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Kristen Lynn Bienstock

Family Attorney at Redmond, WA

4.9   32 reviews
  • Licensed for 14 years
    State WA
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Kristen

Learn Kristen’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Family
    40%
    My passion lies with the children of divorce or other family related issues and making sure that they do not get lost within the shuffle.

    21 years

  2. Divorce and separation
    25%

  3. Child custody
    20%

  4. Domestic violence
    15%

My passion is in the area of family law, which I have been involved with since 1999. More specifically, to be a voice for the children of divorce. My ultimate goal is to shift the focus to the children, detour the animosity that is all too often involved in these intense and emotional cases, as these children not only get lost in the mess, but will be the ones to benefit from a lifetime of co-parenting.

Contact Kristen

Similar lawyers nearby

KRISTEN L. BIENSTOCK
23515 NE Novelty Hill Rd.
Ste B221-195
Redmond, WA, 98053

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  32 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Nicole | April 19, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce, DVPO, Child Support
Before I've even started to type this, I have tears of thanks running down my face. From our very first conversation, Kristen assured me and reassured me over and over again that we would get through this nightmare together and that my daughter and I would be happy and safe. Despite my extreme anxiety and stressful breakdowns through the 2+ year case, she was patient, understanding and supportive. Being in a marriage where I was degraded and abused for years, left me with zero self esteem and no conidence at all. I believed every awful thing the ex told me...( he'd get full custody, I'd never see my daughter again, he'd put me in jail for kidnapping etc..) I can't even tell you how many terrified tears I cried in the beginning. Step by step, with Kristen in my corner, I started to feel more secure and confident that I had finally made the right choice by leaving. While my ex made this a LONG drawn out process, Kristen kept me in the loop and as calm as possible. Two years later, I'm back to the strong, confident, independent woman I was before my miserable marriage. I know that I am a great mom and I've made the best choices for my daughter and I. I went from daily anxiety/panic attacks in fear of losing my baby girl, to laughing at the absolute ridiculous nonsense that my ex used to terrify me with. The first great choice I'd made in years was hiring Kristen. Even when I wanted to give up, she wouldn't let me. Even when I was willing to settle for less than my daughter and I deserved, she wouldn't let me. She fought harder for me than I would've even fought for myself. And everything she encouraged me to fight for was absolutely correct. My daughter and I are living our best lives and are protected and worry free. My simple words of thanks will never be enough.
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Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She helped us get our lives back!
I lost custody of my then 5 year old daughter to her abusive father for 2 years. I appealed and won, but during those two years I had to do everything I could to fight for her safety and freedom. It was grueling and relentless. I reached out to many lawyers and professionals trying to find people to help but was often re-traumatized when they minimized or dismissed the abuse. When I had my first call with Kristen, I finally felt seen and heard. She listened to me with empathy and understanding, and I knew she would be in our corner the whole way. She knew the laws inside and out, made it very accessible for me to understand, and she was so smart in how she approached my very complex case. She helped secured better outcomes than I could've even imagined after such horrific experiences in family court. She was always responsive, prepared, and was an advocate for me and my daughter's safety first and foremost. I can't thank her enough for taking our case when many other's wouldn't or would've tried to downplay our experiences. She saved our lives. She helped give my daughter a second chance to regain her childhood. We have a final DVPO until her 18th birthday thanks to Kristen's advocacy for our safety. Getting referred to her was a complete turning point, and I will forever be grateful. I HIGHLY recommend her!
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Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best decision in my divorce
Hiring Kristen to represent me was the best choice I made during the difficult first days of separation, and now that my divorce is final I'm even happier with my decision. Through the whole process I had someone on my side who is smart and capable, and who I also liked talking to as a human being. She knows the ins and outs of WA family law. She gave me thorough and realistic advice. She respected that I wanted a low-conflict divorce, although if we'd gone to court I have no doubt she would have been a tough fighter. Her billing is honest and transparent so it actually worked out (relatively) affordable. I hope this is the last time I get divorced, but I'll be happy to work with Kristen for my future family law needs.
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Posted by Greg | October 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Friendly, a fighter and always professional
I hired Kristen almost 4 years ago now and have had to unfortunately use her most of those years, but have always felt well represented, as she has always fought for my rights as a Father. She will go up to bat for you, leverage the strong points of your case and I cannot say enough good things about how it has helped calm me down during the process and I've always felt in good hands going into court and non court proceedings. I highly recommend her services in Family Law Court and out of court proceedings as well.
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Posted by anonymous | October 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exactly who I needed
I had been divorced for 4 years but needed to negotiate post secondary education with my ex-husband. My original attorney was retired. Kristen made herself available to me on short notice and was a perfect match for what I was looking for. I was nervous and anxious. She was supportive and empathetic all the way with me and tough as nails with my ex and his attorney. The end result was that I got everything I asked for and MORE. Cannot recommend her strongly enough.
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Posted by Marcus | December 19, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Amazing!
Kristen went above and beyond during our consultation and provided me with all the information I needed to win my motion for revision hearing for a parenting plan. I highly recommend her!
Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Family crisis with divorce
In my family crisis, as I run out of other options (tried every possible legal way), I had to hire a family lawyer. My choice was Ms. Bienstock. She is an amazing person with great experience, and she is absolutely the one I was looking for. She is honest, very reasonable with suggestions, actions and fees. She is walking me through this critical period of my children's and my life , like 'holding my hand'. I feel safe with her, and I have no idea what would I do without her. I super strongly recommend Ms. Bienstock.
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Posted by Michael | June 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer that treats you like a person and not just a client
I hired Kristen to represent me in a case where my ex wife tried to take away all my parenting rights and reduce my time with my child 96%. It was an extremely stressful case and Kristen showed patience and high EQ by helping me see the forest for the trees. I ended up with an increase in time with my child and all my rights intact. I always felt respected and well informed of all my options. It is easy to feel helpless in a legal battle, and Kristen helped me feel like I had some control by her proactive and clear communication of strategies and options. She is also tough as nails and will fight hard for you which helps inspire confidence.
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Posted by Aimee | June 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kristen Bienstock, my custody lawyer.
Kristen has been very available and timely. She takes on my case and has even lost sleep at night making sure she is taking the right legal steps. She consistently is in touch with me, making suggestions that will be to our benefit for the legal situation we are dealing with. I have used lawyers in the past, and have felt like my money was basically thrown away. With Kristen, I feel confident to have her representing me and my money is being well used.
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Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Professional
One of the few lawyers I have found that actually cares personally about your case. While offering very fair rates and integrity for billing, once i hired her Kristen she took over the chaos that was going on for months. Within 24 hours of her taking my case i finally felt like i could breathe. Kristen calmed me down when we had court she is confident and stands her ground, all the while keeping the oath she took when she became a lawyer. Which nowadays is difficult to find. Kristen is 100% honest when it comes to writing a decoration, she only goes on facts with supporting evidence, she did not trash talk or call my ex names in documents or in court. I can go on and on about how truly amazing Kristen is. If you want a real Attorney with ethics, morals, compassion then you have found the right Attorney. I could not be more satisfied with her.
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Posted by anonymous | February 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She will fight for you!
I don't know what I'd do without her! And she has been a source of comfort and sanity through a very uncomfortable and insane process with insane ex. :)
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An excellent advocate for you child/ren
I can't express my appreciation enough as to what Ms. Bienstock has done for me, my family and my custody case. Ms. Bienstock has shown me compassion, compromise and understanding. She is responsive and works quickly while being thorough. I highly recommend Ms. Bienstock for your child custody case. She has been an positive advocate for my child in the courts.
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Posted by Greg | June 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kristen's a fighter for your cause
Kristen was recommended to me from my corporation attorney when I needed her services and she, unlike many others was really prompt in responding to me, has gone out of her way to work deligently and beyond normal working hours as my case required a lot of immediate attention. Superb Attorney who pays attention to details and I would highly recommend her to anyone in a Family Law court.
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Posted by anonymous | March 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I recommended Kristen to my friends
My divorce case was settled smoothly thanks to Kristen. I met her in person only twice, other times we communicated via email, and it gave us more flexibility in terms of time. She responded quickly to my questions, and she regularly checked in with me. Her fee is very reasonable, and she only charged me for the time she actually worked (if she worked 15 minutes, she only charged 15 minutes instead of 1 hour), that was really nice. She is not only knowledgeable, but she also understands how hard it is to go through divorce emotionally. I highly recommend her!
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Posted by Long | September 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
great lawyer
Keiser is a very good attorney. She keep me inform when there are changes. I can communicate with her via text, email and phone. She is very fast to respond when I leave her a message. I enjoy working with her.
Posted by Kevin | September 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best!
Kristen was so helpful. I had talked with a few other attorneys before I came to Kristen and she was so much more helpful and compassionate, and her prices were more than fair. She got me the outcome I was hoping for.. I would recommend that if anyone need a family law attorney to talk to Kristen.
Posted by Z uleyha | February 3, 2015
The best divorce Attorney in Seattle
Before I found Ms. Kristen, I had consulted with 5 other attorneys. I initially consulted with her on the phone and 3 minutes into the conversation I knew she was the "one." Through Ms. Kristen, I have filed for dissolution, temporary orders and a domestic violence protection order. It's a very complex divorce case. She had the most knowledge out of all of the attorneys I had spoken with. She knew about jurisdiction and emergency jurisdiction laws, not just for the state of Washington but out of state as well. She has much experience in relocation (with children). She is fierce, strong and fights for me like I am her family. She has given me many options and scenarios so I never feel overwhelmed and know what is coming/expected. Whenever things don't go as planned she comes up with something to remedy it. She makes me feel comfortable and is always available (email, phone, & even text). She listens, is caring and works very hard. My husband holds an esteemed position in the community and she is never intimated about going up against him. I really cannot begin to express my gratitude towards her. She has many years of experience and I would not trust anyone else with my family law issues from this point on. My case is still ongoing and I plan on writing another review when everything is finalized. I highly recommend her! She is worth EVERY penny!!
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Posted by Raj | January 21, 2015
Great to work with and extremely helpful
Kristen was a real ally in my child custody issues. She was always responsive and tried to guide me in the best way possible. My case was in Pierce county so she was not always 100% familiar with the county specific laws but always researched the statutes and made sure we were on the right path.
Posted by Andrew | December 4, 2014
A great ally in your time of need
Kristen has been there for me through a family law situation that has lasted some 4+ years now. She has been responsive, always kept me informed, has never failed to be present in court or send me documents she said she would send, and has repeatedly defended against craziness that carried with it a high degree of complexity and grey area. I can recommend her highly.
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Posted by anonymous | December 4, 2014
Great communication and support
Ms. Bienstock helped me negotiate a new child support order and post-secondary support agreement with a very "difficult-to-deal-with" person. She effectively represented my case with excellent communication and support. I felt like I knew what was going on at each stage. If I ever felt like I needed an update, Ms. Bienstock responded to my emails within a very short period of time. I also felt like she worked my case efficiently-not with the intention to just "run up my bill"-as has been the case with previous attorneys from large firms. Ms. Bienstock is fair, professional, and supportive during those extra-stressful points of negotiation. I highly recommend this attorney-she provides straight-forward advice and seems genuinely dedicated to resolving one's legal issue.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.8 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Bienstock Law, PLLC
  • 2008 - Present
  • Paralegal/Attorney
  • The Jimenez Law Group/Bienstock Law
  • 2007 - 2009
  • Law Clerk
  • Law Offices of Marc Berry
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Volunteer
  • San Diego Public Defender's Office
  • 2001 - 2002
  • Law Clerk
  • Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc.
  • 2000 - 2001
View all work experience

