Gregory Dean Esau

Gregory Dean Esau

3.2
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 42 years

Child custody Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Child Custody, Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Domestic Violence

2025 First Avenue, Penthouse A, Seattle, WA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2008
See Details

About Gregory

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Child Custody 40%

Child custody and visitation is the most difficult part of a divorce, especially when both parents don't agree what is best for the child, or there are safety issues such as domestic violence, mental illness / personality disorders, substance abuse, or neglect. This includes establishing a parenting plan (custody order) in the context of a divorce, paternity (non-married parents), or a modification where a substantial change of circumstances necessitate changes.

39 years | 398 cases

40%
Divorce and Separation 25%

Note there is overlap - most divorce cases involve both child custody, child support and domestic violence issues. Issues in a typical divorce include dividing property and debts, providing for spousal maintenance (alimony) for one spouse, parenting plans and child support if there are children, protection orders in cases of domestic violence, modification of previously entered orders, appeals, enforcement of orders, and appeals.

39 years | 1,021 cases

25%
Child Support 20%

Child support in Washington is established in every case involving dependent children and uses as formula that is based on the relative incomes of the parents and needs of the children. Unlike most court orders, child support orders are designed to be modified or adjusted over time due to changes in income, needs of children, change in custody to establish post-secondary support. Many child support cases involve enforcement for non-payment, including contempt.

39 years | 822 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 15%

Domestic violence often includes protection of a victim against an abuser or batterer with a protection order, no contact order, anti-harassment order, and dealing with law enforcement. Counseling is often recommended and if children are involved special care must be taken to provide for their safety. In other cases, domestic violence involves protecting one falsely accused of domestic violence to maintain legal rights, including as a parent.

39 years | 235 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 315-350 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 33 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1993

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2008

Licensed in California for 42 years

State: California

Acquired: 1983

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2008

Location

Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC

2025 First Avenue, Penthouse A, Seattle, WA, 98121

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Gregory Dean Esau's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.2 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (4)

Posted by Luke | September 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Did not represent my interests; please do yourself a favor and get better representation

Greg Esau represented me in a custody case almost 10 years ago. Greg would constantly provide me with conflicting advise about what would be a reasonable outcome of my case. Multiple times when preparing for mediation sessions, he would tell me that a reasonable outcome and our goal for the media...tion was X, only to tell me that I would be lucky to get Y shortly after the mediation session began. He would then tell me that I was unreasonable to expect X in a way that came across as condescending and gave the impression that the opposing party and their counsel was more reasonable than me or what we had agreed was our desired outcome. This left me feeling off-balance and confused throughout the mediation sessions. Additionally, now being more knowledgeable about family law in Washington state and working with other (better) representation, I recognize that Greg advised me to accept a deal that fell far short of what would have been a reasonable outcome given the circumstances of my case. He was also severely lacking in motivation. While the opposing representation kept detailed notes and spent considerable time and effort to develop and adjust offers, Greg literally sat back in his chair and let the opposing counsel completely take the lead in all of our mediation sessions. I only found out years later that Greg had been disciplined multiple times in WA and CA, and ultimately was disbarred in CA. Selecting excellent representation for your family law case is one of the most important decisions of your life. Please, please, please do what is best for yourself, your children, and your family and steer clear of Greg.

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

one of the rare ones... a lawyer and a good person

I hired Mr. Esau and he did an amazing job. The best part about him is that he is a good person who actually cares about the children that his case involves. After dealing with other corrupt lawyers and professionals who were less then moral, Greg was a breathe of fresh air. I hired him in 2013 and h...e was very knowledgeable and efficient.

Posted by Berhane | December 4, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Compassionate Practice

He fought hard though he didn't get fair time to present my case. Very knowledgeable though more on defending his client than disclosing opponent's mischief. He goes extra miles and is passionate about practice. In brief I found him very generous in his counsel.

Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce/ Parenting Plan

Mr Esau is very professional well informed attorney who was attentive and engaging during the whole process of my divorce and parenting plan. My case was complicated and handled with me out of state. He has had and continues to have the best interest of my child at hand. He did an exceptional job r...epresenting me respecting my values, beliefs and the things most important to me. He pursued the best interest of my child not money or other material matters. He has always been quick to communicate with me whether phone calls or emails. A man of integrity who helped me to keep focus during a most difficult journey, He understands limits and risks involved in pushing issues giving great outside perspective. He is very respectful, and receptive to my input... always able to empathize my emotions and explain the why's to his legal approach. I would soo recommend his services to anyone who is in search of a great attorney in Seattle area.

Posted by anonymous | January 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Good attorney

Handled my case and was very knowledgeable, fees were fair and was able to get things resolved quickly and fairly. I have referred several people to him and have heard positive things back.

See All Client Reviews

Gregory Dean Esau's Lawyer Endorsements

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Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2008.

Reprimand issued in WA, 2008

updated on 06/05/2010

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Disbarment issued in CA, 2008

updated on 10/14/2011

Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the California State Bar to understand the reasons for disbarment.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2005

updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2003

updated on 01/20/2016

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

Reprimand issued in WA, 2000

updated on 06/05/2010

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Honors

2005

Pro Bono Award, Washington State Bar Association

Associations

2014 - Present

ISOEL

Instructor

2002 - Present

Alliance Defense Fund

Affiliate Attorney

2009 - 2012

Union Gospel Mission

Volunteer Attorney

Education

N/A

Santa Clara University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Westmont College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Acropolis University, Entrepeneurial Leadership Course Law, Ethics & Leadership

2007

Private Schools Seminar

Divorce and Private Schools

Publications

2007

WA CLE Private Schools Seminar

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2008
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution