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Douglas Paul Becker

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Avvo Rating10
  • Seattle, WA
  • Licensed for 36 years
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About Douglas

Served in Vietnam wth  U.S. Marines 1968-70.

Practice areas

MediationChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 70%

    Divorce, modifications

    37 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Child custody: 20%

    Custody, modifications and relocations.

    37 years, 600 cases

  3. Mediation: 10%

    Divorce, relocations, modifications, custody, support enforcement

    25 years, 750 cases

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Suite 4550 Columbia Center (45th Floor)
address map

Wechsler Becker, LLP

Suite 4550 Columbia Center (45th Floor)
701 Fifth Avenue
Seattle, WA, 98104-7088

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive198412/23/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers20
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2012
Special Achievement AwardWSBA Family Law Section2002
Attorney of the YearWSBA Family Law Section1992
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Senior PartnerWechsler Becker, LLP1998 - Present
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Domestic Relations Forms CommitteeMember1999 - Present
King County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember1987 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember1984 - Present
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationChairman1992 - 1994
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Washington State Bar Association Family Law Section NewsletterFamily Law QuickCites2017
Washington State Bar Association Family Law DeskbookChapter Author2012
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Puget Sound School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1980
University of IowaBS - Bachelor of Science1977
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Family Law Changes 2015Relocation - Changing Case Law and New Strategies2015
Failure to Equitably Distribute AssetsCommon Mistakes in Dividing Assets2014
WSBA Family Law Section Mid-year CLERelocation Case Preparation2013
KCBA Dissolution from A-ZThe Disposition of Property and Liabilies2013
WSBA Family Law Section Midyear CLEWhen To Choose the Legal Process Rather Than the Collaborative Process2012
WSBA Family Law Section Midyear CLETracing Separate Property2005
WSBA Family Law Section Midyear CLESupport For Post-Majority Children2002
UW Law School special class 1996, 2000 & 2001Community Property In Washington2001
WSBA Family Law Section Midyear CLERelocation 20002000
WSBA Family Law Section Midyear CLERelocation Cases and Legislative Proposals 19981998

Reviews

(3)
5 Star
67%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
33%
Review Douglas Becker

To the point and willing to go the extra mile

Posted by

Doug handled my contentious divorce about three years ago and was my saving grace. He was not only knowledgeable; he was able to push me to seperate the emotional from the details of the divorce. Doug gave me great advice and was always quick to respond to my calls and emails. He sat with me through twelve hours of mediation and supported me through the process which ended in a more then fair outcome. I am very thankful for having him on my side. I would and have recommended him to the community.

Dissolution of long-term marriage

Posted by

I used Doug to represent me in my divorce from a long-term, highly abusive marriage. I found him well versed in family law, matter of fact regarding my options, professional and compassionate. Doug was thorough in his explanation regarding my rights, how the process would look as well as providing a 'reality-check' regarding division of property. Doug kept me out of the court system for which I am truly grateful. And, he provided me with the feeling that I was being treated fairly in a very trying time of my life. I have been able to move forward in my life without feelings of regret or recriminations for which I believe Doug played a part. If you are looking for an attorney who will treat you respectfully while providing you with realistic expectations around property division, child support, etc. than Doug is the lawyer for you. He will make it very clear that his goal is to expedite the proceedings, not drag them out or make it more acrimonious in order to get a greater percentage of the retainer. I found him highly ethical and very reasonable.

bad lawyer

Posted by

I hired mr.Becker to represent me,he was so late to file my paper on my behalf,so I've to file it by myself,he didn't prepared me for my deposition,he made an agreement with my opponent and signed it without informing me,the judge gave me fifty fifty and he signed 60-40 with my opponent.
Douglas Becker's response: Good family law attorneys make enemies -- the clients on the other side. I also have somebody who trashed me on AVVO, pretending to be a former client. I've known Doug well for many years, and I don't believe a word of this alleged client review.

Attorney endorsements

(12)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Susan O'Brian, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 4, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I know Doug, both as an excellent opposing counsel, and as one of the best family law attorneys in Seattle. He has devoted his career to the betterment of the family law practice and is well respected.

Jill Salmi, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 31, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I highly endorse this lawyer. I litigated cases with and against him over many years, and he always exhibited the highest ethics and knowledge together with a very pragmatic approach to problem solving. He is an expert on family law and fellow attorneys often seek his advise on the law.

Deborah Gordon, Mediation Attorney on Jan 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Gouras, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 2, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Doug is an extremely knowledgeable and personable attorney. He is also pragmatic and focused on solving problems. I am happy to endorse him.

J. Weiss, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Doug is an excellent and hard-working attorney. He is well-respected for his knowledge of the law, the good work he does for his clients, and his efforts for the overall betterment of the courts and the family law bar.

Jay Neff, Family Attorney on Oct 9, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Robert Getz, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 28, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Doug brings unmatched knowledge and experience to every case. His advocacy is dynamic, yet practical. Each case will get his scrupulous attention and the best possible outcome.

Charles Szurszewski, Family Attorney on Jan 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. The lawyer lawyers go to to ask legal questions. Highly recommended.

Philip Tsai, Family Attorney on Jul 15, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Doug Becker is one of the best lawyers I know. I have had him as an opposing counsel and also have used him as a mediator on numerous occasions. He is practical, extremely knowledgeable, and hard working. If you need to settle a difficult case, use Doug as your mediator.

Larry Couture, Family Attorney on Jun 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Doug is one of the hardest working men I know. He is extremely bright, quick witted and able to make good decisions for his clients. He also works hard for other lawyers in this business, chairs the Section's web site and has been a member of the Family Law Executive Board. You can't ask for a finer lawyer Larry Couture

Joshua Foreman, Family Attorney on May 2, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Doug Becker is the #1 family law attorney in the State of Washington and has been for many years. His firm is the best family law firm in the state. He is known and respected by the judges and commissioners. If you have Doug on your side, you have the best. Don't be fooled by his AVVO rating; he's been too busy to do anything to raise his AVVO rating, and he doesn't need to do anything to get any new clients; he already has more than enough. Doug is an excellent choice for any family law client.

Mark Alexander, Family Attorney on Aug 5, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Doug Becker has not only the respect, but the undying appreciation of virtually all attorneys who are members of the state bar's family law section. That's because Doug has provided an invaluable research resource for family law attorneys for a number of years. Doug is highly regarded by judges and knowledgeable attorneys throughout the state. He is one of the top nominees when mediators/arbitrators are chosen, and has been instrumental in major legislation affecting anyone in family law. All Washington family law attorneys are indebted to him.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$375-$375/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card