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Best Family Lawyers in Bellingham, WA

Our Recommended Top 14

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Bellingham Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

63Reviewed

43Curated

14Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

119 N. Commercial Street, Suite 910, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (17)
Yelp
3.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Roy N. Martin, Attorney at Law, serves families in Bellingham and nearby neighborhoods. For over 20 years, sole practitioner Roy N. Martin has been dedicating his private practice to providing legal counsel for various cases involving family law, such as asset and debt division, divorce, child support, grandparent's rights, and the establishment of parenting plans. He is trained in alternative dispute resolution techniques and only represents clients in negotiations, like collaborative and mediation proceedings, and assists them in finding common ground and reaching win-win agreements.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (34)

Why choose this provider?

Bailey, Duskin, Peiffle & Martin, P.S., Attorneys at Law, serves the legal needs of individuals, businesses, and municipalities in Bellingham. It helps people resolve family law matters, including stepparent adoptions, division of properties, and child custody and support. Its attorneys, who have more than 70 years of combined legal experience, also handle cases in the areas of personal injury, real estate, and business law. The firm strives to establish positive relationships with clients by educating them about the legal process, available options, and expected outcomes.

  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Postnuptial Agreements
  • Child Custody

114 W. Magnolia Suite #202, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Sean D. McKee Attorney at Law caters to clients in Bellingham. The firm handles family law matters and assists couples and individuals in settling disputes regarding uncontested divorce, parenting plans, and anti-harassment orders. It represents clients inside and outside the courtroom to help them obtain just agreements and arrangements for their cases. Owner Sean McKee has over 14 years of legal experience. He focuses his practice on the fields of family law and criminal defense.

  • Divorce

301 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Kulshan Law Group is a family law practice serving the residents of Bellingham and the surrounding areas. It assists clients with the divorce process, offering legal options such as collaborative law and litigation. It handles issues involving child custody and support and helps with post-divorce modifications. Other cases it handles include legal separation. Principal attorney Jennifer Slattery has been practicing law for more than a decade. She is a member of the Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

114 W. Magnolia Street, Suite 315, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Through its Bellingham office, Betsy Brinson & Lacy Heinz caters to families in the area. The firm guides them throughout the divorce process and advises them on issues related to child and spousal support. It also educates clients on the tax consequences of their property settlement agreements. The firm works on other cases concerning adoption. One of its namesakes, Betsy Brinson, serves the Whatcom County Superior Court as its pre-trial settlement commissioner. She is a Whatcom Collaborative Professionals member.

  • Divorce

1313 E Maple Street, Suite 758, Bellingham, WA 98225
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Lighthill Law fights to protect the civil rights of individuals and families in the Bellingham area and the surrounding communities. It provides legal representation to clients dealing with various family law matters such as dissolution of marriage, child custody and visitation rights, spousal support, debt and property division, and domestic abuse. It also assists in civil litigation and personal injury cases. Lighthill Law has been providing legal solutions to clients since its inception in 2012.

2003 D St., Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

McGreevy Law Offices, P.S., offers legal services to families and individuals in Bellingham and the surrounding areas. It handles family law matters for clients of all marital statuses, gender expression, religions, sexual orientations, or military statuses. It provides an inclusive environment to its clients and staff. McGreevy Law Offices has been in service for over 30 years, and its attorney, Daniel S. McGreevy, also has experience with various law practices like criminal defense and estate planning.

  • Adoption
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

1112 11th St. Suite 307-B, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (7)
Google
3.5 (4)
Yelp
3.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Kathryn D. Resnick Attorney at Law works on family relations disputes of Bellingham residents. The office takes on divorce matters and settles issues regarding the custody of minors and the division of marital properties. It crafts parenting plans and establishes the support obligations of parents. The practice also formulates prenuptial agreements to apportion property rights and duties during a marriage. Kathryn D. Resnick was a Whatcom County Public Defender, and her experience extends to estate planning issues.

