Best Family Lawyer in Washington
Shaunis Mercer
Family Lawyer
Shaunis Mercer has dedicated her career as an attorney to helping families move forward in difficult times. She has spent the past sixteen years as a family law attorney, representing clients from all walks of life. Her ability to explain complex legal issues in everyday language comes from her belief that clients who are well informed are best empowered to make the best decisions about how to take the next step.
Shaunis brings her background and talents to the Elise Buie Family Law team as our Legal Services Director focused on ensuring your legal team is supported to meet your unique needs and provide you with education throughout the legal process.
Previously, Shaunis served in a role evaluating the quality of attorneys across her state. She coached attorneys on how to improve their communication with clients and come up with creative solutions to resolve their clients’ issues without having to go to court. This role prepared her to be able to make the perfect fit to pair our clients with the right attorney for their needs.
ANNA PETERSON
Family Lawyer
Anna Peterson is the Director of Law Firm Administration and comes to us with 20+ years of experience in community engagement, leadership, employee benefits, training, and education. In her role at Dellino Family Law Group, Anna’s primary responsibilities include recruiting and retaining top talent and promoting the culture that is so critical to our firm’s success. Her mission is to take care of the people who take care of our clients.
I was born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle and spent my earliest years living in a houseboat on Lake Union before my family relocated to Kenmore (which was officially Bothell at that time). I am originally a Schumacher, and my family has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest community, from water skiing to hydroplane racing, and the beloved Schumacher’s “Tasty Home” Bakery.
I met my husband, Erik, while working at The Bon Marche at Northgate Mall in 2005, while I was a student at the University of Washington getting my degree in Community and Environmental Planning.
In 2015 I received a job offer in Atlanta, and it seemed like the right time to try something new. So, we packed up our three dogs and headed South! Eight years flew by, and while I missed the PNW every single day, I also met some of the most incredible people and had so many amazing experiences (including meeting President Jimmy Carter and Seahawks Legend Steve Largent at an event in South Georgia!).
Ghdeer Al-Abdal
Family Lawyer
Ghdeer Al-Abdal is a fully bilingual (Arabic-speaking) divorce and family law attorney in the firm’s Everett office.
He received his initial law degree in his birth country, Iraq, graduating in the top 2% of his class. In 2015 Mr. Al-Abdal earned an advanced law degree from Penn State on full academic scholarship.
- He has a heart for families in challenging circumstances, having lived through them himself. Mr. Al-Abdal volunteered with Good Society Care for Widows and Orphans while in Iraq, and upon immigrating to the US he supported his family as a cabdriver while simultaneously attending US legal courses and passing the bar.
Tonilynn Savage
Family Lawyer
I am a passionate and dedicated advocate for my clients. I focus on all aspects of family law including divorce, separation, custody, child support, division of property, relocation actions, and spousal maintenance (alimony). I especially enjoy sorting out complex issues of law and helping families achieve outcomes that all parties can comfortably live with. I have received advanced training in trial techniques at National Institute for Trial Advocacy in Boulder, Colorado..
During and since graduating from law school, I have assisted on and conducted many successful trials. I enjoy litigation and love to fight for my clients. I believe in a personal and compassionate approach to family law. I attended Pepperdine University School of Law’s comprehensive mediation training. I enjoy assisting others with mediating matters to resolution. I also completed the American Association of Certified QDRO Professionals training.
In addition to litigating family law cases, I am appointed as a Guardian ad Litem under Title 26, in Yakima and Kittitas County. I also provide private consulting on family law cases.
I reside in Yakima, Washington with my husband and seven children. I enjoy hiking, camping, watching baseball, and spending time with my family. I am pleased to advocate for families in the community I grew up in. I enjoy being an active member of our community and serve as a Board Member for Rod’s House.
Justin W. Aanenson
Family Lawyer
Justin grew up listening to courtroom tales told by his grandfather, a Helena, Montana defense attorney. Inspired by those stories, he became a Washington State licensed lawyer in 2012. While practicing he felt there was a better way for many to experience the family law system, which led him to launch Truce Law. Justin focuses on making the divorce process as simple as possible, by giving clients the tools they need to find an agreed solution. He is a collaboratively trained attorney as well as a certified mediator.
Outside the office you can find Justin at Cafe Mox playing his favorite game, Commander, the best version of Magic: The Gathering. He spent his last birthday spey fishing for steelhead in Oregon and this year his personal goal is to shoot par in a round of golf. This goal is years in the making, which began when he worked high school summers hauling bags as a caddy at Aldarra Golf Club.
Scott T. Ashby
Family Lawyer
Scott T. Ashby is a family law attorney at Pacific Northwest Family Law in the state of Washington. Scott grew up on a farm in Quincy, Washington. Throughout his life, he has valued his relationships with his family members. Scott has been married for over three decades, with six children and twelve grandchildren. Family has always been important to Scott, which is the reason why he chose to dedicate his career to helping other families.
Matthew Webbeking
Family Lawyer
Matthew Webbeking has been practicing law in the Seattle area for over 20 years. A graduate of Nathan Hale High School, Matthew received his B.A. in Psychology from Whitman College, with a Philosophy Minor. He received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, focusing on tax and corporate law. He currently resides in Seattle, with his three children. Matthew served on the Board of Directors of the Brazil Children’s Charity, and enjoys Latin & ballroom dance, tennis, swimming, and lifting.
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Don’t worry, no matter what stage of life you find yourself in, we provide the understanding, skill, and technology to solve your problems, and get you generating again.
Ululani “Lani” Akiona
Family Lawyer
I am a compassionate and empathetic individual, and I founded Akiona Law, PLLC to fully realize my passion for helping people in this turbulent and uncertain economic climate and to ensure people are being treated fairly and are not being taken advantage of.
I support and encourage parties to work together to resolve their issues, especially when children are involved. The fact of the matter is when you have children, you are going to have to deal with your former spouse for the rest of your life, like it or not. Thus, I encourage you to put aside whatever feelings you may have toward your spouse early on and focus solely on what is in your children’s best interests. This is the Court’s main focus as well.
I know cooperation is not always possible or desirable in certain situations. If that is your situation, rest assured as a former prosecutor, I have tried to verdict dozens of criminal jury and non-jury trials. My extensive trial and courtroom experience means I will not shy away from high conflict situations, and I will fight for your rights when needed.
However, if you are looking for an attorney to be aggressive just for the sake of being aggressive, then I suggest you look for another attorney. My personal thoughts on the matter are that overly-aggressive attorneys actually do a disservice to their clients as unnecessary and lengthy litigation increases the client’s costs, not to mention the emotional and mental stress it places on all parties. I believe it is better to “pick and choose your battles.”
Washington’s Family Law Maze: Navigate with Confidence with a Top Lawyer
Facing a family law challenge in Washington State? Don’t wander the legal labyrinth alone! Here’s how a Washington family law champion empowers you:
Washington Expertise at Your Fingertips: Top Washington family lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s intricate family law landscape: statutes, regulations, legal procedures. They leverage this expertise to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies specifically for Washington’s legal landscape.
Skilled Representation: Your Fierce Advocate: Experienced Washington family lawyers are your voice. Their strong negotiation, communication, and litigation skills ensure your position is persuasively articulated in negotiations, mediations, settlements, or court. Their advocacy can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Comprehensive Case Assessment: Leaving No Stone Unturned: Top Washington family lawyers conduct in-depth case assessments. They analyze strengths, weaknesses, gather evidence, and identify potential legal issues. This comprehensive approach forms the foundation for a strategic plan aligned with your goals and maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.
Child Custody & Support: Guiding You Through Complexities: If your case involves child custody or support, the best Washington family lawyers are invaluable. They understand Washington’s court-considered factors for custody decisions and navigate the process with you. They advocate for your parental rights and work towards fair and appropriate child support arrangements.
Property Division: Ensuring a Fair Split: During a divorce, property division can be complex. Top Washington family lawyers assist you in navigating Washington’s laws regarding equitable distribution of assets and debts. They ensure your rights are protected and a fair division is achieved, considering factors like marriage length, each party’s contributions, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
Local Court System: Your Knowledgeable Guide: Top Washington family lawyers have extensive experience within the state’s court system. They understand local court rules, procedures, and key decision-makers. This knowledge ensures your case progresses smoothly, paperwork is filed correctly, and deadlines are met.
Beyond Court: Exploring Alternatives: Skilled Washington family lawyers understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, like mediation. They explore these options to help you reach amicable resolutions outside of court. Mediation can be cost-effective, less adversarial, and offer more control over the outcome. The best family lawyers guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests during negotiations.
Remember, the “best” lawyer depends on your specific circumstances. Research, read reviews, and consult with multiple attorneys to find the perfect fit for your Washington family law needs.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Explore Washington family law resources at the Washington State Bar Association website (Washington State Bar Association).