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
Adoption and Assisted Reproduction
38 years
38 years
38 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1984 | 05/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2021 |
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers | Martindale-Hubbell | 2021 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | Law Office of Joyce S. Schwensen | 2001 - Present |
Of Counsel | Graham & Dunn PC | 2000 - 2001 |
Member | Smith Smart, PLLC | 1984 - 2000 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2007 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Member | 2006 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section | Member | 2000 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1984 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association, Sexual Orienation and Gender Identification Legal Issues (SOGILI) Section | Treasurer | 2012 - 2014 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
PRWEB | "While Historic for LGBT Community, Recent Supreme Court Rulings Likely Have Little Impact on Same-Sex Couples Seeking to Adopt, Says Washington Adoption Lawyer" | 2013 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Washington School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1984 |
Washington State University | BA | 1979 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Adoption Law: Start to Finish | Adoption Law | 2012 |
Adoption Law: Start to Finish | Adoption Law | 2010 |
Practical Guide To Adoptions | Adoption Law | 2008 |
The Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate Practice | Real Estate Transactions | 2005 |
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Thomas Taneff, Adoption Attorney on Dec 9, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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!
Paul Nordsletten, Adoption Attorney on Mar 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Justin Boland, Adoption Attorney on Jan 11, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Matthew Cunanan, Adoption Attorney on Jan 6, 2021
Relationship: Co-worker
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. =)
Thomas Taneff, Adoption Attorney on Dec 9, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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!
Paul Nordsletten, Adoption Attorney on Mar 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Oliver Spencer, Real estate Attorney on Dec 18, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David Kerr, Adoption Attorney on Jul 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Judy Mims, Estate planning Attorney on May 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
A. Anderson, Business Attorney on Nov 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Shana Thompson, Adoption Attorney on Jul 20, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
Elaine Ducharme, Real estate Attorney on May 31, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Joseph Rockne, Adoption Attorney on Oct 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Joyce is a great lawyer that always can answer the questions I have quickly and clearly.
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