Michael Spencer Chin

PRO

Michael Spencer Chin

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 16 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Lynnwood, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Probate ... +3 more

3500 188th Street SW, Suite 205, Lynnwood, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

Trusted legal advisors and general counsel for the everyday individual.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

35%
Family 20%

20%
Probate 20%

20%
Estate Planning 15%

15%
Business 5%

5%
Child Custody 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2022
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 16 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Chin Legal Group, PLLC

3500 188th Street SW, Suite 205, Lynnwood, WA, 98037

chinlegal.com

Michael Spencer Chin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

99 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Payment Plans

Posted by Helene | July 04, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

I was in a 17yr marriage after my husband had a 7yr affair and told me about it when our son was 3 months old! He served me papers I tried to work on it as I believed in marriage and not divorce! We seperated I moved out with my son and called Michael knowing I didn't have the money but I borrowed ...money and Michael worked with me, what a great guy! Michael is a great lawyer I would highly recommend him!

Posted by anonymous | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Great Attorney, Great Guy! - Retained on such short notice and still got the desired results for the best interest of my child!

For over a year I was going through a rough custody battle that included child support being addressed as well. I was having such a horrible time before retaining Michael Chin. It seemed as though the courts were against me. It believed everything the other party said, without evidence to his claims ...etc. Court date after court date, accusations, and the calling out from work became all too much (you all know how it goes *sign*). I just about gave up and almost settled for a 50/50 schedule (even though that would not in the best interest of the child) and then my mother came across Michael Chin on the internet. She suggested I get in touch with him. We reached out to the email provided and were immediately in contact with him over the phone. He told me right away that he could not guarantee anything, but that he would be more than happy to sit down to see what my options were at this point. I was only about 2 months away from trial at the time that I first went to see him during a consultation. There wasn't much time for him to work with; he had to wrap his head around what has happened in over a years worth of court proceedings and understand why I was where I was when I was seeking his assistance. He listened, asked questions, made notes, and then asked what it was that I was looking for, what was the outcome that I would like to see? It seemed like everything I wanted was not going to be achievable. But still, he listened, offered his advice, and we sat down and discussed the rate. This made budgeting and payment arrangements very doable and I didn't feel like there was anything being kept from me at any point during his representation; no surprises, no exceptions, just everything laid right in front of your face. All paperwork, communication, court document received, Micheal kept me informed through the entire process (which is awesome, considering that I have labeled myself a bit of a control freak - but aren't we all?). Another bonus, that is entirely different than any other attorney that I've consulted with, is that communication via email, phone calls and text message are not billed because he doesn't want you to feel pressured about money to talk to the person that is representing you in a case that is so important to your future and your life. I think that is a very respectable and caring thing that Michael does for his clients. I also liked the fact that if Michael was in court with another client I could easily get in touch with Elyse, his paralegal (shout out to Elyse, she's awesome! Very professional, punctual and nice). Everything was always very organized and done in a timely manner. At trial I was extremely nervous, but Michael did all the talking and assured me that he would present everything needed to be known for determining what would be the best interest of my child. He knows the rules of a court room extremely well and I felt like I was in great hands during the trial process. He took a very respectful approach but also would stand up and be assertive when needed. This was very effective because not only did I get all that I envisioned for my child... but more! I was so discouraged before I sought Michael's representation but now my life is looking more positive and less stressful. My child is also happier with a set schedule and more stability to rely on with a fair parenting plan. I will definitely keep in contact with Michael and would retain him again, without a doubt, if I ever needed to again. I would recommend him to any one that's at any stage in the process of a custody battle, either the beginning, the middle, or towards the end at trial or even for modifications. I would recommend retaining this service to alleviate your stress levels and help you manage this tough area of law and at the same time educating you on the process as well. Great attorney, great guy! Thank you again Michael for all of your advice and guidance though my case.

