Rhea J. Rolfe

Rhea J. Rolfe

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 49 years

Family Lawyer at Bellevue, WA
Practice Areas: Family

410 Bellevue Way S.E., Suite 104, Bellevue, WA

About Rhea

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 420-480 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 49 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1976

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Gilson-Moreau & Associates, P.S.

410 Bellevue Way S.E., Suite 104, Bellevue, WA, 98004

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Rhea J. Rolfe's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (14) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce attorney

It would be difficult to say any experience surrounding a divorce is 'excellant', however I was very blessed to have had Rhea as my attorney. Her advice through out was solid from the beginning and her experience was clear. I have recommended Rhea to a friend and another family member now goi...ng through a difficult and frustrating divorce.

Posted by Rob | July 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

International Child Abduction & Dissolution of Marriage

If you want THE BEST, call Rhea first. Rhea J. Rolfe is thorough, effective and proficient in the field of law. Rhea resolved my case so quickly that even officials in Washington D.C. were stunned with awe that Rhea was able to present her facts so correctly, so logically, and with such tenaci...ty as to get a decision without delay. Rhea presented herself, and my interests, so solidly, so bullet-proof, and her knowledge of 'law' so succinctly, that the judge responded with an immediate and reasoned decision, and my only response was to hug Rhea. My child was the victim of International Child Abduction. Rhea's confidence, her knowledge, and her professionalism saved my child from being starved to death - as my daughter was assessed as suffering from 'failure to thrive' and 'growth retardation' due to nutrition during her abduction. Rhea is beyond SuperHero for our family. Rhea is a beautiful standard of truth, justice and moral correctness that you can only understand upon calling her, meeting with her, or knowing her. After my daughter was abducted, there was no way I could remain married to my spouse, the abductor. Rhea flawlessly initiated and resolved my dissolution of marriage, and seamlessly helped me get my life back on track. Rhea knows RCW thoroughly, and her advice is always correct and important to remember. LISTEN TO RHEA!!! Rhea J. Rolfe. Thank you <3 Rhea has earned respect because of her many years of experience, because of her confidence in presenting truth and justice, because of her involvement in legal activism, and because she is very fair. I highly recommend Rhea to be your representative if you want positive results, transparent communication with your attorney, and kind, courteous service from her office administrators, Rebecca and Stephanie. There is no end to the thankfulness I have for Rhea, Rebecca and Stephanie in seeking justice and fairness on behalf of my family, when we needed help and assistance. Rob

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Law is Rhea's Strength

Rhea is by far the most confident and knowledgeable attorney I have ever met, and I have met my fair share in many different states. Rhea knows the RCW extremely well, and she is tenacious in representing her clients based on what the law allows. Other attorneys will make whatever argument suits thei...r purpose. Rhea has no need to do this because she knows how the law applies to her clients cases, and she is good at communicating the issues of the case in light of the law to the judge/commissioner. My cases involved interstate custody, a combination of criminal cases and domestic violence issues, the JAG and a major modification. Rhea fought until she won my case even in the appeals court after two judges and a commissioner had miss-interpreted the law. Rhea knows what she is doing; she works well with people. She and her staff are responsive and caring in working with you especially when issues are difficult, complex and highly sensitive. When you are going through some of the most difficult times of your life, you need someone who knows what they are doing. Rhea has been that person for me.

Posted by Evelyn | March 27, 2015 | Child Custody

Hague Convention and Family Law Expert!

Rhea J. Rolfe was my lawyer when I needed one to help me recover my 4 children back, after my husband in 2011 kidnapped them from Guatemala to Seattle without my knowledge or permission. The US State Department recommended her to my good fortune. We fought in court a total of 2 months and I returne...d to Guatemala with my 4 children ages 3, 10, 12 & 14. She had over 25 years of experience, she knew how to handle each appeal and she fought with knowledge and expertise. She worked with an outstanding team, was organized, professional and continuously updated me on everything. She also recommended a great appeals lawyer, a forensic psychologist, and everything needed in a court case. Even after the case ended she facilitated a mediator, considering my ex-husband´s lawyer had quit, and we resolved many unfinished issues, like dividing goods, a jewish divorce and a parenting plan. Lawyers work on a case, Rhea solved my case and returned my family to me. To this day we remain in touch and when I visit Seattle we get together. She is efficient, passionate and dedicated. She is also respected amongst her peers. Do not hesitate to take her on a case!

Posted by Desiree | August 22, 2014 | Family

Rhea Rolfe is the best family lawyer available

Our case has not been finalized and yet, I don't need to know the final decision before I can recommend Rhea. She is a pillar of virtue in the family law practice and our community in Washington State. After working with her for over a year and watching her deal with a very unresponsive and absent m...inded apposing council I can't explain how fortunate I feel to have Rhea in my community as a resource, especially on my side. Upon first calling her office and speaking with her she gave me sound advice and council, upon our first meeting she gained a full understanding of our unique situation and was fully on board from the beginning. She put in tons of research, knew the topic thoroughly and stuck to the basics because the law is in our favor. Our opposing council attempted to throw her off on wild goose chases and such prior to trial while blindsiding her upon arriving to court with last minute documents and witnesses change of schedule. Through it all she remained above the tactics of opposing council and I feel I couldn't have been better represented. She wastes no time, is very upfront and communicative. I highly recommend Rhea Rolfe.

See All Client Reviews

Rhea J. Rolfe's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Rhea
Leslie A Irwin headshot
Leslie Irwin

Family lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse this lawyer. When I need a second opinion she is the first attorney I consult with and I have repeatedly referred clients to her. In addition to her other areas of expertise, Rhea is highly skilled in dealing with domestic violence issues and the complexities this brings to family law cases. She applies a refreshing common sense perspective to the law and is well respected by the court. She is also a fearless and compassionate advocate for her clients and understands how to settle a case and when to go to trial."

