Kent Family Lawyers

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.

Ray Pollari is a well-established family law attorney. He has over 27 years’ experience of litigation and mediation in numerous counties across Washington State. Ray has also served as a C.A.S.A Guardian ad Litem and a Family Law Guardian ad Litem in both Juvenile and Superior Courts. That experience has given him a unique perspective on custody disputes and how the courts view the “best interests” of children. Over the years, Ray has dealt primarily in divorce cases, parentage, and domestic violence. He also has experience with prenuptial contracts, restraining orders, military family law, and parenting modifications. Before Ray...

Alice Bagirova is a Washington state attorney practicing in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties. She obtained her juris doctorate degree in law at Seattle University in 2014 and has been building her practice ever since. Prior to passing the bar, Alice: volunteered in a domestic violence clinic at Santa Monica's Courthouse in the state of California; she completed an externship at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles; worked through the family law fellowship program at East Side Legal Assistance Program (ELAP). For ELAP, Alice represented clients in family law matters and protection order hearings pertaining to Domestic Violence.

Alice’s professional...

Christina Sherman, J.D. is dedicating her law practice, Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, to helping families grow through Adoption, IVF and Surrogacy. Christina is licensed to practice law in Washington, and has been practicing law for over 20 years. Christina represents adoptive families and birth parents both locally and in interstate adoptions in all aspects of adoption. Christina has been honored to represent hundreds of clients in their adoption cases; and has been named an Academy Fellow in the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA). The Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA) is a credentialed, non-profit...

Rainer Frank is a Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin who handles family law cases related to divorce, child custody, child support, relocation, and unmarried couples. Rainer represents clients with a variety of legal issues, including domestic partnerships, child support and parenting plan modifications, contempt proceedings, enforcement actions, and QDROs. He believes that the first priority in any family law matter is to get to know his client and understand their unique situation and needs. He works hard to avoid unnecessary adversity, but still treats each case as if he were preparing it for trial – an approach that he has...

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...

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...

After being admitted to the Washington State Bar Association, Ms. Ramirez practiced law in the private sector with emphasis on family law, bankruptcy, estate planning and elder law matters. Ms. Ramirez compassionately advocates on behalf of her clients while she assists them in successfully resolving difficult disputes and navigating through litigation and complex legal issues.

Professional Memberships/Organizations
Ms. Ramirez is licensed to practice in the State of Washington and the United States District Court. She is also a member of the following professional associations:
Washington State Bar Association, Member
King County Bar Association, Member
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Member

Education
Seattle University School of Law,...

Kelly LeBlanc has been practicing law for over 33 years (21 in Washington). She has been admitted to practice in 5 jurisdictions and appeared on behalf of litigants at the state and federal level. She served as an Administrative Health Law Judge with the Department of Health and worked as a Guardian ad Litem in Pierce County many years before joining Envision Family Law Group as Senior Counsel. When the Court was faced with particularly difficult cases, Kelly was often designated to investigate and provide recommendations on how best to protect the interests of the child(ren) involved.

As a GAL, Kelly...

For four decades, Attorney Julie A. Twyford has dedicated herself to the pursuit of justice and fairness through the law. Regarded as a prominent trial lawyer in Spokane and Washington, she focuses exclusively on family law and criminal defense. In the realm of family law, Ms. Twyford's extensive experience and leadership ensure her clients receive unparalleled representation. Her expertise encompasses contested divorces, intricate child custody disputes, and complex business divorces. As a distinguished Spokane divorce attorney, she has consistently secured favorable outcomes, infusing her wealth of experience into each case she handles. Beyond family law, Ms. Twyford's impact in criminal defense is...

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.

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...

Travis Moeller is an associate attorney at Blair & Kim and a recent graduate of Seattle University School of Law. Travis practices criminal defense, family law, and personal injury law. Travis previously worked as a Rule 9 intern at Blair & Kim during his second and third year of law school.

Travis graduated from Seattle University Cum Laude and achieved CALI awards in Legal Writing and Professional Responsibility during his time in law school, which are given to the student who earns the top grade in a class. During law school, Travis was a student fellow at the Fred T. Korematsu...

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...

