How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Washington typically take?

Simple child custody 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 child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

David Starks, Child Custody Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMcKinley Irvin

Seattle, WA

Practicing child custody in Seattle since 1998.

28+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law General Military

Are you David Starks?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

David Starks is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. David has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McKinley Irvin. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 28 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters David takes on

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

Child Custody cases in Seattle, Washington

David takes child custody 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.

Child Support cases in Seattle, Washington

David takes child support 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.

Divorce cases in Seattle, Washington

David takes divorce 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.

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.

General cases in Seattle, Washington

David takes general 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 Starks — child custody lawyer in Seattle

Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life.

That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers; Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State; The Best Lawyers in America; Washington Super Lawyers, and most recently, Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area.

Public rankings and recognitions aside, David is a strategic thinker, a gifted advocate, and a warm “people person” who insists that “law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things.” He proves that every day, representing clients in a wide range of divorce cases involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests, as well as other cutting-edge family law matters, including international divorce and child custody.

"Practicing family law is emotionally satisfying for me. I much prefer the personal connection that comes with protecting the rights of my clients and their families to the impersonal process of representing corporations. And I’ve done both."

Whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, David says he will “go the distance” to resolve each case in his clients’ interests. And he will do so with compassion and respect.

Admired around the office for his innate ability to connect with clients and for his willingness to share his expertise with younger lawyers, David Starks is the kind of professional who can handle with aplomb the toughest cases that come in the door.

"You wake up a little earlier than the other guy. You work a little later,” he explains. “And you make sure you’ve done everything you can to ensure the best possible outcomes. That’s what exceptional lawyering is all about. And that’s the standard we have set for ourselves at McKinley Irvin."

David's approach to child custody cases

Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life. That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Family…

Clients David works with

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Seattle University School of Law
J.D. Cum · 1998
University of Southern Indiana B.A. English
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Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

Oregon
2010 · ACTIVE
Texas
2008 · ACTIVE
Washington
1998 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. Cum in Seattle University School of Law and — in University of Southern Indiana B.A. English.

Law school and academic background

David completed J.D. Cum in Seattle University School of Law and — in University of Southern Indiana B.A. English. 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 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers as well as the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He has been designated to the list of “Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State,” Washington Super Lawyers®, rated 10/10 “Superb” on Avvo, and was cho
bar_fellowship
Washington State Bar Association
bar_fellowship
State Bar of Texas, Oregon State Bar, King County Bar Association
bar_fellowship

Locations

David Starks's office in Seattle

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

Main office

McKinley Irvin

601 Union Street, Suite 3030

Seattle, WA 98101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David Starks — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of David. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Seattle.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David Starks claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new child custody 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 child custody attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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 child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about David Starks

How much does it cost to hire David for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Washington typically take?
Simple child custody 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 child custody 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

Child Custody attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

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

More counsel

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