Erica Nicolle Knauf Santos

Erica Nicolle Knauf Santos

4.9
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 20 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +5 more

10303 Meridian Ave N, Suite 101, Seattle, WA

About Erica

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 225-500 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Knauf Santos Law, PLLC

10303 Meridian Ave N, Suite 101, Seattle, WA, 98133

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Erica Nicolle Knauf Santos's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

35 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Demetre | September 17, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Miracle workers!

Erica and her team have been nothing short of phenomenal!!! I tried taking my child's mother to court 3 times after she kidnapped her and was unsuccessful because I had no idea how to properly navigate the court systems before I finally bit the bullet and looked into hiring an attorney. I called 3 di...fferent firms when I started my search for a good legal team. The first didn't answer nor call me back, the second firm was really dry and short with me during my initial phone call like they didn't seem to care about what I was saying just throwing price quotes in my face, so I hung up on them and then I contacted Knauf Santos law. From the initial intake phone call her office was so empathetic, so inviting, so kind and they seemed so eager to know more and try to help me! They stood out from all the other firms so I had a great feeling about them and after having my consultation 2 days after the intake phone call I knew they were the firm for me. Erica was so personable, so empathetic, so knowledgeable and so strategic! Erica brought it to my attention at the intake that I had enough evidence to not only have my ex held in contempt but also other things AND I could even get more residential time with my child than what I was initially given in my initial parenting plan (which I always dreamed of) but I had no idea! The fight was long, this custody battle has been hard, 2 years ago I started out with a 4 hour visit a week (super unfair) and now 2 years later with the help of Erica, Dona and their fabulous team I now have full custody of my daughter and I'm so grateful because I couldn't have done any of this without them. Not because it wasn't possible but because I was so lost without them and they have so much knowledge and access to things I had no idea of! They've helped me in so many ways! Since hiring them we have been undefeated in court. Things got tough dealing with my case, they continued to stand by me and help guide me during this process and were so punctual, I remember one day I emailed Dona (Paralegal) and was like wait you guys that thing was due 2 days ago what do we do now?!!!! Dona responded, we already had that taken care of don't worry. :) They have been so on top of things and handling all the all the footwork and making things clear for me and prompting me to do things correctly, they made this horrible experience as breezy and smooth sailing for as they possibly could, I tell ya! I paid a lot of money out of pocket to cover expenses but it was worth every. single. penny. I would do it all over again. I tell anyone I know or run into about these guys! Dona and Erica are angels, I feel like I owe them so much more than what I have to give for all they've done for me and my family during the hardest time in our life. I hope God continues to bless them in life and everything that they do. KNAUF SANTOS LAW IS A 10000 OUT OF 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Erica and Dona, thank you for making the unthinkable possible, thank you for bringing my daughter back home, we are now complete with our missing puzzle piece! Thank you, thank you <3

Posted by Jillian | August 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Incredible, Capable, Knowledgeable

Erica has been our attorney for over 5 years through an incredibly challenging parenting plan/custody matter. She listens, and remembers and is highly knowledgeable, responsive, and highly respected by the courts and judges. She's witty, well spoken, throughout as well as to the point which judges ...take notice of! This matters! She has guided us and fought incredibly hard to keep our child safe in an extremely high conflict situation. Our child has flourished because of the incredible effort, time, energy, and true gift Mrs. Santos has. She's been a literal earth angel to us and we would recommend her to anyone seeking legal counsel. She's been by our side through a full trial and countless motions since and we are so very pleased with the level of service and support she has given to our family. We honestly don't know where we'd be without her. We would give her 10 stars if we could! She is the absolute best in her field! Forever grateful to the expertise and professionalism and her impeccable work on our case. Thank you, Mrs. Santos!

Posted by Joe | July 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Divorce Attorney!

Erica and her team were phenomenal. They picked up my case from another lawyer and really were everything I expected, and more. Two things I would point out specifically for others looking for a divorce attorney: 1) Erica has a very good grasp on likely outcomes in court or arbitration - before t...emp orders (court) and final orders (arbitration) I got Erica's opinion on what a likely outcome was, and both times she was very close to the actual outcomes (this is extremely valuable in negotiation). 2) While the hourly rates of Erica and her team were comparable to other attorneys (including the first lawyer on my case), I spent much less money on Erica because she was direct and efficient with her use of time. I highly recommend Erica Knauf Santos and her team

Posted by Patty | April 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Fantastic! I should have taken her advice the first time!!!!

Erica was able to see where I needed to go before I did. I wish I would have listened to her advice initially because she was right on with her thoughts and the direction I needed to go. Fair priced and wonderful!!! Completed my entire divorce and dealt with some very complicated issues including a...ddiction and autism.

