Awarded "Best of 2018 Divorce Lawyer." I have been a lawyer for over twenty-eight 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, mortage foreclosure, and other matters. I chose to leave the bench and to return to private practice. I missed lawyering and directly helping others. I still occasionally serve as  Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore.

My practice focuses primarily on divorce, legal separation, child custody, and child support issues. I represent clients in high-conflict litigation as well as in collaborative mediation. I also serve as a mediator. My prior experience as a social worker and my mediation skills are essential to helping others to handle stress and to focus on long-term goals. 

Serving on the bench has sharpened my ability to present an objective perspective and to assist a potential client in evaluating outcomes. I provide an initial free one half hour consultation. After that, I charge my pro-rated hourly rate. My goal is to clearlyl explian the applicable law, our court system, the processes of divorce and legal separation, the available roptions (uncontested, contested-litigated, and contested collaborative), and the like. I want to answer all of your questions and help you to create an action plan. 

I have served as President of our county bar association, and I am a founding member of Collaborative Professionals of Pierce County.  I continue to be involved with a variety of boards and committees. When I am not busy with clients or bar association activities, I enjoy time with my husband, my many pets, and my piano.