Washington is a no-fault, community property state, so most Olympia divorces turn less on who caused the breakup and more on how property is divided, how parenting time is structured, and whether one spouse will pay maintenance. This guide profiles 10 divorce and family lawyers serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and the rest of Thurston County. Each firm was evaluated on how much of its practice is devoted to family law, its experience with contested parenting plans and complex property, whether it offers mediation or collaborative options, and how often its lawyers appear in Thurston County Superior Court.
When comparing options, ask three practical questions. First, does the lawyer focus on family law, or is divorce one of many practice areas? Second, is the firm better suited to negotiated settlements or contested trials, and which does your case need? Third, how is billing handled, and what retainer is required? This is not a ranked or sponsored list. Firm details were drawn from each firm’s own website, attorney directories such as Avvo, Justia, Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers, and public business listings.
1. Strata Family Law
- Key Attorneys: Paul Posadas, Attorney; Riley Moos, Partner; Katrina Otto, Attorney; Pam Nogueira, Attorney
- Headquarters: 111 Market St NE, Suite 300, Olympia, WA 98501
- Phone: (360) 469-3753
- Website: stratafamilylaw.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce and Separation, Parenting Plans and Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance, Property Division, Modifications and Relocation, LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Firm Size: Olympia family law firm with a multi-attorney team dedicated exclusively to family law
- Practice Area Page: Divorce and Separation
- Social & Professional Profiles: Best Lawyers
Strata Family Law is an Olympia firm built entirely around divorce and family law, and its philosophy is that the best representation blends sharp legal strategy with emotional intelligence. The team brings together experienced Thurston County practitioners. Paul Posadas has practiced family law in Olympia for more than 16 years and is known as a pragmatic, prepared litigator. Partner Riley Moos, a Seattle University School of Law graduate and former Sher Kung Fellow with the QLaw Foundation, represented youth and young adults at a Pierce County civil legal nonprofit before turning to family law, and clients describe her as knowledgeable, empathetic, and firm when it matters. Katrina Otto, whose work has been recognized by Best Lawyers, and Pam Nogueira round out the attorney team.
The firm handles the full range of family matters, from uncontested divorces and legal separations to contested parenting plans, relocation cases, and the division of retirement accounts, real estate, and business interests. It also offers free guides to help clients understand Washington’s divorce process before their first meeting, and it has experience with LGBTQ+ families. Clients consistently praise the team’s communication and its ability to explain the realistic range of outcomes. Strata holds a 5.0-star Google rating, and its office on Market Street is a short drive from the Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court in Tumwater.
2. Morgan Hill P.C.
- Key Attorneys: Clint Morgan, Founding Partner; Rob Hill, Founding Partner; Kara Palmer, Attorney
- Headquarters: 2102C Carriage Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502 (additional office in Tacoma)
- Phone: (360) 357-5700
- Website: olympialegal.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance, Personal Injury, Estate Planning
- Firm Size: Olympia firm founded in 1995 with about five attorneys in the Olympia office
- Practice Area Page: Family Law
Morgan Hill was founded in Olympia in 1995 by Clint Morgan and Rob Hill and is one of the longest-established firms serving the South Puget Sound. Hill has represented clients in family law cases for more than 25 years across Thurston, Mason, Lewis, and Grays Harbor counties, and in 2025 the firm expanded its family law team in response to rising divorce filings.
Clients often mention attorney Kara Palmer for her communication and thoroughness. The firm also handles personal injury and estate planning, which can help clients whose divorce intersects with those issues. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating across more than 230 reviews. Some reviews raise concerns about the cost of contested litigation, so clients should ask for a clear budget estimate early.
3. Ascher & Denton, PLLC
- Key Attorneys: Melissa Denton, Senior Partner
- Headquarters: 2401 Bristol Ct SW, Suite A-101, Olympia, WA 98502
- Phone: (360) 357-8669
- Website: ascherdenton.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Mediation, Parenting Plans, Child Support, Adoption, LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Firm Size: Thurston County family law practice established in 1991
- Practice Area Page: One Lawyer Helps Both Sides
Melissa Denton has practiced family law in Thurston County since 1990, and Ascher & Denton was established in 1991. A University of Oklahoma law graduate admitted in Washington in 1989, Denton practices in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis counties and also serves as a family law mediator.
The firm is known for an unusual model: one neutral lawyer helping both spouses reach an agreement, which can reduce cost and conflict for couples who are already largely in agreement. It also represents individual clients in contested matters. Its Google rating is 4.0, lower than some firms on this list, so clients should confirm whether the firm’s approach fits their case.
