Meridian Family Law In the News
The attorneys at Meridian Family Law are frequently quoted in the press about their different approach to divorce, efficiently developing solid financial plans for clients, creating workable parenting plans for children, and offering tips for step-parenting success, among other divorce topics. In addition, the firm (formerly named Integrative Family Law) has authored many articles for various publications and appeared on television.
Susan Shulenberger Elected to the 2023-2024 King County Collaborative Law Board
We are delighted to announce that our own Susan Shulenberger has been elected to the King County Collaborative Law Board for 2023-2024. Susan is a leader in collaborative law. She has dedicated her practice to helping clients achieve exceptional outcomes outside of court. The collaborative process allows parties a team of experts to assist in evaluating their case and reaching a considered, fair resolution. We celebrate Susan and thank her for the collaborative approach she brings to our clients.
The Seattle Times “Best Family Law in the PNW” Honor — 2023
We are thrilled to share that Meridian Family Law has been voted Best Family Law for the Seattle Times 2023 ‘Best in the PNW’. Given that this is a People’s Choice Award, we are especially honored that this recognition comes from our community. It is our privilege to stand beside each client as we represent them through their family law issues. We remain committed to providing our community excellent legal work – one client at a time. We could not be more excited to receive this award!
Congratulations to Our Attorneys Selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers List
We are honored to announce that a number of our attorneys have been selected to the Super Lawyers list for 2023. Those are: Jennifer Forquer, Krista Stipe, Brien Galbraith, and Susan Shulenberger. Kelly Stafford has been selected as a Rising Star. Jennifer and Krista have been previously selected to this esteemed award and we are thrilled they were recognized again this year. Super Lawyers is a peer-nominated award that honors the top 5% of lawyers in their practice areas. We are so pleased to have these excellent lawyers at our firm and we celebrate their outstanding accomplishments.
Proud sponsors of the King County Washington Women Lawyers Judicial Appreciation Luncheon
We Are Thrilled to Sponsor the King County Washington Women Lawyers Judicial Appreciation Luncheon to be held on June 22, 2023. This is the first such event since 2019 due to the pandemic. We are so grateful for the dedication of our judicial officers, and are pleased to recognize and celebrate them. We are especially honored to recognize this year’s award recipients: Lori Kay Smith (Betty B. Fletcher – Judge of the Year Award), Judge Andrea Jarmon (President’s Award), Judge Jim Rogers (Vanguard Award), and the Seattle Clemency Project (Special Contribution to the Judiciary Award). Thanks to their efforts!
We are proud sponsors of Family Law CASA of King County
At Meridian Family Law, we understand the importance of advocates who hold children’s best interest at heart. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of CASA volunteers. CASA’s impact and ability to assist children by speaking to their best interest in Juvenile Court and Family Court is imperative. We are a proud sponsor of CASA.
Welcome Back, Susan Shulenberger!
Meridian Family Law is extremely excited to welcome back Attorney Susan Shulenberger as Of Counsel Mentoris Amicum. Susan has over 40 years of legal experience – specializing in high net-worth clients with substantial and varied assets. She brings a balance of astute legal knowledge as well as wisdom, compassion, and practicality. Susan especially enjoys representing clients in Collaborative Law cases. We are so grateful to have Susan back with us.
Krista Stipe and Jennifer Forquer Selected as 2022 Super Lawyers
We are proud to announce that Krista Stipe and Jennifer Forquer have been selected as 2022 Super Lawyers. This is a particularly impressive accomplishment as Super Lawyers is a peer-nominated award that recognizes the best attorneys in their field. Krista and Jennifer bring a wealth of knowledge and commitment to our firm. We are grateful they have been recognized for their achievements.
Brien Galbraith Named a Partner
Meridian Family Law is excited to announce that Brien Galbraith has been promoted to Partner. Brien is a tireless advocate and knowledgeable in a multitude of family law issues. He is a talented addition to our leadership team.
Meridian Family Law Welcomes Attorneys Laura M. Groves, Peyton Healy, and Melanie Avril Maxwell
We are thrilled to announce that Attorneys Laura M. Groves, Peyton Healy, and Melanie Avril Maxwell have joined Meridian Family Law.
- Laura has 17 years of experience and serves as a Pro Tem Commissioner in Pierce County. She won the Pro Bono Public Service Award from the Washington State Bar Association and the Law Firm Pro Bono Award from the Pierce County Bar Association for her work in developing and running a Pro Bono Family Law Clinic. Laura is an impressive and effective attorney.
- Peyton is a former prosecutor and is accustomed to thinking on her feet. She has a background in Criminal Justice and is especially interested in serving those affected by Domestic Violence.
- Melanie brings her extensive legal experience to the firm, focusing on challenging areas such as guardianships. She is admitted to practice in both federal and state courts. She also served a King County Pro Tem Commissioner between 2010 and 2013.
We are excited to have Laura, Peyton, and Melanie as part of our outstanding legal team.
Meridian Family Law Welcomes Veronica Waters and Janice Dahl as Paralegals
We are pleased to announce that Veronica Waters and Janice Dahl have joined our firm as paralegals. They bring their years of experience and practical problem-solving skills to our already incredible staff.
Stories Quoting Meridian Family Law Attorneys
Protecting children’s relationship with their father
Divorced dads, domestic violence, and the systemic bias against men in King County family court. For years, dads’-rights groups have claimed that family court overwhelmingly favors women, particularly when it comes to custody. Meridian Family Law attorney Jennifer Forquer was quoted in this article. Read More: Protecting children’s relationship with their father.
Contributed Articles To Various Publications
Tips for Successful Mediations
by Sharon Friedrich and Krista Stipe, King County Bar Association Bulletin
In the Shadows: Dealing with Mental Health Issues
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Relocating with Children: A Moving Conundrum
by Lisa DuFour, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Presumed Fathers Compound Family Structure
by Lisa DuFour, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Who Pays For Supporting a College Bound Child?
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Family Law and the Rules of Professional Conduct
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Special Needs Children and Parenting Plans
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Fraudulent Transfers: You Can’t Even Give Your Stuff Away
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Family Affair – The Co-Parents Handbook
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Moving on When it is Over
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
What Happens When Mr./Mrs. Right Turns into Mr./Mrs. Wrong?
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
How to Prepare a Declaration for a Family Law Hearing: A Novel Idea
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Long Term Marriages and Divorce after 60 (or 80)
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
The True MVP of Family Law Litigation
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Favorite Parenting Plan Classes
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Why “You Should Do What I Tell You” Does Not Work
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Top Ten Things to Tell a Family Law Client
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
A Paws-itive Way to Heal Child Abuse
by Lisa DuFour and Sharon Friedrich, King County Bar Association Bulletin
Can You Give It All Away? Examining Gifts and Property Transfers under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act
by Lisa DuFour, Washington State Bar News, November 2010, Volume 64, Number 11
Military Moms and Dads: How to Protect the Rights of Deployed Parents
by Lisa DuFour and Laura Carlsen, Pierce County Bar News, November 2010
Working with Limited English Customers
by Lisa DuFour, King County Bar Association Bulletin