$ 325-380 per hour
Joyce Stewart Schwensen
About Joyce
Biography
I have been in the private practice of law for over thirty-five years, and I love helping people through the legal profession. I pride myself on being approachable and caring in a profession that is too often intimidating to the people who need legal help.
I have many years of experience in real estate transactions, business law, estate planning and probate from my time practicing in a downtown Seattle law firm. Then 20 years ago left downtown Seattle in order to expand my practice into the place where my heart resides, in the field of adoption law, assisted reproduction, and surrogacy. I strive to help people orm new lives together by bringing children into their families through adoption or assisted reproduction. Family matters are personal and close to each of us, and I'm happy to handle complicated or difficult cases with compassion and empathy.
I have developed a law practice in the areas of adoption, assisted reproduction, estate planning, probate, real estate, and business transactions.
My background includes a J.D. earned at the Washington State University School of Law. I became licensed to practice law in Washington after graduating in 1984. I am an active member of the Washington State and King County Bar Associations, including a number of sections such as Family Law, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Issues, and Probate and Trust Law. From 2001 to 2010 I was the founder and executive director of a licensed adoption agency, Adoption Assistance and Homestudy Service.
It is my honor and privilege to provide experienced and compassionate legal representation to my clients.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 41 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
JOYCE S SCHWENSEN
12055 15th Avenue NE, Suite C, Seattle, WA, 98125
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Joyce Stewart Schwensen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 22 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Dustin | August 14, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Best experience, so helpfull
Mrs. Schwensen gave me the best and most affordable service I could ask for. She was so very professional, polite and patient. Thoroughly explaining everything until I understood. Thank you Joyce!!!
Posted by Thomas | December 6, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Attorney
Joyce, you were an absolute delight to work and consult with on our Washington - Ohio Interstate Adoption. You were always available, knew the law inside and out, and were accessible day and night. You were incredibly kind and compassionate. I can't wait to work with you again!
Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Family will squabble
Joyce wrote up my mothers last will and testament. I hired her after my mother passed. She was not only proficient in carrying out her last wishes, but became a friend as well. My parents wanted to make sure certain persons were to be left out and Joyce told my mother the best way to achieve that go...
Posted by David | July 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Small business real estate quagmire
My problem had to do with a business real estate transaction complicated by a former tenant/abandoned property/IRS and creditor liens/probate/purchase and sale contract squabble. I was referred to Joyce after my other attorney disclosed a conflict of interest. Joyce took the time for a lengthy in...
Posted by Laurel | May 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Legal help to move small business corp. from MD to WA
Joyce was personable, knowledgeable, and efficient. She answered all the questions my husband and I had about the process. She accessed resources and researched issues that were outside of her previous knowledge in order to give us the best advice. She reached out and spoke with our tax advisor to he...
Joyce Stewart Schwensen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joyce, you were an absolute delight to work and consult with on our Washington - Ohio Interstate Adoption. You were always available, knew the law inside and out, and were accessible day and night. You were incredibly kind and compassionate. I can't wait to work with you again!"
"Joyce is a very experienced attorney on adoption, real estate, wills & probate, and business law issues. If you want someone with the knowledge and experience of a big downtown law firm attorney, but you also want someone who will give you the personal attention you deserve, I recommend Joyce."
"When you are dealing with issues as personal and important as family and finances, you need the best advocate possible. I unreservedly endorse Joyce Schwensen as an experienced, skilled and practical attorney. Joyce is my go-to person for any question about adoption issues, probate/wills or small business issues. She is a great listener, and knows the legal issues inside and out. Many lawyers hold themselves out to be generalists: they claim to be able to do it all. However, when you are dealing with family issues (adoptions, custody) or finances (trusts, estates, small business) you want a specialist who knows all the issues. Joyce is that person, and is also a tremendously hard worker, a skilled legal writer and a great person."
"Without a doubt, I endorse this lawyer 100%! Joyce is a bulldog! Her successes in court say it all. I've been very blessed to have her in my corner as she is an indispensable resource. Joyce quickly returns my voicemails, emails and always has her office door open for bouncing ideas back and forth. If she doesn't have the answer on the spot, she has directed me to another resource or lawyer. =)"
"Joyce Schwensen provides the highest level of service for her clients, and she is an effective advocate, bringing a wealth of real estate law expertise to her clients."
"Joyce is smart, helpful and wonderfully patient. She knows her business. She helped me immensely, always willing to share information and keep me on track. In a profession that seems to be too full of ego and self importance it is nice to have colleagues that are professional, smart and take the time to care."
"I endorse this lawyer. I send all my friends and clients to Joyce when they need estate planning whether complex or simple. She treats everyone with respect and I have used her myself for my own planning."
"I have know joyce for many years and consulted with her on numerous occasions. She is an excellent compassionate lawyer and provides great assistance to her clients."
"Joyce and I have shared office space since October 2009. During this time, I have had the benefit of her vast knowledge of adoption law, which is a difficult area of practice due to the many nuances, rules and regulations therein. I believe she is one of the best in her field and I highly endorse her services."
"I have known and worked with Joyce for over 25 years. Joyce is a dedicated and compassionate advociate for her cients. She is an experienced and well-respected attorney who puts the best interest of her clients first. I have referred friends and clients to Joyce over the years and will continue to do so."
"Joyce is a great lawyer that always can answer the questions I have quickly and clearly."
Thomas Taneff
Adoption lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Principal, Law Office of Joyce S. Schwensen
2000 - 2001
Of Counsel, Graham & Dunn PC
1984 - 2000
Member, Smith Smart, PLLC
Associations
2007 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2006 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust SectionMember
1984 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2014
Washington State Bar Association, Sexual Orienation and Gender Identification Legal Issues (SOGILI) SectionTreasurer
Education
1984
University of Washington School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1979
Washington State University
BA
Speaking Engagements
2012
Adoption Law: Start to Finish
Adoption Law
2010
Adoption Law: Start to Finish
Adoption Law
2008
Practical Guide To Adoptions
Adoption Law
2005
The Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate Practice
Real Estate Transactions
Publications
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can parents looking to adopt pick the exact kid they wish to adopt? If so how would this process look like?
24 May 2021
Q&A
Can I request termination of my ex’s parental rights?
08 Apr 2021
Q&A
Can I give my parental rights back to bio mother?
16 May 2020
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
The Federal Adoption Tax Credit
06 Jun 2010
Legal Guide
Foreclosure law in Washington - what if the house is worth less than the mortgage?
09 May 2010
Legal Guide
Understanding the International Adoption Process
27 Apr 2010