I just wrapped my divorce process and worked with Janel Ostrem at Seattle Divorce Services for it. I am incredibly pleased with the outcome, the representation I received, and the entire process along the way. We settled via mediation, and Janel was able to flex on both collaborative style and, when it was needed, being litigious. She was incredibly efficient, which was great in that it kept my costs down. Best, though, she was able to get me and keep me focused on the right 'bigger picture' issues, which at times was a challenge for me in getting caught up in the moment and the immediate issue or argument at hand. In the end, that was critical in getting me to a positive, cost-effective settlement. I highly recommend Janel and SDS and would be happy to share more of my experiences if it would be helpful to anyone evaluating and choosing a divorce lawyer.

I'm an attorney, practicing in business law, estate planning and probate. When I got divorced, I thought it was important to obtain quality legal representation for two reasons. First, I do not practice family law. Second, I do not think it's wise for an attorney to represent herself. I know many family law attorneys in Seattle. I chose to work with Mike Fancher at Seattle Divorce Services. I received excellent representation, good customer service, and high quality legal advice. I highly recommend this firm.

My attorney made me feel comfortable and determined in her office while I breastfed my newborn, whom I was fighting for from August-November in 2013, but I felt she did not adequately search for information and evidence that supported my case. The attorney also skipped key elements to my argument while she spoke for me in court, but adamantly stifled me from speaking on my own behalf, to correct her, in front of the judge which the opposing council did for her which ultimately cost me. While I don't entirely blame the attorney, as I was made to feel pressured by my cases' third-party-payor to have an attorney, she was only one step above a paralegal in the way of coming into court with me and standing in on my behalf when proceedings were done. In the end she excused herself from my case as she assumed the case was far from over but my third-party-payor was falling behind on replenishing the retainer, (which he's still paying off to this day in 2017) Ultimately I wish I had stuck with the paralegal I sought advice from in the beginning before everything went south. Had I done things my way instead of how my attorney at SEATTLE DIVORCE SERVICES and third-party-payor, the case would have been open and shut within two months. The only thing I'm grateful for is not having to retrieve my own docs, fill them out, and file them with the court myself.

Mark Alexander provided me with pro se services and then full representation, and his support, explanations, and communication made the entire process as quick and comprehensible for me as I think it could have possibly been. I'd recommend him and SDS without hesitation (and it's a cool bonus to randomly hear on the radio that your divorce firm supports KEXP...).

I started my divorce in October. I thought that a firm or agency that specialized would be very effective so I presented myself at SDS and asked to be represented. My wife had her own house but she chose to stay in mine against my will. The SDS lawyer had one good idea and that was to create a separation agreement which had my wife sign the agreement, would have ended the ordeal. But, my wife didn't sign and that in my opinion, was the last useful thing the lawyer did except for removing herself from the case after I had spent 9 painful months while forced to live with my wife. Of course, during this period SDS continued to bill me every time I emailed a question to the lawyer. Sometimes I was billed for just asking them if they had received a document from the court.
In my opinion, the worst part of getting divorced is finding a lawyer that you trust and who defends you. My recommendation is to not just to assume that a specialized firm will represent you well. Ask anybody who has any experience with divorce who from their experience that you might hire for the best results and I think you will have much better results than just assuming a specialist will represent you well.

I worked with Mark Alexander on my divorce. I hired him as my pro se attorney while doing most of the paperwork and legwork myself. His calm demeanor and knowledge about maneuvering the legal system and not allowing me to give up my rights and desires was invaluable. He was especially helpful guiding me through the online court system for submissions and locating progress reports.
Mark was so professional and retained a personal touch throughout this painful journey.

Seattle Divorce Services made me comfortable by giving me a clear understanding of the process I was going to enter. Knowing the steps made for a better experience. Mark was personable and gave very fast responses to my questions and opposing council.

