is specially trained in collaborative law and serves as a neutral mediator in settlement conferences. Theresa has significant experience representing clients in the technology industry and in high value asset cases involving real estate, work-related benefits, and stock award division. As a trained guardian ad litem (GAL), she is effective in cases involving parenting plans and nonparental custody.

Experience Matters!

I am a native of Seattle. I practice exclusively in family law in King and Pierce counties. In addition to being a practicing attorney, I also sit as a Commissioner Pro Tem (temporary commissioner) in King County. In Pierce County, I also sat as a Commissioner Pro Tem from 2015 to 2016. I limit the number of cases that I will take at any one time. The quality of my work and achieving an efficacious outcome for my clients are my primary focus.

I am experienced in interstate and international child custody cases. I focus...

My practice is devoted exclusively to family law. I know how emotional litigation and negotiations can be. I'll help you make good choices especially when the process is taxing.

I stay current in family law and precedents. So I'll make you aware of every legal advantage open to you in plain terms.

I'm a resourceful attorney. I consider all available legal avenues, including mediation and arbitration. So you get a fair ruling at the lowest cost.

Call me for a phone consultation now, free of charge, to put your mind at ease, and find out how to get the fair treatment you deserve.