4. Truce Law, PLLC
- Key Attorneys: Justin Aanenson, Founding Attorney; Sarterus Rowe, Managing Attorney; Dianna Caley; Elaine Inos; Sam Collin; David Mace; Chanel Mendoza
- Olympia Office: 400 Union Ave SE, Suite 200, Olympia, WA 98501 (additional offices in Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver)
- Phone: (360) 276-5055
- Website: trucelaw.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Modifications
- Firm Size: Multi-office family law firm with about eight lawyers
- Practice Area Page: Divorce and Family Law
Truce Law was founded on the idea that family law works better when the goal is agreement first. Founding attorney Justin Aanenson built the firm around solutions rather than sides, and its Olympia team includes managing attorney Sarterus Rowe, mentoring attorney Dianna Caley, Elaine Inos, Sam Collin, David Mace, and Chanel Mendoza, who also speaks Spanish.
The firm offers mediation, uncontested divorce packages, and collaborative approaches, while still representing clients in court when needed. With offices in Olympia, Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver, it can serve clients whose spouses live elsewhere in the state. Its Olympia office holds a 4.6-star Google rating.
5. Envision Family Law
- Key Attorneys: Meredith Gerhart, Attorney; Sarah Kirchner, Attorney
- Olympia Office: 2024 Caton Way SW, Suite 203, Olympia, WA 98502 (offices across Washington)
- Phone: (360) 995-0512
- Website: envisionfamilylaw.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance, Property Division, Domestic Violence Protection Orders, LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Firm Size: Statewide family law firm with multiple attorneys selected to Super Lawyers
- Practice Area Page: Olympia Family Lawyer
Envision Family Law is a Washington family law firm with offices around the state, and its Olympia office sits just west of Capitol Lake near the county courts. Meredith Gerhart, admitted in 2010, entered law school with the specific goal of practicing family law and has been recognized by The National Advocates as a Top 30 Matrimonial and Family Law attorney.
The firm handles divorce, legal separation, parenting plan modifications, and protection orders, and it offers 24/7 call and text intake with Spanish-speaking staff. Multiple Envision attorneys have been selected to Super Lawyers. Online reviews for the firm are mixed, so clients should discuss expectations for communication and staffing at the outset.
6. Law Office of Forrest Wagner, P.S.
- Key Attorneys: Forrest Wagner, Founder
- Headquarters: 1700 Cooper Point Rd SW, Suite C4, Olympia, WA 98502
- Phone: (360) 866-7025
- Website: forrestwagner.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Relocation, Parenting Plan Modifications
- Firm Size: Solo family law practice founded in 1995 by an attorney licensed since 1986
- Practice Area Page: Areas of Practice
Forrest Wagner has practiced law in Olympia since the 1980s and now limits his practice to family law. A graduate of Whitman College, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and Washington and Lee University School of Law, he founded his firm in 1995 and has written and presented on child support, relocation, and allegations of abuse in family cases.
Wagner also serves as a family law mentor for Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services and has taught family law at South Puget Sound Community College. Fellow attorneys describe him as one of their first referrals for clients who need a zealous advocate in a contested case. He holds a 4.7-star Google rating.
7. Morris-Sockle, PLLC
- Key Attorneys: Frank Morris, Senior Partner; Jeanne Sockle, Managing Partner; Benjamin Sockle; Brandon Koenig
- Headquarters: 3025 Limited Ln NW, Suite 200, Olympia, WA 98502
- Phone: (360) 866-7100
- Website: morris-sockle.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, High-Asset Divorce, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Complex Litigation
- Firm Size: Olympia family law firm with roots dating to the 1980s
- Practice Area Page: Focus Areas
Morris-Sockle is one of Olympia’s most established divorce firms. Senior partner Frank Morris has been licensed since 1977 and has written practical guides for people going through divorce, including Your Washington Divorce: How to Control the Costs. Managing partner Jeanne Sockle brings complex litigation experience from catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, and attorneys Benjamin Sockle and Brandon Koenig handle the firm’s family law docket.
The firm focuses on high-asset divorces, military divorces, and contested custody cases, and it operates the Divorce Lawyers for Men brand for fathers and husbands. Its Google rating is 4.0, so clients should ask how communication will be handled during the case.
8. Budd Bay Law, P.S.
- Key Attorneys: Brian M. Barnes; William B. Pope; Megan D. Card; Eric Pilon; C. Scott Kee
- Headquarters: 324 W Bay Dr NW, Suite 201, Olympia, WA 98502
- Phone: (360) 866-4000
- Website: buddbaylaw.com
- Practice Areas: Family Law, Divorce, Mediation, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal Defense, Business Law
- Firm Size: Multi-attorney Olympia firm
- Practice Area Page: Practice Areas
Budd Bay Law is a multi-attorney Olympia firm on West Bay Drive. Brian Barnes, a Claremont McKenna College and University of San Diego School of Law graduate, has practiced in Washington since 1995 and serves as a private family law mediator and as a pro tem judicial officer for Thurston County Superior Court. Other Thurston County family law attorneys say Barnes is among the lawyers they refer to most often.
