PRO
Tristen U. Key
also known as Tristen Lee
Virtual Consultation Available
About Tristen
Biography
Tristen Key is an Everett family law attorney with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in divorce, child custody, parenting plans, domestic violence, child support, and other complex family law matters throughout Snohomish County and the surrounding communities.
Before becoming an attorney, Tristen spent a decade as a social worker helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. That experience gives her a unique perspective on the human side of family law and informs her thoughtful, strategic approach to every case.
Known for meticulous preparation, clear communication, and the ability to anticipate opposing strategies, Tristen develops legal solutions tailored to each client's unique goals and circumstances. She believes every family deserves an individualized approach and works closely with clients to ensure they understand the process, feel informed, and can make confident decisions about their future.
Whether negotiating a resolution or preparing for trial, Tristen is committed to protecting what matters most and helping clients move forward with confidence.
Experienced, Diligent, Effective and Caring. Divorce, Child Custody And Family Law. Call Today!
Experienced, Diligent, Effective and Caring. Divorce, Child Custody And Family Law.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
22 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 21 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Tristen online.
Tristen U. Key's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
42 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 42 reviews
Posted by Rikki | August 05, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Divorce
Tristen helped me with my divorce. I was nervous and didn't understand any of it. She made it so easy for me and so smooth. I couldn't believe how easy it was. I would highly recommend her to anybody going through a divorce. TOP NOTCH!!!
Posted by David | September 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Compassionate, Professional, and Truly Exceptional Representation
I had the privilege of being represented by Attorney Tristen and supported by Paralegal Piper during my divorce, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication were exceptional. Tristen is an outstanding attorney—skilled, empathetic,...
Posted by Pierre | March 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Parenting Plan/Mediation
Tristan represented me from August 2022 until recently, and I’m very grateful for her support throughout a difficult and emotional time. I hired her after the court initially granted me temporary full custody of my daughter due to concerns regarding her mother’s mental health. During this period, t...
Posted by Melissa | June 18, 2024
Peace of Mind
I contacted Tristen again a few years after my divorce with some follow up questions. She was reassuring and straightforward. I felt supported and well informed to move forward.
Posted by Tara | June 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Wonderful, highly recommend
Tristen was knowledgeable, efficient, compassionate, and made every effort to make sure I felt heard and well represented during a long drawn out high conflict divorce. She made sure I understood the process and worked diligently to address any issues. She was upfront about costs and made every ef...
Tristen U. Key's Lawyer Endorsements
"Tristen is great to work with. She is professional, compassionate, thoughtful and easy to work with."
"Tristen is an incredibly knowledgeable attorney. She has provided effective legal advice for clients for many years. I would go to her immediately if I ever have a family law issue."
"I highly recommend Tristen to anyone needing legal representation in the family-law arena. Tristen's vast experience allows her to give practical and strategic advice. She is a fast-thinker and is excellent in court. She has compassion for her clients as she guides them through what can be a very difficult process."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"One of the top qualities I like about Tristen is that she can be a zealous advocate for her client while still being a friendly and professional opposing counsel. I recently worked opposite Tristen on a child support and parenting plan modification matter. She was very knowledgeable and creative when the settlement process came to that tipping point where it appeared the process was breaking down. I highly recommend Tristen as a lawyer in any family law matter."
"Tristen is a fantastic lawyer. She never ceases to amaze me with her abiltiy to think creatively to find solutions to tough problems. As her business partner, I know her clients have the best representation available. With her prior experience as a social worker, she is uniquely qualified as an advocate in family law."
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"I am familiar with Tristen Key from not only being law school classmates of hers at Seattle University School of Law, but also by working on a case in which Ms. Key was the opposing counsel. I have found Ms. Key to be extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic, and straightforward. Her common sense approach to case issues is refreshing, and allows her to be a strong advocate for her clients in all settings: settlement negotiations and trial. The professionalism she exhibits in all her interactions with colleagues in this profession will undoubtedly serve Ms. Key well and will secure her the recognition she deserves. She has an adept understanding of the stresses clients face in divorce and custody actions and she maneuvers her clients successfully through all phases. She is highly ethical and a credit to the profession. I highly endorse this attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Marquis Who's Who, Who's Who Legal
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018
Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2018
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2017
Five Star Investment Professionals, Seattle Magazine
2017
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2016
Five Star Investment Professionals, Seattle Magazine
2015
10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2026 - Present
Counsel, McKinley Irvin
2008 - Present
Equity Partner, Dethleffs Sparwasser Reich Dickerson & Key, PLLC
2017 - 2026
Attorney, Key Law Offices, PLLC
2004 - 2008
Senior Associate, Stella L. Pitts & Associates, PLLC
2003 - 2003
Extern Clerk, Washington State Supreme Court, Justice Tom Chambers
2003 - 2003
Rule 9 Clerk, Multicounty Public Defender, Appellate Division
2002 - 2002
Research Assistant, Seattle University School of Law
1999 - 2001
Lead Domestic Violence Coordinator, City of Kent Attorney's Office
1995 - 1999
Legal Advocate, Snohomish County Center for Battered Women
Associations
2011 - Present
Snohomish County Bar AssociationActive Member
2004 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationActive Member
2004 - Present
King County Bar AssociationActive Member
Member
2000 - 2001
Seattle Human Rights CommissionCommissoner
2000 - 2001
Washington Criminal Justice Training CommissionTrainer
1998 - 2000
Asian Women and Family Safety CenterBoard of Directors
Education
2004
Juris Doctor
1994
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2003
Domestic Violence
2002
Domestic Violence
2001
Domestic Violence Crimes Investigations
1999
Domestic Violence
Publications
2003
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers