What We Do

Expert TESTIMONY. ADR. family law. 

Our philosophy is pretty simple: we like serving you well.  We like making you happy. We do that by listening carefully to what you tell us. We do it by working hard for you. We do it by applying to your case, the wisdom and skill gained from years in and out of the courtroom. 

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Private Decisions

 Litigation in court can increase expense and delays that leave you financially compromised and unable to move forward.

Resolving your matter with the help of a private judge allows you to take control of the timing and adjudication of your case. Mark relies on his 35+ years of experience in and out of the courtroom to carefully consider the evidence you present and fairly apply the law to reach a result that enables you to begin a new trajectory for your life.

Expert Testimony

The story of money reveals the truth and can often tip the balance in questions of credibility. For 15 years, Leslie has organized financial evidence that resolves questions regarding character of property, retirement allocation, stock allocation, standard of living, waste, fraud, partnership profits, trust accountings, and a host of other legal issues. Our experience in mediation and the courtroom enables Leslie to help you settle your case or testify knowledgeably at trial.

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Family Law

Becoming a couple creates an enhanced partnership that can include not only companionship and parenthood, but also the creation of a secure financial future together. When you divorce, the law is designed to equitably help you restart your life. We work with you to form a financial plan for the future you envision.

 

Financial Evidence

ending the question

The right financial outcome depends upon knowledge of all the facts about the source and disposition of money. Leslie’s ability to address legal issues through the presentation of forensic financial evidence definitively and efficiently resolves:

* Character of property in estate disputes;
* Character of property in dissolution of marriage, domestic partnership, and equity relationship actions;
* Detecting fraud, marital waste, and/or money laundering;
* Determining standard of living for purposes of spousal support; and
* Accounting or embezzlement in partnerships or trusts.

 
 

Family Law

prenuptial agreements

Your marriage deserves a strong start. Being on the same page about finances avoids one of the biggest causes of marital conflict. Whether or not you formalize your understanding in a prenuptial agreement, having an open conversation about your respective expectations is an essential component of managing your marital money and future financial security.

COMMITTED INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

There is no common law marriage in Washington. Nevertheless, Washington courts will divide property acquired during a live-in relationship based upon certain factors, if it would be inequitable not to do so. We can help you demonstrate the equity of the property allocation you intended.

divorce

All things being equal, divorce can be straightforward. We can help with drafting the agreements you reach. When it isn't easy, we are also prepared for all issues of divorce, including challenges to pre-nuptial agreements, dividing complex financial estates, business valuations, career planning, tax considerations, future financial planning, maintenance, and property division. 

POST DECREE

Families grow and change after divorce. Sometimes getting what was ordered becomes an issue. We address these contingencies including, enforcement actions, maintenance modifications, child support changes, and college support.

 

Alternative Dispute Resolution 

WAYS TO REACH CONCLUSION

If you cannot reach agreement, most courts require that before you may proceed to trial, you must attempt to resolve your case through mediation. Mediation can be expensive, so it is important that you choose an effective mediator. Mark knows that the heart of a case can include not only the money or property involved, but also the symbolism of certain events or items of property. He works to address not only positions, but to bridge the true interests and concerns of each party to facilitate an agreement that can put both parties at peace with their compromises and with the resources they need to make a new start.

In a small number of cases, one party cannot get to agreement. In that case, you have the right to have your case heard by a judge. Exercising that right can also significantly increase costs and create delays that leave you unable to move forward.

Retaining a private judge (arbitrator) can offer the option of presenting your case more efficiently and under a shorter timeline. Mark understands the rules of evidence and how to apply the law to the facts of your case. He listens carefully to all witnesses and considers the evidence thoughtfully. You’ll be assured of a written decision you can trust, that is well founded on the law and the evidence you presented.