We are a dedicated team of legal professionals who are here to help you in your time of need and crisis. Our Washington State lawyers have the resources, the knowledge, and the experience to assist you with your legal matter in our practice areas.

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...

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.

I practice primarily in the areas of family law and criminal defense. I believe in client-centered lawyering. I attempt to form a strong bond and relationship with each client. I believe that cases are a team effort between the firm and the client, where the client is the captain of the ship. I make sure each client is steered in the proper direction to obtain his/her goals. Each case and client is different, and with our help each client can achieve their goals, even in the most difficult of cases.


I earned my J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College...

Kim Schnuelle is a Senior Attorney at McKinley Irvin, one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier divorce and family law firms. Kim has a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.com and has also been selected for the honor of Washington Super Lawyers®. Kim has a reputation for putting her clients’ needs first and protecting what matters most to them.

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...

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 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.”

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....

I have been practicing law since 1990 when I graduated from a top-ranked Canadian law school, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia. After 3 years as a trial lawyer in Canada I moved to California where I gained admission to the California State Bar. I practiced law in West Hollywood California for 13 years until my relocation to Redmond, Washington in 2007. Since 2008 I have practiced family law in the Seattle area, and I have extensive trial experience in King County. While I love being able to fight for my clients in the courtroom I also recognize that fair settlements...

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.

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.

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...

Welcome. My goal is to listen to clients and deliver effective and cost efficient high quality legal services, focusing on maximizing results either through negotiation or litigation, whichever is appropriate for the circumstance. Many cases can be resolved amicably through settlement. This office offers a free initial telephone with a lawyer to discuss your legal issue: (253) 272-1434. With over 20 years of experience in Tacoma in Pierce County, Washington, I represent clients in many other cities and states who are civilians, military servicemembers, and veterans. Because there is often so much...

There are two things that are more important than anything to Assistant Managing Attorney Jonathan Moffitt, his faith and his family. Because of these values and his belief that every parent has a right to be intimately involved in the lives and upbringing of their children, Jonathan chooses to practice family law as a primary component of his practice. As a husband and father of four, Jonathan understands the bond between a parent and child. This is a bond that should not be interfered with lightly and one that should be fought for vigorously. Additionally, there are two characteristics that Jonathan values...

Over the course of his career, Mark Arend has filled the shoes of a businessman, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and an attorney. Using his diverse vocational background, he helps clients facing high-tension, complex, and adversarial family law matters. Some of his practice areas include child custody, domestic violence, child support, relocation, high net worth divorce, and military family law.

Mark’s approach to family law is based on common sense, strong ethical standards, and the highest level of professionalism. His goal is simple: to “do better” for his clients than any other legal representative would do. Mark is...

Sara's focus includes Family Law and Civil Litigation. Sara Kim is a passionate advocate who, in every case, is driven to seek justice for her clients. In private practice since 1995, Sara is a highly experienced family law attorney; she also has a thriving practice in the areas of personal injury and civil litigation.

Keeping a client-centered focus has been fundamental to her success. As Sara explains, “The people who come to me are under a lot of emotional pressure. The point is to make myself accessible: I believe that being there to listen is the only way to truly know...

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.

My office provides legal services in three primary areas: family law, personal injury and employment law.

Heather focuses her practice on employment law representing individuals in claims involving wrongful termination, age, gender and race discrimination, workplace harassment, and workplace retaliation. Heather is experienced in multiple aspects of litigation including settlement negotiations, mediation, and arbitration. Additionally, Heather has represented clients in both State and Federal Court and before governmental agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Washington State Employment Security Department. Heather’s experience with employment issues includes Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, Washington Minimum Wage Act, Washington Paid Sick Leave and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. Heather also assists clients in negotiating severance...

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....

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...

Tatyana Gidirimski has handled every aspect of family law, including complex divisions of property, maintenance, parenting plans (including modifications and child relocations), child support, division of business assets, committed intimate relationships, prosecution and defense of restraining orders, domestic violence protection orders, and preparation and negotiation of prenuptial and other relationship agreements. Tatyana is highly cognizant of the toll - both financial and psychological - a contested family law matter can take on the client and strives to achieve an out-of-court resolution of the conflict whenever possible. She is skilled in dealing with high-conflict personalities and counsels clients on handling...