This is a great group. I worked with Mimi Buescher, who is a phenomenal lawyer. Her support staff is also excellent. When I found myself in the process of a divorce, I was so shell-shocked that I couldn't process any information. Ms. Buescher was amazing--she told me exactly what to do, gave me excellent advice, and redirected me appropriately when I got off track. She worked like a maniac for me, and responded immediately when I needed her. I felt completely protected and supported. Her passion for her job is contagious, and she was a terrific role model for me throughout the divorce process. She has a great understanding of people, and because of her calm and reassuring approach, she was able to diffuse some very difficult issues that came up in my case.

When I first met Mimi I was a mess. I was in a very mentally fragile state and had a hard time focusing. I was in a Divorce that had really taken a toll on me and I was ready to just walk away from it all. Mimi gave me hope and was able to help me through a process I did not think I had the strength to get through. In the end she was able to get me a fair settlement. Actually about 10x what I was originally asking for. She helped me see what I thought I should get was actually not what she thought I deserved. Mimi could not have been more professional. She always returned emails and calls promptly. I do not believe you could put your trust in a better person through this tough process. She helped ease me into arbitration a process I did not think I was up to either. I could not really put into words how much she did for me. Not just coming out with a great settlement but a stronger person too. I will forever be grateful for all Mimi and Seattle Divorce Services did for me.

Shad Coughlin

Mimi handled all of my cases with extreme attention to detail. She was able to bring me truthful answers and satisfaction at a time that I was feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, and unfulfilled with my custody situation. And in these moments Mimi never forgot what our goals were. Her professionalism and focus on my case never wavered. She was always in constant contact through all forms of communication to answer any question regardless of how minuscule they may be. Mimi showed my family the utmost empathy throughout this process and I urge anyone in need of representation to take advantage of the plethora of legal knowledge she has to offer. Thank you so much Mimi.

I feel so blessed to have found Janel Ostrem. Janel has represented me in my dissolution for the past ten months. I was referred to her by a friend who raved about her. I can see why.
Ms. Ostrem is highly skilled, professional and compassionate.
When I came to Janel I was very reluctant to hire a lawyer. She felt so strongly about her ability to help me in my case that she contacted me afterward to reassure me that I was entitled to her help. She knew that I needed that extra connection. Janel is such a wonderful balance of caring and confident strength. I've trusted her from the beginning.
Janel has treated my case as her priority and it is evident that she cares about me and my needs. She promptly answers emails and phone calls and is attentive to deadlines and timelines.
I felt confident in Janel's knowledge of the law. She took the time to carefully think through and discuss with me all of the options in my case.
Janel has made a very difficult time in my life more manageable. She is top-notch. I definitely plan on sending others her way!

Janel has been working with me for more than a year. I was referred to her through my employer, and I could not have asked for a better attorney. She is very skilled in her knowledge of the laws, courteous, and very thorough in her work. She is personable and seems to really care about me and my individual situation. She goes above and beyond what I would expect from an attorney. She answers any question I have right away, whether it be through a phone call, an email, or even in person, and that is the best feeling to have when you are going through a stressful ordeal, such as a child custody case. I never feel as if she is trying to just "make a buck" off of me, but rather that she is thinking about how she can best serve me and my children.I am so confident in her abilities as an attorney, that I have referred friends and family to her. Janel is someone that I can highly recommend as an outstanding professional,reliable and compassionate attorney.

Mimi was very helpful, professional, and compassionate. My questions were answered clearly, my emails and phone calls answered promptly, and the entire process couldn't have gone more smoothly in what had the potential to be a stressful ordeal. The rate was also extremely reasonable. I can highly recommend Mimi for your family law issues.

As a vendor that has worked with Michael and his staff for several months now I can say they are professional and have provided prompt responses. They understand that having a firm where people are confident that they will be taken care of is crucial...and they have taken the appropriate steps and put a system in place to ensure that your specific situation with regards to Divorce or Family law situations. As a Seattle native myself, I can tell you they are some of the best attorneys that Seattle has to offer. Plus who doesn't like an excuse to visit Ballard.