Stephan Dwight Downing, Elder Law Attorney in Tacoma, Washington
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Family Law, and Juvenile · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatStephan D. Downing
Tacoma, WA
Practicing elder law in Tacoma since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Stephan Dwight Downing?
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Quick answer
Stephan Dwight Downing is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Family Law, and Juvenile. Stephan has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephan D. Downing. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tacoma, WA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Family Law · Juvenile
- Handles Elder Law, Family Law, and Juvenile matters from Tacoma, WA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Stephan Dwight Downing: Stephan Dwight Downing is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Family Law, and Juvenile. Stephan has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephan D. Downing. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephan takes on
Stephan concentrates on elder law, family law, juvenile, litigation, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Family Law
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Juvenile
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Litigation
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POA
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Elder Law cases in Tacoma, Washington
Stephan takes elder 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 Stephan agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Tacoma, Washington
Stephan 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 Stephan agrees to represent you.
Juvenile cases in Tacoma, Washington
Stephan takes juvenile 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 Stephan agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tacoma, Washington
Stephan takes litigation 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 Stephan agrees to represent you.
POA cases in Tacoma, Washington
Stephan takes poa 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 Stephan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephan Dwight Downing — elder law lawyer in Tacoma
Stephan Dwight Downing is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Family Law, and Juvenile. Stephan has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephan D. Downing. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Stephan Dwight Downing is a lawyer practicing dispute resolution, family, guardianships and 1 other area of law. Stephan received a B.A. degree from University of Arizona in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Stephan practices at Stephan D. Downing in Tacoma, WA.
Stephan's approach to elder law cases
Stephan Dwight Downing is a lawyer practicing dispute resolution, family, guardianships and 1 other area of law. Stephan received a B.A. degree from University of Arizona in 1975, and has been licensed for 44 years. Stephan practices at Stephan D. Downing in Tacoma, WA.
The kind of cases Stephan takes
Stephan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, family law, and juvenile matters in Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Puget Sound
J.D. · 1979
University of Arizona
B.A. University · 1975
Jurisdictions
Stephan's state bar admissions
Washington
1982 · ACTIVE
Arizona
1982 · ACTIVE
Stephan studied at J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. University in University of Arizona.
Law school and academic background
Stephan completed J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. University in University of Arizona. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephan runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Stephan Dwight Downing's office in Tacoma
Stephan's primary office is at 802 N. 2nd St., Tacoma, WA, 98403-1929. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephan Dwight Downing — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Stephan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Tacoma.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephan Dwight Downing claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Stephan Dwight Downing — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephan'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; Stephan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Tacoma, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder 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 Stephan
Stephan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder 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. Stephan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephan Dwight Downing
How much does it cost to hire Stephan for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephan offer a free consultation?
Stephan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephan's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Stephan's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Washington typically take?
Simple elder 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. Stephan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephan take my case if I'm outside Tacoma?
Stephan 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 — Stephan 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 Stephan?
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. Stephan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephan accepting new elder law clients right now?
Stephan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Stephan handles elder law matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Washington
If Stephan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Tacoma handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.


