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Mark Steven Gouras

Child custody Attorney at Kent, WA

4.8   53 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 37 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1986
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Mark

Learn Mark’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Child custody
    30%
    My areas of concentration include heavily contested cases with issues of domestic violence, drug & alcohol abuse, neglect and psychiatric issues. I also have extensive experience with interstate and international custody and parental abduction cases.

    36 years

  2. Divorce and separation
    30%
    Separation cases include both married and unmarried couples in a Committed Intimate Relationship (a/k/a C.I.R., or Meretricious). I have extensive experience with long-term marriages and complicated estates involving professionals and small businesses.

    36 years

  3. Alimony
    10%

    36 years

  4. Child support
    10%

    36 years

  5. Family
    10%

    36 years

  6. Child abuse
    5%

    36 years

  7. Domestic violence
    5%

I am a native of Seattle.  I practice exclusively in family law in King and Pierce counties. I have been chosen by my peers as one of Washington’s best family law lawyers by The Best Lawyers in America, 27th Ed.  I have also been designated as a Super Lawyer for 2021 and 2022 through a process that includes peer review and that recognizes only 5% of the attorneys in each state.  I limit the number of cases that I will take at any one time.  The quality of my work and achieving an efficacious outcome for my clients are my primary focus.

Awards

Gold Client Champion
Distinguished Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice 2018,2017,2015,2014,2013,2012
Client's Choice
2018 2017 2015 + 3 ...

