H. Michael Finesilver

H. Michael Finesilver

also known as Hank Finesilver

4.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 51 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

207 E Edgar St, Seattle, WA

About H.

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 280-280 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 51 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1974

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of H. Michael Finesilver

207 E Edgar St, Seattle, WA, 98102-3108

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H. Michael Finesilver's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.0 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Tremendous Divorce Attorney

Mr. Finesilver was my second attorney in a complicated divorce process (ex had hidden financial accounts, same name as his father, squandered assets, etc). My case included depositions, out-of-state depositions, parenting evaluation, arbitration, contempt charges (for my ex), motions, reconsideration...s, and more. Mr. Finesilver continually reviewed and cited pertinent legal cases for my case. He was extremely knowledgeable about the law and case law. He would advise me on the pros and cons (including financial implications) pertaining to various choices/options in how we proceeded and which leads were worthy of further investigation - and whether they could result in a potential financial gain or legally favorable gain in the end. With certain issues which would have a financial or legal fee implication, he would explain different options and the associated costs in a straight forward manner, which allowed me to better choose my focus. He was up front about costs for the entire process. Mr. Finesilver tends to talk out-loud while he thinks, which I found to be informative and helped me understand how he was viewing the case and helped me understand the process better (having never used an attorney before). While he can be quite blunt, he is extremely level-headed and helped guide me in looking at the facts and not the emotions in the case. He does not play "dirty" and will not tolerate a client who wants to play "dirty" - even when the opposing side is doing so. His focus is the law and he encourages you to do the same, and ignore inflammatory responses. Mr. Finesilver will reflect upon new incidents or information, and deliberately considers how they could positively or negatively impact your case. His goal is to get you the best long-term, favorable results. In the end I ended up with an appropriate settlement in terms of the divorce and parenting plan, and did not have to go to trial. In addition, his paralegal staff is efficient, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. If I need further legal assistance I will absolutely contact Mr. Finesilver.

Posted by anonymous | June 07, 2013

Review of representation by Hank Finesilver.

Mine was a small and fairly simple case. Hank's advice on strategy proved sound and the outcome was satisfactory. They were not very prompt responding to messages. I did not much care for being charged for preparation of a 'I will be unavailable for a couple of weeks' notice.

Posted by anonymous | January 29, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Getting a Divorce, be warned find a different Lawyer

Hank came highly recommend, sadly his follow through was not there, he often didn't keep his word, didn't return calls and boasted he was cheaper than all the other guys in town while toting he was a SUPER LAWYER! Hank is really a Luddite at best........ He creates double work with everything h...e does by running everything through an assistant charging for their time, and then his. He rarely answers his phone nor returns calls, he didn't provide an email address and then when asked refused to correspond directly through his own email. He dictates emails and phone calls then reviews them, and has his assistant send in a letter format via the para-legal. The majority of communications are handled in this fashion, it is entirely inefficient and frustrating. The overall efficiency of the system was simply awful. Mr. Finesilver's given expectation for the cost of my divorce was entirely misleading. If you are considering hiring him, be warned, find another lawyer. If you have a lawyer that is matched up against Hank then good for you, as you will benefit from Hank's lack or organization. E.g. he asked me to sign a parenting plan that was full of errors that he repeatedly assured me had been corrected. In fact it was not, even after I put the needed changes in writing and spoon fed them to he and his assistant, he still couldn't get it right. if I wasn't reading everything I would have executed a PP that was not acting in the best interest of my kids or me, and frankly written very poorly. His services were very disappointing, and costly in many ways beyond just monies.

Posted by anonymous | December 04, 2011 | Divorce & Separation

Exceptional Divorce Attorney

Hank Fields is an exceptional divorce lawyer, one I feel lucky to have met -- and wish I had MUCH early as it would have saved me a fortune in heartache and financial costs. Hank is a serious, seasoned, effective, no-nonsense attorney with an electric mind and capacity to not only handle your cas...e with total confidence, he also educates you about the often vexing process along the way. His style, case law knowledge as well as his 30 year legal experience in Washington sets you at ease immediately, as does his utter thoroughness. For example, while phone calls with other lawyers can drift on and on, Hank often sends you a letter or concise brief before a call keeping you on message, saving you money and he doesn't waste time. What he reads he absorbs, he is like a sponge. He doesn't forget important the facts of your case as well remembers critical features and arguments which is very IMPORTANT. Hank is a very fair attorney that can save a lot of heartache when needed by carefully listening to both sides, looking at the data, comparing it to the law, and knowing what it all means. Still, you always feel Hank is 150% on your side, you never get the weird run round, or soft sketchy excuses or last minute delays. He does what he says he is going to do. He never minces words, and is a natural at zeroing in on others bullshit and will not hesitate to go for the jugular without compunction, and with great skill. Add to it, Hank's excellent assistant Les Feistel keeps things moving forward, on time and with expert client communication. The staff at AFMP are equally wonderful too. If you are hesitating or stressing about your divorce because you don't know how to find a trustworthy attorney, and you hate the escalating acrimony, legal manuvering, want to save yourself untold stress, headache, and money -- call Hank first.

See All Client Reviews

H. Michael Finesilver's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse H.
Lisa Ann Sharpe headshot
Lisa Sharpe

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Hank Finesilver. He is extremely knowledgeable about complex family law issues. He is very hard-working and provides excellent representation for his clients."

Michael William Bugni headshot
Michael Bugni

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Hank Finesliver as one of the most competent and professional family law attorneys in Washington. I say this having opposed him in many cases. He does excellent work for his clients as a zealous advocate. He is also very passionate about the law and I consider him a legal scholar of the highest caliber."

View All Endorsements
Lisa Ann Sharpe headshot
Lisa Sharpe

Family lawyer

Michael William Bugni headshot
Michael Bugni

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1977 - Present

Partner, Anderson, Fields, Dermody & Pressnall, Inc., P.S.

Associations

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Washington chapter)

Washington State's Representative to the Board of Governors

Sample of Legal Cases

In re Marriage of Sedlock, 69 Wn.App. 484, 849 P.2d 1243 (1993)

In re Marriage of Washburn, 101 Wn.2d 168, 677 P.2d 152 (1984)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1972

University of Oregon School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

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