Education

  • New England School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2002
  • San Diego State University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1999

Legal Cases

  • Herrera-Garcia
  • Bail granted; Change of venue granted.

Associations

  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Moderate Means - Mentor Attorney
  • 2016 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Moderate Means - Program Attorney
  • 2015 - Present
  • King County Superior Court
  • Training Oversight Committee
  • 2013 - Present
  • King County Bar Association
  • Neighborhood Legal Clinic Volunteer Attorney
  • 2011 - Present
  • Kings County Bar Association
  • Family Law Section
  • 2010 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • King County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • King County Bar Foundation
  • Volunteer Attorney
  • 2011 - 2013
  • King County Bar Association
  • Family Law Mentee
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2011
  • ARAG
  • Network Attorney
  • 2008 - 2014
  • Washington State Bar, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2008 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 10 Attorney
  • Attorney and Practice Magazine
  • 2018
  • Pro Bono Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2015
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2014
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2013
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2011
  • Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2010
  • Public Interest Law Grant
  • Public Interest Clearinghouse
  • 2001
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Unifed family court training
  • Therapeutic interventions for special needs children.
  • 2014

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (6)
Endorse Kristen
Family Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jul 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kristen has years of experience so nothing will surprise her, and more importantly, she really cares about her clients and passionately represents their interests in court."
Family Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kristen is a highly energetic and engaging individual who also knows the law. All of these qualities are necessary for a successful Family Law attorney. Not only do you as a client need to personally like your attorney, but you need someone who will use every ounce of their energy on your behalf, who can engage with opposing counsel in a professional manner, and thoroughly understands the complicated web that is Family Law. Kristen has all of these qualities. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking Family Law services in her geographic practice area."
Family Attorney | Nov 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work and particularly applaud her community service evidenced by the many responses to the questions posed on this site. She reflects a true empathy for her clients. As a fellow family law attorney, I appreciate the balance of legal acumen and relational sensitivity she brings to her practice, as exemplified by her contributions here. I encourage anyone dealing with a family law issue to consult with Kristen."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I came across this lawyer's work on AVVO. I found her answers to be helpful and an asset to the AVVO coummunity. She has expertise in her field."
Family Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work. I am familiar with Ms. Bienstock from her many insightful and intelligent answers to questions posted on Avvo. Always willing to help out and give good concise answers. In the end, you may need to hire an attorney to get to the outcome you seek, but at least here you can get a good start with her informative answers, blogs, and legal guides."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Kristen Bienstock's work. I have had occasion to read many of the answers she has provided in response to questions from Avvo readers, and I am genuinely impressed with her knowledge of the law, her professionalism, and her sincerity. I give her all five stars."
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