Photos and videos

Contact Mark

Gouras Law Firm, PLLC
6703 S. 234th Street
Suite 300
Kent, WA, 98032

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  53 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by LeeAnn | August 16, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation
I came to Mark after wasting time with another attorney for the beginning of my case. Mark made me feel secure that he would fight for the things that were important to me. He never dismissed my feelings or made me feel like I was asking too much. He was balanced and gave solid advice from his obvious many years of expertise. I could tell he really knew his way around the block and I felt comfortable that he would guide and support me every step of the way. In the end he made sure I reached a fair settlement and didn't concede too much to my ex. His paralegal Morgan is top-notch as well. She was so organized and made sure I was prepared every step of the way. She was often times pulling my ex's lawyer & team along because they were so disorganized and behind on things. I can't say enough good things about Mark and his team.
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Posted by Kevin | February 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He's the one that I'd recommend to my friends and family
I hired Mark Gouras as my divorce lawyer in August of 2021. My divorce was difficult for me. He was welcoming and I felt secure hiring him. I checked around with other lawyers but I'm glad I went with him. Mr. Gouras was professional and I didn't feel swindled or cheated out of my time or money; one of my chief worries when I started looking for a lawyer. My case wasn't straight forward but I felt like I was being represented by someone with more than enough experience. Do not go with just any lawyer. Bad/cheap lawyers will cost you more in the long run when it comes to divorces. I cannot recommend him enough to anyone who needs his services. I came out the other side of this ordeal feeling better than I would've assumed and it was because of him and his paralegal. He absolutely made a positive difference in my life and future prospects.
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Posted by Victor | July 18, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Trustworthy is what Mark really is!
What a professional and knowledgeable Mark is!He is very honest and trustworthy! He would tell what we can do or we could not win without "probably ".We have met so many lawyers in our life time, but he is unique and exceptional we have ever met! l, without doubt recommend him in all family legal matters! Victor Shen ...
Posted by Danielle | February 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney out there!
I hired Mark Gouras as my family law attorney in a complicated child custody/domestic violence case. Mark is an amazing attorney and did wonderful in the courtroom to fight for a protection order and parenting plan that would ensure my son's and my safety. He is a natural in the courtroom and is very professional. He does his research and is extremely well-prepared, knowledgeable, experienced, and organized. I can tell Mark really cares about his clients and he showed kindness and compassion. His paralegal, Morgan is caring and very responsive. She is easy to talk to and she really cares as well. I am so thankful for the outcome in the case, and I couldn't have done it without his dedication and support. I believe Mark is the best attorney out there! I highly recommend him!
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Posted by anonymous | February 9, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
READ THIS REVIEW *** You want the best representation
Mark has represented me through my divorce, and subsequent hearings and custody battles. I was very thorough in reviewing who I could rely on to support the best interests of my family when initially searching for a Lawyer in my divorce. After meeting with several, I was confident Mark would be someone who would go above and beyond to achieve desired results. Mark is an expert at positioning his clients for success and provides thoughtful direction in being proactive while going through the process. TAKE HIS ADVICE. Mark navigated the divorce process while setting realistic expectations...which he by far exceeded. Post divorce, Mark has been more than an advocate, but helped me through a very complicated custody battle. I assure you, divorce is not always the end of your challenges, you will likely face more on the other side..... and you want an expert that will support you. I cannot recommend Mark highly enough. I owe the success of my situation to his guidance and representation.
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Posted by Monika | February 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Settled Parenting Plan 2014
He really explained things and what I would realistically be looking at. We designed a plan I felt would grow with my infant into the teenage years. His demeanor was very relaxed and he remained calm while I was stressed, which helped me relax. I felt his knowledge and confidence really alleviated my fears in the whole process.
Posted by Grace | September 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mark is your savior when it comes to child custody
I don't really know where to start when it comes to Mark. I have had one of the worst cases when it comes to my sons father. My ex is very much a sociopath and this time around, when I realized it was time to take him back to court, I knew I needed a fighter. I knew I needed someone with experience with dealing with a person that will not be factual and my ex is very much that - a lot of words of "this is why I need to get away with things" rather than trying to do the right thing. Mark is strategic, compassionate, and reasonable. When you ask something that he knows is not right, he explains exactly why. He comes with a plan - but, thats not the biggest and greatest thing about him. He DELIVERS the plan. He succeeds. I was so nervous, shaking and convinced once again my sons father would win with his vile words. Nope. Mark stuck to the facts and won. Mark is worth EVERY penny. Also, his assistant Morgan is the loveliest gem. They are a match made in heaven during a time you may feel at unease. Hire Mark. I'll refer him to anyone that will listen if I hear they are going through a rough custody/parenting plan/divorce case. You'll sleep well when you hire him, I promise.
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Posted by Krystal | August 19, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Look no further! Mark is your guy!
I cannot rave enough about Mark. He was knowledgeable and professional and I trusted his opinion. With so many years of experience, all I wanted was honesty within the process. Mark knew the laws in each county and was able to talk through similar cases and asked probing questions to see exactly where I had options. His paralegal Morgan was so responsive and professional. I cannot thank this dream team enough! They are worth every penny and more. Thank you so much!
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Posted by Cody | December 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce lawyer reminiscent of an expert tattoo artist
Choosing a divorce lawyer is a decision I didn't want to make but had to. It was a decision i didn't take lightly because counsel  represents me and i wanted my lawyer's conduct, argument, presentation, and strategy to reflect how I would try the case. After interviewing and consulting a handful of lawyers, the decision to have Mr. Gouras represent me was an easy one to make. Now that the trial is over and divorce final, I can fully endorse Mr. Gouras for helping me realize all 3 of my legal goals, the primary one being awarded 50/50 custody of my child. A part of the outcome was a function of the facts which Mr. Gouras honestly and candidly assessed during our initial consultation. The next element was his directions to me through the various stages of the divorce process. At times I had certain ideas about what we should do and Mr. Gouras patiently educated me based on his years of experience. Most importantly was how Mr. Gouras used the facts, my conduct during the temporary orders, responding to the other party, and his experience to craft and present compelling arguments before the court.  Mr. Gouras made me feel thoroughly prepared and in control during the 18 month custody battle. Of course we could only control our side of the street but our side was clean. A divorce, like a marriage,ends when one party is done. My case required a judge to tell the other party that it is over. Hopefully your case won't end in trial but be assured that if Mr. Gouras is representing you that he will treat each stage with effective and efficient precision. I have a lot of tattoos and  there is a saying that "Good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good". There are lots of parallels between working with an expert custom tattoo artist and an expert divorce attorney but the most obvious one is that the end result is something you will live with for a lifetime. I have no regrets on my choice of tattoo artists or my choice in Mr. Gouras as my lawyer. The divorce (like a tattoo) was painful but I had complete confidence in my professional who turned a scar into a piece of art. Thanks to Mr. Gouras and Ms. Solomon.