Posted by Cassandra | April 21, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

dificult divorce

Erica was AMAZING! My divorce was difficult to say the least. Having to subpoena just about everything due to an uncooperative ex. She went above and beyond to help me relocate back to my home state with my 2 kids. She represented the facts and was able to clearly explain to the Judge why it was nec...essary to relocate. She showed compassion for my situation and was fully capable of handling whatever the other attorneys bogus request/responses were. In the end I was awarded my move and primary custody of my children. I felt like she was fair in our requests and I don't think things would have ended so positive if I had a different lawyer. I highly recommend Erika for anyone going into court with children or just a difficult divorce. She is highly knowledgeable, organised and extremely compassionate.

See All Client Reviews

Erica Nicolle Knauf Santos's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Erica
Tarik Polovina headshot
Tarik Polovina

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Santos was a pleasure to work with. She is a worthy adversary who is reasonable, diligent and focused on conflict resolution. She works to secure the best possible outcome for each of her clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Liza E. Burke headshot
Liza Burke

Family lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Erica. Erica has represented my clients who are facing criminal domestic violence charges in their parallel family law proceedings. She is a compassionate and tenacious advocate for her clients. Her work ethic and commitment to her cases is tremendous. She fights hard for the right result and any client would be well served to have her in their corner."

Robert L Jaeggli headshot
Robert Jaeggli

Family lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Other

"Erica is a great attorney. She is very knowledgeable and cares about her clients. I would not hesitate to recommend her for legal representation."

Tristen U. Key headshot
Tristen Key

Family lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I recently had a child support adjustment and modification of parenting plan matter opposing Erica. I found her to be a zealous advocate for her client and extremely knowledgeable about the law and court procedures. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in family law. I know she is highly regarded by her clients, fellow attorneys and the bench. She was always well prepared for this matter and thoroughly knew the facts and issues of the case. She was diligent in communications and was able to think outside the box to settle our matter to both our clients' satisfactions. I would highly recommend Erica as an attorney in family law."

Amir John Showrai headshot
Amir John Showrai

Family lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I first met Erica as an opposing counsel on a difficult case two years ago, and found her to be very professional, courteous, and above all respectful. I've also worked with her as a co-counsel on another a year later, and while we had a difficult case, it was her ability to keep our client calm and focused that helped him obtain a better outcome than if he were without someone as skilled as she is. If I can't take a case or need to refer someone out for some reason, she is almost always the first name I consider."

Jonathan Blake Hilty headshot
Jonathan Hilty

Family lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Erica is well respected in the greater Seattle legal community. She is detail-oriented while staying focused on the global goal of achieving client's overall objectives. I am finishing a case in which Erica represented the opposing party. She is an effective advocate and I readily endorse her."

Paul Francis Eagle headshot
Paul Eagle

Family lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Erica is very well respected in the Seattle family law legal community. She is a professional and always a pleasure to work with. She has many satisfied clients over many years of practice. I endorse her."

Lara Margaret Dethlefs headshot
Lara Dethlefs

Family lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Erica as an opposing counsel in a divorce matter. She is reasonable, fair and no-nonsense. Whether it be settlement negotiations or court hearings, Erica's clients are well-served by her. She has true compassion for her clients. Erica has my full respect and I highly endorse this lawyer."

Lori J Guevara headshot
Lori Guevara

Family lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Erica. Her legal skills are top-rate and she is not afraid to go the extra mile for her clients. Erica and I frequently consult one another on legal issues and I am always impressed by her dedication and hard work."

View All Endorsements
Dana Rae Brown headshot
Dana Brown

Child abuse lawyer

Jillian Kathleen Pressnall headshot
Jillian Pressnall

Divorce and separation lawyer

Melissa Jane Rogers headshot
Melissa Rogers

Family lawyer

Lucia Ramirez Levias headshot
Lucia Levias

Family lawyer

Tristen U. Key headshot
Tristen Key

Family lawyer

Jonathan Blake Hilty headshot
Jonathan Hilty

Family lawyer

Paul Francis Eagle headshot
Paul Eagle

Family lawyer

Liza E. Burke headshot
Liza Burke

Domestic violence lawyer

Lara Margaret Dethlefs headshot
Lara Dethlefs

Family lawyer

Lori J Guevara headshot
Lori Guevara

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Attorney, Knauf Santos Law, PLLC

Associations

2006 - Present

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Board of Directors

2005 - 2009

IDA-Africa

Advisory Committee

2004 - 2008

WA State Bar Association--Animal Law Section

Executive Committee

Education

2005

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

Central Washington University

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

Central Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Legal seminars to the Chinese community

U.S. Family and Marriage Law by Erica Santos

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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