  • Divorce
  • Alimony

416 Pine St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Tarraf Law Office caters to the people of Bellingham and the neighboring communities. It provides compassionate legal representation in family law matters. These include prenuptial agreements, divorce, legal separation, parenting plans, adoption, and guardianship. It also offers estate planning services, which include preparing trusts and writing wills. The firm deals with after-death issues, such as probate administration and trust distribution. It also drafts small estate and lack of probate affidavits and transfer-on-death deeds.

  • Divorce

711 South First Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Richard M. Sybrandy, PLLC, counsels Bellingham clients on family law issues such as divorce and legal separation, relocations, child custody and support, adoptions, and parenting plan revisions. The legal staff guides clients through the legal process and informs them of the case's implications. It offers clients the option of using mediation or collaborative law to reach an agreement without resorting to litigation. Richard M. Sybrandy founded his own practice in 1995, focusing on family and bankruptcy law.

  • Adoption
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

2011 Young Street Suite 202, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (5)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Shepherd and Allen, Attorneys at Law, represents clients in Bellingham. It helps spouses navigate the process of divorce. The firm also seeks compensation on behalf of people who have been injured due to another’s negligence, including victims of legal and medical malpractice. Its lawyers litigate cases related to commercial and partnership disputes and those involving governmental misconduct. One of them, Heather Shepherd, previously served as the president of the Whatcom Family and Community Network, a nonprofit organization that builds community capacity to support the youth.

  • Divorce

1111 W Holly St g1, Bellingham, WA 98225

Why choose this provider?

Toomey Law Practice caters to clients in and around Bellingham. Maureen Toomey, the firm's lawyer, handles various family-related issues, including contested and collaborative divorce, parenting plans, paternity, child support and custody, and property division. She handles the paperwork and, when necessary, represents clients in settlement discussions and court hearings. She is a member of the Washington Women Lawyers. Toomey volunteered with the Law Advocates and Moderate Means program as part of her pro bono work.

  • Adoption
  • Prenuptial Agreements
  • Child Custody

119 N. Commercial St., Suite 820, Bellingham, WA 98225

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Todd J. Allen offers legal support and representation to Bellingham residents in family law cases. It focuses on supporting clients through challenging circumstances like divorce, child and spousal support issues, and parenting plans. Using techniques for alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and negotiation, the agency assists clients in reaching amicable solutions. In addition to divorce and family law issues, the law office provides estate planning assistance and handles matters involving adoption. Principal Todd Allen has extensive experience handling civil and criminal defense cases.

  • Divorce

415 Pine Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (30)

Why choose this provider?

Witt Law Firm P.S. aims to resolve legal family disputes in Bellingham. The practice handles divorce concerns and irons out a variety of concurrent matters pertaining to the formation of parenting plans and the apportionment of custody and support obligations between couples. It files cases in court and resorts to mediation for individuals averse to trial. Estate planning issues are also covered. Witt Law Firm was opened in 1993, and founder Morgan Witt was a prosecutor.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Compare our Top Family Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Roy N. Martin Attorney at Law
119 N. Commercial Street, Suite 910, Bellingham, WA 98225
Bailey, Duskin, Peiffle & Martin, P.S. Attorneys at Law
103 North Street, Arlington, WA 98223
Sean D. McKee Attorney at Law
114 W. Magnolia Suite #202, Bellingham, WA 98225
Kulshan Law Group
301 Prospect Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Betsy Brinson & Lacy Heinz
114 W. Magnolia Street, Suite 315, Bellingham, WA 98225
Lighthill Law
1313 E Maple Street, Suite 758, Bellingham, WA 98225
McGreevy Law Offices, P.S.
2003 D St., Bellingham, WA 98225
Kathryn D. Resnick Attorney at Law
1112 11th St. Suite 307-B, Bellingham, WA 98225
Tarraf Law Office
416 Pine St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Richard M Sybrandy, PLLC
711 South First Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Shepherd and Allen Attorneys at Law
2011 Young Street Suite 202, Bellingham, WA 98225
Toomey Law Practice
1111 W Holly St g1, Bellingham, WA 98225
The Law Office of Todd J. Allen
119 N. Commercial St., Suite 820, Bellingham, WA 98225
Witt Law Firm P.S.
415 Pine Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.