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Posted by anonymous | June 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best in the Business
If you are getting divorced and looking for a great attorney then your search is over. Mr. Gouras is that topnotch attorney you will need. Mark and his staff gave me all the advantages possible to win in a divorce. His knowledge of family law and his understanding of the court guided me through the maze. He knows what the judges want and how to present your case to them. My case involved two children and disputed property. In the end, I got the time I wanted with my kids and the issue with the property was resolved in my favor. My now ex-wife went through three different attorneys, so I saw some of the possibilities in representation. I witnessed firsthand the importance of having a good lawyer. I am so thankful I chose Mark Gouras as my attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | November 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent divorce lawyer
Mark knows his stuff! He informed me of the laws and process all the way thru my divorce. He helped me prepare an accurate, concise and precise response to my ex spouse which enabled me to obtain a judgement for money owed to me. His legal team helped me in preparing supporting documents needed to prove what money was owed to me. He followed thru until the case was complete.
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Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expert Advice & Strategy
Mr. Gouras was incredibly helpful during the process of creating a parenting plan in a contentious situation. He listened well and gave excellent feedback. He allowed me to say what I needed to say and both he and his paralegal, Morgan, were very helpful as guides through the court process. Professional, ethical, incredibly organized with excellent strategic thinking... I could not have asked for better representation at a very difficult time in my life.
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Posted by Madhusudhanan | November 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Smooth Divorce
Mr. Gouras is very experienced and very knowledgable and guided me through the process with clear instructions and kept everything moving very smoothly. Highly recommended !
Posted by Mary Joy | July 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Grandparents custody
I hired Mr. Gouras for my custody. Mark is very patient and a good lietener, straight to the point to let us know what chances we had. Mr. Gouras communication was excellent as English is not my first language Mr. Gouras is well spoken and really effective in my hearing effective that he had the grandmothers case dismissed and I had my son within that same hour. I'm extremely Great full to Mr. Gouras he exceeded my best case scenario. He's a very good lawyer I would recommend him to anyone needing a good lawyer.
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Posted by Sarah | July 4, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best attorney ever!
Mark is my second lawyer and I am very grad that I had him as my final lawyer during my divorce/custody process. It is a high conflict divorce with the false domestic violence against me. Mark always put my best interest in his mind and treated me with respect. He spent time to understand my position and the opposing party's intention to develop a strategy handling my case carefully. Mark is very helpful in the mediation and saved me a lot of money by avoiding the trail. He helped me get the best outcome from the custody of my son. I cannot say more good words about him. He is the best!
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Posted by Ian | May 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Diligent and Professional
I would highly recommend him to anyone who just wants to get through a divorce fairly. Also would like to recognize the great assistance provided by his paralegal Morgan who is a great asset to his office.
Posted by AJS | April 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ton of experience and solid character
I approached Mark for legal counsel when I was threatened and forcefully evicted from my home. Mark became my ally right from that moment and guided me through the entire legal process until final orders were signed. Mark stood up for me when there were threats on my immigration status and masterfully refuted all the false allegations. Mark is very ethical when it comes to his time, fees and most importantly, the truth. Family court in some ways, is a liar's paradise and it can be very tempting to cave in to the lie fest. In my case however, Mark upheld integrity in his work, the firm, me and also in interactions with the opposing party. When you work with Mark, you not only get an experienced attorney, you also get an experienced judge because Mark often serves as a temp commissioner. That is a great asset because it also emotionally prepares you for the hearings and outcomes. He is aggressive when necessary and even keel otherwise. You won't get flamboyance if that's what you are looking for. Ton of experience and solid character is all that one needs in an advocate, for one of the hardest periods in life. Thanks to Mark, I have 50-50 custody of my daughters and can focus on just being the best dad for them.
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Posted by Destiny | January 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My Forever Oveglove!
There is no single word in English to describe Mr. Mark Gouras and his legal proficiencies. Mr. Gouras expertise, knowledge, attitude, and performance is what you need in the courtroom when dealing with an aberrant opposing person and odd circumstances. Mark constructed an amazing parenting plan with limitations which serves our children's best interest and welfare. There is one word: Arete. Whereas, Mark is a person / Lawyer of the highest effectiveness. When challenges arose with the opposing party, Mark always had a beneficial solution which served the best interest of our children. When I was discouraged and somewhat flatlined Mark was always a strong listener and gave me wisdom. When circumstances changed, sometimes within hours, Mark was flexible and always available. I refer to Mr. Mark Gouras as my "OveGlove", my "Forever Lawyer”. I would give Mr. Gouras 100 marks out of 100 but no one would believe me so I'll make it 99 out of 100. Thanks for everything Mark!
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Posted by Willy | January 17, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family Law
I have used Mark Gouras and his staff for respresentation during my divorce and then again for a family law case. Mark has years of experience regarding family law, which proved to be a positive outcome for my case. We are impressed by his knowledge and honesty about family law. He explained the process in terms I could understand throughout this difficut time in my life. I would definitely recommend Mark and his staff for any family law cases.
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Posted by Farhia | October 23, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptionally honest lawyer.
I haired Mark after consulting with four other lawyers. Although I liked the outcomes some of them predicted for my case, I wanted to understand the law and know my rights since I am not from this country. Mark is very honest, knowledgable, up-front and hard working lawyer. He will not hold your hands but he will make your options very clear. In mediations and court Mark was always well prepared and organized and I felt I was in good hands. My children and I are very happy with our new life. Thanks to Mark and his excellent assistant Morgan.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 450-450 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Member
  • Gouras & Amis PLLC
  • 2008 - Present
  • Commissioner Pro Tem (Temporary)
  • King County Superior Court
  • 2013 - 2023
  • Owner
  • The Gouras Law Firm PLLC
  • 2007 - 2007
  • Partner
  • Hillman & Gouras LLP
  • 1997 - 2006
  • Owner
  • Law Office of Mark Gouras
  • 1993 - 1997
  • Associate
  • Taylor Kiefer & Bartlett
  • 1987 - 1993
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1986
  • University of Washington
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1983

Legal Cases

  • Parentage of McGlynn
  • Unpublished opinion in Div. I of Court of Appeals
  • Marriage of Pennamen
  • Published opinion in Div. I Court of Appeals
  • Marsh v. Whitson

Associations

  • Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2014 - 2018
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1989 - 1990
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1988 - 1989
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1987 - 1988
  • King Co. Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1986 - 1996
  • ABA Faimly Law Section
  • Member
  • 1986 - 1991
  • King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1986 - 1991
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • The National Advocates
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Lawyers
  • The National Advocates
  • 2014
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • 2011
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • 2010
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • 2009
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • 2008
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • 2007
  • Attendee Missing Children's Day w/ Gov. Gary Locke
  • Operation Lookout
  • 2003
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • 2001
  • Recognition of Achievement
  • Who's Who in American Law -Marquis
  • 2000
View all awards

Publications

  • Elias Publishing, LLC
  • Divorce in King County Superior Court: A Practical Guide to Representing Yourself in Court
  • 2004

Speaking Engagements

  • International Conference of Professionals
  • Hague Convention
  • 2002
  • International Conference for Missing Children for Northwest Professionals
  • Child Custody Litigation Under the Hague Convention
  • 1996
  • International Conference for Missing Children for Northwest Professionals
  • Continuing jurisdiction under the Greenlaw Case
  • 1994

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (8)
Endorse Mark
Family Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked on opposing sides with Mr. Gouras. Mr. Gouras is hardworking, honest and compassionate towards the needs of his clients. I highly endorse his work."
Family Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Mark. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 02
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse Mark has a highly knowledgeable and effective advocate."
Family Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. I first met Mark Gouras when we were opposing on a family law case. He conducted himself with integrity and impressed me with his knowledge and skill. We have been partners for several years and my respect for him has grown. He is dedicated to his clients' needs and keeps abreast of the constant changes in family law. He is a fine litigator and negotiator and his clients benefit from his skill."
Family Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked opposite of Mr. Gouras in numerous matters. I have also had occasion to refer clients to him when I have been unavailable or due to potential conflicts of interest. He is honest, respectful, knowledgeable and professional in every regard. He and I have always endeavored to achieve fair and equitable resolutions for our respective clients, thereby saving thousands of dollars in fees and costs and achieving a result which would fall within the range of a likely trial outcome. Those clients who I have referred to him have, to a person, reported that they were well served by Mr. Gouras and his competent staff. I would have no hesitancy whatsoever in recommending his services highly."
Family Attorney | Apr 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had several cases where Mark is the opposing attorney over the last 10 years. In each case he handled the matter professionally and represented his client's interests with passion and excellence. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark to someone on a family law matter because I am confident they would be in good hands."
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