Monique Gilson-Moreau headshot
Monique Gilson-Moreau

Family lawyer | Jul 11

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. She's experienced, well-respected and cares about her clients. She is one of a few lawyers that is knowledgeable regarding the Hague Convention on abduction of children and has helped several parents regain custody of their children. She's been on the Family Law Executive Committee of the Bar Association for a number of years and is knowledgeable in all aspects of family law."

Nicole B Chafetz headshot
Nicole Chafetz

Family lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. My GOODNESS! Where does one begin? For one, every time I certify a foreign judgment, I tell my clients that I know the lawyer, RHEA, who drafted these forms. Before then, every lawyer was on their own. Then of course, she is THE Hague Convention lawyer. I would never refer a case with out-of-country issues to anyone but her. She is extraordinary and worth every dime. Honestly. (I never use exclamation marks this often but she is truly worth it.)"

John David Wickham headshot
John Wickham

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Rhea is on the short list of fellow family law attorneys that I consult for second opinions on my cases. Along with her many years of experience in family law, she is most expert in cases involving international child custody and abduction."

Cameron J. Fleury headshot
Cameron Fleury

Family lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Rhea Rolfe for her outstanding legal knowledge and advocacy skills."

Charles E Szurszewski headshot
Charles Szurszewski

Family lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rhea is a highly competent lawyer who has great experience and an understanding of the law and its application to client's needs."

Robert Norwood Getz headshot
Robert Getz

Child custody lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rhea is the "go to" person for all questions about custody and especially interstate and international cases. Her vigor to get her clients justice is unmatched. Jurists pay attention when she speaks."

Kristina L Thalacker headshot
Kristina Thalacker

Family lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Rhea for several years and highly respect her work."

Ruth Laura Edlund headshot
Ruth Edlund

Family lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Rhea has been my opposing counsel on several cases and a colleague and friend for many years. She knows when to take a strong position and when to negotiate an amicable outcome, basing her recommendations on deep knowledge both of the law and of human nature."

Larry Jerome Couture headshot
Larry Couture

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is perhaps the most knowledgable person I know dealing with the Hague Convention. She is also dedicated to her clients, concerned about everyone and a person who can be trusted."

Joshua Nihan Foreman headshot
Joshua Foreman

Family lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rhea Rolfe is one of the most distinguished attorneys in the State of Washington. I have known her for many years and known her well; we work together on cases regularly. She is often consulted by other attorneys, including me, because of her expertise in Family Law, built up over many years of practice. In particular, she is the state's leading expert in representing custodial parents whose children have been abducted by the non-custodial parent, especially to another country. She is a very caring person who takes good care of her clients. She works in both King and Snohomish Counties, and is also available for appeals. If I were getting a divorce, I would hire Rhea Rolfe. I recommend her enthusiastically and unconditionally."

View All Endorsements
Amanda N. Gamble headshot
Amanda Gamble

Family lawyer

Cameron J. Fleury headshot
Cameron Fleury

Family lawyer

John David Wickham headshot
John Wickham

Family lawyer

Nicole B Chafetz headshot
Nicole Chafetz

Family lawyer

Joshua Nihan Foreman headshot
Joshua Foreman

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2008

Keeping the Blues Alive, Washington Blues Society

Work Experience

1987 - 2002

Hearing Examiner pro tem, City of Seattle Civil Service Commission

1985 - 1987

Investigator, Delany, Siegel, Zorn & Associates

1985 - 1985

Session Attorney, Washington State Senate Committee on Energy and Utitilies

1982 - 1984

Staff Attorney, Washington State Bar Associaiton

1979 - 1987

Instructor - Business Law and Urban Law, Western Washington University Urban Center

1979 - 1980

Legal Advisor, Seattle Office of Women's Rights

1978 - 1985

Instructor - Women in the Law, University of Washington

1978 - 1979

Conciliation Officer, Seattle Human Rights Department

1976 - 1978

Investigator, Seattle Human Rights Department

Associations

2018 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Chair

2012 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Executive Committee

Elected Committee Member

King County Bar Association

Washington Women Lawyers

Snohomish County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Holder v. Holder

Ruled in my client's favor, remanded to the District Court

See More Legal Cases

Education

1976

University of Puget Sound School of Law (Now Seattle University)

J. D.

1970

University of Washington - Seattle

B. A.

Speaking Engagements

2018

Family Law Basic Skills Training

Client Declarations

2016

2016 Family Law Section Midyear

Relocation

2015

2015 Family Law Section Midyear

UCCJEA

2014

Navy Invitational

WA Relocation and International Custody issues involving The Hague Convention

2013

Family Law Section Fall CLE

Interstate and International Family Law Issues

2010

Family Law Midyear

How to Win a Custody Fight

2009

The Intersection of Family and Elder Law

CLE-Dealing With an Incapacitated Client

2008

Lunch Seminar

Habeas Corpus and Hague Convention

2006

Building Your Family Law Practice

Attorney-Client Relationships

Publications

2016

2016 Family Law Midyear Meeting and Conference Summary of Washington Relocation Cases

2015

2015 Family Law Section Midyear UCCJEA and Relocation Issues

2012

Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books) Navigating International Family Law

2009

The Intersection of Family and Elder Law What to do if you Believe Your Client (or theirs) is Incompetent

1980

King County Bar Association Young Lawyers Practice Manual Law Against Discrimination

Languages

English

Activity

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