How much does it cost to hire Mark for a child custody case?

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

Does Mark offer a free consultation?

Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tacoma?

Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?

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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mark accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Mark R. Arend, Child Custody Attorney in Tacoma, Washington

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews

PartneratMcKinley Irvin

Tacoma, WA

Practicing child custody in Tacoma since 2008.

18+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 19 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law Military

Are you Mark R. Arend?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Mark R. Arend is a partner based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Mark has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McKinley Irvin. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 19 client reviews.

Based in: Tacoma, WA
Experience: over 18 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Tacoma, WA.
Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Mark's practice areas in Tacoma

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

Child Custody cases in Tacoma, Washington

Mark takes child custody matters in Tacoma, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Tacoma, Washington

Mark takes child support matters in Tacoma, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Tacoma, Washington

Mark takes divorce matters in Tacoma, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Tacoma, Washington

Mark takes dv defense matters in Tacoma, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Tacoma, Washington

Mark takes family law matters in Tacoma, 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 Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

Mark R. Arend, child custody attorney serving Tacoma

Mark Arend is a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, a skilled businessman, and a family lawyer with McKinley Irvin. Using his unique background in the Air Force and business realm, Mark knows how to aggressively negotiate the case outcomes that his clients deserve and need. Over the years, he has received a variety of legal awards and recognitions, including a 10/10 “Superb” rating on Avvo and the WSBA Pro Bono Award from the Washington State Bar Association. As a family law attorney, Mark's goal is simple: to protect his clients' rights and provide the knowledgeable legal guidance that they need. More importantly, he strives to make a personal connection with each client, understand their objectives, and make these goals a reality. Mark practices in a wide range of practice areas, including child custody, support, divorce, domestic violence, military family law, and more.

Mark's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases Mark takes

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Mark studied and practices

Seattle University School of Law J.D.
—
University of Washington B.A. Psychology
—

Jurisdictions

Mark's state bar admissions

Washington
2008 · ACTIVE

Mark studied at — in Seattle University School of Law J.D. and — in University of Washington B.A. Psychology.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed — in Seattle University School of Law J.D. and — in University of Washington B.A. Psychology. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Mark's legal honors and published work

Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mark R. Arend's office in Tacoma

Mark's primary office is at 1201 Pacific Building, 1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2000, Tacoma, WA, 98402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

McKinley Irvin

1201 Pacific Building, 1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2000

Tacoma, WA 98402

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark R. Arend — 5.0/5 rating from 19 verified client reviews

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

5.0

19 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark R. Arend — 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 Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark'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; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Tacoma, 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 Mark

Mark 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. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mark'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 Mark R. Arend

How much does it cost to hire Mark for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Mark'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. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tacoma?
Mark 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 — Mark 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 Mark?
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. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new child custody clients right now?
Mark'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 Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

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