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

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

Does Rene offer a free consultation?

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

Can Rene take my case if I'm outside Bellevue?

Rene 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 — Rene 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 Rene?

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

Is Rene accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Rene Cespedes, Child Custody Attorney in Bellevue, Washington

Over 36 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatRene Cespedes, PLLC Attorney at Law

Bellevue, WA

Practicing child custody in Bellevue since 1990.

36+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Criminal Defense Divorce DV Defense Family Law +1 more →

Are you Rene Cespedes?

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

Rene Cespedes is a member based in Bellevue, WA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense. Rene has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rene Cespedes, PLLC Attorney at Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Bellevue, WA
Experience: over 36 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Criminal Defense

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Criminal Defense matters from Bellevue, WA.
Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Rene's practice areas in Bellevue

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

Child Custody cases in Bellevue, Washington

Rene takes child custody matters in Bellevue, 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 Rene agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Bellevue, Washington

Rene takes child support matters in Bellevue, 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 Rene agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Bellevue, Washington

Rene takes criminal defense matters in Bellevue, 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 Rene agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Bellevue, Washington

Rene takes divorce matters in Bellevue, 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 Rene agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Bellevue, Washington

Rene takes dv defense matters in Bellevue, 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 Rene agrees to represent you.

Biography

Rene Cespedes, child custody attorney serving Bellevue

Former King County Senior Prosecutor.

Rene's approach to child custody cases

Former King County Senior Prosecutor.

The kind of cases Rene takes

Rene reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and criminal defense matters in Bellevue and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Rene studied and practices

Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1990
University of California, Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Rene's state bar admissions

Washington
1994 · ACTIVE
California
1990 · ACTIVE

Rene studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Rene completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.A. in University of California, Santa Barbara. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rene runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Rene's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Rene's professional memberships and bar associations

Washington State Bar Association State Bar of California Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Board Member) Northwest Association of DUI Defense
membership

Locations

Rene Cespedes's office in Bellevue

Rene's primary office is at 2200 112th Avenue NE, Suite 200, Bellevue, WA, 98004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rene Cespedes, PLLC Attorney at Law

2200 112th Avenue NE, Suite 200

Bellevue, WA 98004

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Rene Cespedes — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Rene Cespedes — 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 Rene usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Bellevue, 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 Rene

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Rene'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 Rene Cespedes

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

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