Posted by Rikki | August 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

I Highly Recommend Michael Chin

It is my pleasure to write this letter of reference for my attorney, Mr. Michael Chin. Mr. Chin represented me in my modification of an existing parenting plan, which is a complex and difficult thing to navigate and get changed. I began the search on google, looking for a local attorney to assist m...e in modifying my parenting plan. As I spoke to several attorney’s they told me their retainer fee and concluded the conversation by stating once I have that in full we can discuss the details of your case. I then reached Michael Chin. He took his time with me on the phone, never once made me feel rushed. He asked me a few questions to better determine if he could assist me. I know he heard desperation in my voice. I inquired about the retainer, as I thought it was strange he hadn’t mentioned it. As we discussed it he told me he understood my situation and would be willing to work with me to make payment arrangements based on my pay schedule. I met with him soon after. My mind was made up from the rapport over the phone that he was the man for the job. He worked with me in pain-steaking-detail and built what was not “my” case, but in no uncertain terms, “our case”. He was on my team. He had my back! I felt such relief, after all, these were my kids we were fighting for. I knew this was going to be the hardest fright of my life, and he walked me through every step. I think sometimes he was just as much a therapist as a lawyer, showing compassion and attention to every need I had in the process. After being served, my ex-husband approached me to settle out of court. Michael had done his job so well that the other party didn’t want to take a chance in court. Michael spent more time, emails, and made more calls to mediate and work with the other party to get the matter resolved. I took Mr. Chin’s advice and he assured me that settling was a win win. Had my case gone to trial, he stood to make a lot more money from me. His singular focus was what was in my best interest and that never wavered. Even to his detriment, he fought for my kids and I with determination and ethics. The entire process was six months. I often spoke to Mr. Chin multiple times a day, and often late into the evening. Despite the time, he always assisted me and treated me with respect. From the first phone call Michael was professional, patient & helpful. His execution of time sensitive documents was proficient & timely. Mr. Chin kept open and ongoing communication throughout the process. If I could, I would refer everyone I know to Michael Chin as I know the greatest compliment is a referral. I can’t express how grateful I am to have had him in my corner and the resolution we reached was a result of his hard work and dedication for his client. Rikki

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Michael Spencer Chin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Jennifer Miller headshot
Jennifer Miller

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Counsel and I had contested litigation that was complex including business valuation as part of a dissolution. He did a nice job, came to court prepared, was informed on the issues such that we could have intelligent conversations with the judge on contested issues. He was professional in court and out of court."

Tien Huu Nguyen headshot
Tien Nguyen

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is one of the most seasoned family and tax law attorneys in the area. I refer all my family law cases to him because he never lets my clients down."

Brent Patrick Bohan headshot
Brent Bohan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is an outstanding attorney. He has a good knowledge of the law and is highly capable. He is reasonable and capable of resolving cases efficiently. I would recommend Michael to anyone searching for a divorce attorney."

Lucas Daniel McWethy headshot
Lucas McWethy

Family lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Chin is a zealous advocate for his clients. He uses his extensive knowledge of the court system and legal rules to get the best results possible. I endorse Mr. Chin without reservation."

Charles P. Shane headshot
Charles Shane

Family lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael was opposing counsel on a divorce matter. Michael is a pleasure to work with. I saw him go the extra mile for his client. He was always professional and courteous."

Adam R. Teal headshot
Adam Teal

Unknown lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Daniel Anderson headshot
Kevin Anderson

Unknown lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Friend

"I am happy to endorse Mike Chin as an attorney and counselor at law. Mike and I have been colleagues since law school. I have had the pleasure of working with him extensively, whether it was collaborating together on joint law school projects or calling each other up to bounce legal strategy off of one another regarding are respective practice areas. I have always been impressed with his insight and thoroughness in finding and taking the best path to achieve his clients' goals. When I am approached by a client who has a legal issue in Mike's practice area, I always send them to him and know that they are getting the best representation."

Jonathan M Chin headshot
Jonathan Chin

Unknown lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a consummate professional who advocates tirelessly for his clients."

Jess Rawlings Monnette headshot
Jess Monnette

Unknown lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Other

"When one of my clients is in need of local counsel in the Seattle area, Mike is on the list of attorneys I will call."

Amy Elizabeth Pagano headshot
Amy Pagano

Estate planning lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Family Law, Estate Planning, Tax or Litigation needs, I endorse Michael Chin's work. He is a smart and hard working attorney who will effectively advocate on your behalf."

View All Endorsements
Shaza Eed Salameh headshot
Shaza Salameh

Guardianship lawyer

Tien Huu Nguyen headshot
Tien Nguyen

Personal injury lawyer

Lucas Daniel McWethy headshot
Lucas McWethy

Criminal defense lawyer

Amy Elizabeth Pagano headshot
Amy Pagano

Wills and living wills lawyer

Thomas Cornell Woodcock headshot
Thomas Woodcock

Securities offerings lawyer

Kevin Daniel Anderson headshot
Kevin Anderson

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Client Satisfaction Top 10 Best Attorneys (Family Law), American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

2017 ten best attorney family law, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

2016 Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2006

WIlliam Lebfreve Best Thesis (History), Saint Mary's College

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Professor, O'Dea High School

2011 - Present

Attorney, Chin Legal Group, PLLC

2010 - 2011

Associate Attorney, Stahancyk Kent Johnson & Hook P C

Associations

2015 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association

Member

2014 - Present

O'Dea High School

Teacher American Legal Systems and Mock Trial

Education

2010

University of Washington School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

2009

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

Saint Mary's College of California

Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Cantonese

Activity

Avvo Rating

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