The firm’s family law team, which includes Eric Pilon and Megan Card, works alongside colleagues in estate planning, probate, and business law, which can help in divorces involving trusts, inheritances, or a family business. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating.
9. Connolly Tacon & Meserve
- Key Attorneys: Christina Meserve; Kevin Meserve; Charles Szurszewski; Amy Perlman; Leonard Lucenko
- Headquarters: 825 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
- Phone: (360) 943-6747
- Website: olylaw.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Family Law, Mediation, Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation
- Firm Size: Full-service Olympia firm established in 1972
- Practice Area Page: Practice Areas
Connolly Tacon & Meserve has served Olympia since 1972. Christina Meserve has practiced family law in Olympia since 1979, after clerking for Justice James M. Dolliver of the Washington Supreme Court, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers with Super Lawyers selections every year since 2005. Kevin Meserve, a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2018 through 2026, and Charles Szurszewski, who has practiced family law in Olympia since 1978, are also on the team.
As a full-service firm, it handles family law alongside estate planning and personal injury, and its family lawyers have deep familiarity with local practice in Thurston County. Clients facing high-conflict or complex property cases will find some of the most experienced family lawyers in the county here.
10. Pacific Northwest Family Law
- Key Attorneys: Family law team serving offices across Washington
- Olympia Office: 2401 Bristol Ct SW, Suite B-104, Olympia, WA 98502
- Phone: (253) 381-2951
- Website: pnwfamilylaw.com
- Practice Areas: Divorce, Parenting Plans, Child Support, Estate Planning, Probate
- Firm Size: Multi-office Washington family law firm
- Practice Area Page: Practice Areas
Pacific Northwest Family Law is a Washington family law firm with an office in Olympia’s Bristol Court business park. Its distinguishing feature is pricing: the firm uses fixed fees for many services, so clients know what a given stage of the case will cost before the work begins, which is a welcome alternative to open-ended hourly billing.
The firm handles divorce, parenting plans, child support, and related estate planning and probate matters. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating, and clients often highlight the team’s responsiveness. Because it has a smaller local review history, prospective clients should ask which attorney will handle their Olympia case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Washington?
Washington requires a waiting period of at least 90 days after the petition is filed and served before a court can finalize a divorce, under RCW 26.09.030. Uncontested divorces are often finalized shortly after that period ends, while contested cases with disputes over parenting or property can take a year or more.
How is property divided in a Washington divorce?
Washington is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage is generally community property under RCW 26.16.030, but the court is not required to split it equally. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides community and separate property in a way that is “just and equitable,” considering factors such as the length of the marriage and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
How do parenting plans work in Washington?
Every Washington divorce involving children requires a parenting plan that sets out residential time, decision-making, and dispute resolution. Under RCW 26.09.187, the court considers factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, past performance of parenting functions, and the child’s needs. Firms such as Strata Family Law help parents negotiate plans or present evidence when parents cannot agree.
Will I have to pay or receive spousal maintenance?
Maybe. Under RCW 26.09.090, the court can award maintenance based on factors such as the financial resources of each spouse, the time needed for the requesting spouse to become self-supporting, the standard of living during the marriage, and the length of the marriage. Washington does not use a fixed formula, so outcomes depend heavily on the facts and the judge.
Where are Olympia divorces filed?
Divorces for Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater residents are filed in Thurston County Superior Court, with family cases heard at the Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court in Tumwater. The court requires parties with children to attend a parenting seminar and offers facilitator services for people representing themselves.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Olympia?
Most Olympia divorce lawyers bill hourly and require an upfront retainer, with total costs depending on how contested the case is. Uncontested divorces, mediation, and one-lawyer approaches like the model offered by Ascher & Denton can cost far less than litigated cases. Some firms, such as Pacific Northwest Family Law, offer fixed fees for specific services. Ask for a written estimate and a clear explanation of how the retainer will be used.
Disclaimer: This guide to Olympia divorce attorneys is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney referral. This is not a ranked or sponsored list, and inclusion does not imply an endorsement by, or affiliation with, any named divorce law firm beyond what is stated. Attorney credentials, case results, and contact details change over time; please confirm current information directly with each firm before making a hiring decision. Past results described here do not guarantee similar outcomes in any other divorce case.
