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

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

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 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Experienced, professional, and compassionate attorney

Rhea Rolfe and her whole office are an amazing team of hardworking women. My case went on for several years and everyone there was always responsive, reliable, and encouraging. It was humbling to meet a group of lawyers who behaved ethically and were always looking out for the best interest of the ch...ild involved in parenting plan updates, as well as keeping us both safe and escape a domestic violence situation. Rhea and her team also helped with deescalation when the other party was sending threats to me and their whole office. On several ocassions, both Rhea and Monique Gilson-Moreau waited with me in the courthouse for my case to be called and anyone knows how hard it is to sit through other hearings nervously awaiting your turn. They were both compassionate and caring and help me have hope for the future for me and my child. They also kept me informed of my options and updated on my case at all times and avoided running up my tab by declining to engage further with the other party, who at some point was sending daily non nonsensical emails to their office. I can't recommend their offices enough. If you are looking for an experienced attorney with integrity who is ready to fight for you without creating unnecessary conflict, look no further. Rhea is an outstanding attorney.

Posted by Aaron | October 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Saved my life!

There is a 4K character limit for this review & that is not enough for me truly express just how fantastic Rhea & her team truly are. My life would not be what it is today if it weren't for Rhea. I went through a pretty nasty divorce, with some pretty terrible (false) accusations made which resulte...d in restraining orders & me not being able to see my kids. It truly was the most difficult period I've ever faced in my life. With Rhea by my side she was able to squash the restraining orders, get me regularly scheduled visits with my kids (50/50 bi-weekly) during the divorce process and eventually came out of the divorce with joint 50/50 custody and a rock solid & very fair custody plan that is about as even as you could possibly get. Hard to imagine when in the beginning my ex was seeking full custody & made some pretty outlandish & wild claims of abuse, etc. Everyone's situation is different of course, but I will tell you that there is nothing more I could have asked or hoped for from an attorney, or her team. She truly saved my life, as my kids are everything to me. If you are reading this review, chances are you need an attorney. I would not wast a minute more in doing more research. Hire Rhea. It will be one of the best decisions you ever make in your life.

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 Arlesha Cooper Revish | November 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Amazing Team

I'm AD military, was in an abusive marriage and in the beginning of our dissolution when I retained Rhea. I filed a military protection order a week post partum, after my spouse refused to return our son to me. My spouse violated the order and explained it away both times, all in the course of ...a few weeks, and was never penalized. When I sought a DVPO because he didn't respect the MPO, I was told it wasn't likely to be granted by other legal personnel, and wasn't given any help, direction or advice other than that. In the process of my filing for dissolution the following month I was served with his petition. It was like being sucker-punched. Originally I was happy receiving the paperwork, thinking that was one less step I had to complete, but then it was explained to me he had a lawyer, the best on my small island, and I had no idea what to do. I didn't even understand the language in the paperwork given to me. Rhea and her team were a Godsend. They stayed open late to help me, even on weekends sometimes, did their best to save me money where they could, and won court cases the honest way, unlike trying to use tricks like my spouse's lawyer did. They were always quick to contact me or return my calls and kept me in the loop during the entire process. When we weren't in court or preparing for it, they intervened and communicated with my spouse to resolve matters about our infant son whenever I needed the help, which, to a domestic violence victim is an incredible help as it limits the reach the abuser has. I am blessed; my abusive situation only went on 2 years before I decided to leave. In that 2 years I had been mostly silent about the abuse. When I finally did open up, after my spouse took our son, I felt like no one was listening, especially not the police. I was scared, low on funds because the marriage had been financially draining, and felt like I had no options. Rhea listened. She and her team made me feel like my son and I were a priority, and genuinely cared. Even after I had to have her withdraw, she gave legal advice. I highly recommend Rhea, Stephanie, and Rebecca. I didn't realize how truly amazing they were and how good they are at what they do, because I had never had an issue requiring services like theirs. Where I was used to getting a call or an email back in 72 hours, some lawyers may not contact you for a full 8 business days. Where I was used to Rhea breaking down all the legal jargen, other lawyers may simply leave you in the dark. Where I was given help and advice by Rhea to help me navigate in and out of court, other lawyers take your money, tell you what you want to hear, and leave you high and dry. Rhea, Stephanie, and Rebecca talked to me like a person - not like a breathing bank account; they didn't minimize my situation, nor did they coddle or try to steamroll me. They were the first to treat me with dignity. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIBSON AND MOREAUX! RHEA ROLFE IS THE BEST OF THE BEST!

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution