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David B. Starks, Family Law Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Seattle, WA

Trusted family law attorney serving Seattle.

3
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Quick answer

David B. Starks is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Family Law.

Based in
Seattle, WASHINGTON
Experience
attorney
Known for
Family Law
  • Handles Family Law matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Seattle) (2024).

About David B. Starks: David B. Starks is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Family Law.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

David concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Seattle, Washington

David takes family law matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet David B. Starks — family law lawyer in Seattle

David B. Starks is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Family Law.

David B. Starks is a Partner at the Pacific Northwest family law firm McKinley Irvin, PLLC. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML), and current president of the Washington chapter of the AAML.

David’s practice concentrates on divorce cases involving difficult custody matters as well as the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests. His passion for resolving complex family law matters has also led him to routinely represent clients with international divorce and family law issues, and he is a frequent speaker on international matrimonial topics.

He is a Past Chair of the ABA International Law Section’s Family Law Committee and an ABA Section Advisor to the Drafting Committee for the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws as regards the Implementation of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children.

David is licensed to practice in Washington, Oregon, and Texas and has been designated by his peers as a Super Lawyer (top 100) in Thompson Reuters Washington Super Lawyers magazine and as one of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Family Law.

David's approach to family law cases

David B. Starks is a Partner at the Pacific Northwest family law firm McKinley Irvin, PLLC. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML), and current president of the Washington chapter of the AAML. David’s practice concentrates on divorce cases involving difficult custody matters as well as the protection,…

The kind of cases David takes

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Seattle University

    J.D. · 1998

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • Washington, Washingt

    ACTIVE

  • Oregon, Oregon State

    ACTIVE

  • Texas, State Bar of

    ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in Seattle University.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. in Seattle University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

David has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Seattle)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Seattle)

    2022

  • Best Lawyers in America — Family Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Rated 10 out of 10 "Superb" on Avvo.com

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Washington Super Lawyers, 2010-2018

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Seattle) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Family Law (Seattle) (2022). Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Rated 10 out of 10 "Superb" on Avvo.com (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State, Washington Super Lawyers, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (2026).

Locations

David B. Starks's office in Seattle

David's primary office is at 601 Union St, Ste 3030, Seattle, Washington, 98101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

601 Union St, Ste 3030

Seattle, Washington 98101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David B. Starks

David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire David B. Starks — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David

David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David B. Starks

  • How much does it cost to hire David for a family law case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

    David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

  • How long do family law cases in Washington typically take?

    Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

    David is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with David?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is David accepting new family law clients right now?

    David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

David handles family law matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.