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Stacy Dyan Heard

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Avvo Rating10
  • Seattle, WA
  • Licensed for 22 years
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About Stacy

Ms. Heard is an attorney who practices exclusively family law in Seattle, Washington, where she has served clients for over 20 years. Her family law practice includes cases involving high-conflict parenting/custody, international custody disputes, the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, relocation, complex financial issues, restraining orders, and child support. Stacy is trained in cross-border mediation, arbitration, mediation, collaborative law, and as a Guardian ad Litem. She is a member of the American Bar Association Family Law Section and serves on council and as Chair of the International Law Committee. She is also a member of the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts (“AFCC”) U.S. and Australian chapters. She is a past president of the Washington State AFCC chapter. Stacy is the is the author of Washington Family Law (LexisNexis Practice Guide 2019). She is currently co-authoring a book for the ABA Family Law Section on Attorneys working with Parenting Evaluators. Stacy is a frequent speaker on parenting plans in the state of Washington, nationally, and internationally.

 

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Practice areas

International lawDivorce and separationChild custody
  1. Child custody: 40%

    International custody cases, Hague Convention cases, high conflict parenting cases, modification of parenting plans

    22 years, 50 cases

  2. Divorce and separation: 40%

    Marital dissolution cases, including high asset divorces, high conflict matters, child support, domestic violence, alimony, spousal maintenance

    22 years, 100 cases

  3. International law: 20%

    International child custody cases, Hague Convention cases

    12 years, 5 cases

Languages spoken

French, Spanish, English

Photos and videos

28151 1533660087

Contact

Stacy D Heard

1001 Fourth Ave Suite 4400
SEATTLE, WA, 98154

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    ORActive200510/09/2021
    WAActive199909/10/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers0
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Pro Bono Publico Service CommendationWashington State Bar Association2017
    Pro Bono Publico Service CommendationWashington State Bar Assoication2016
    Pro Bono Publico Service CommendationKing County Bar Association2015
    Rising StarN/A2003
    Rising StarN/A2002
    Rising StarN/A2001
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    OwnerThe Law Office of Stacy D. Heard, PLLC2005 - Present
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionInternational Law Committee Chair2019 - Present
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionCouncil2019 - Present
    International Academy of Family LawyersFellow2019 - Present
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Australia ChapterMember2017 - Present
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionLiaison to AFCC2015 - Present
    US State DepartmentReferral Attorney - Hague Convention Abduction cases2013 - Present
    International Bar AssociationMember2012 - Present
    International Society of Family LawMember2012 - Present
    Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMember, Washington State Chapter President. 20162011 - Present
    American Bar Association, International Law SectionMember2009 - Present
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2009 - Present
    Center for Children & Youth JusticeVolunteer Attorney - Lawyer's Fostering Independence2007 - Present
    Oregon State BarMember2005 - Present
    King County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember1999 - Present
    Washington State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember1999 - Present
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionInternational Law Committee Co-Chair2018 - 2019
    American Bar Association, Family Law Section, CLE CommitteeMember2016 - 2017
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionNominating Committee2016 - 2016
    American Bar Association, Family Law SectionBy-Laws Committee2015 - 2015
    Union of Cuban JuristsDelegation to Cuba2012 - 2012
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    LexisNexis Practice GuideWashington Family Law2019
    LexisNexis Practice Guide, Washington Family LawParenting Plans2016
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Seattle University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1998
    University of OregonBachelor of Arts, With Honors1990
    Universite de PoitiersN/A1989
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    American Bar Association, Family Law Section Conference2017 Tax Act2018
    International Social Services CLE, Washington, DCMediation in Crossborder Conflicts2018
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Australia Chapter CLE, Melbourne, AustraliaInternational Strategies for Managing Family Law Litigation2017
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts CLE, Boston, MAIntimate Partner Violence2017
    King County Bar Association CLE, Seattle, WADissolutions from A-Z, Parenting Plans2017
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Washington Chapter CLE, Seattle, WAAttorney and Parenting Evaluator - Professional Collaboration2017
    Law Education Institute CLE, Aspen, COAttorney and Parenting Evaluator - Addressing Bias2017
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, National Conference, Seattle, WAAttorney and Parenting Evaluator - Professional Collaboration2016
    National Business Institute CLE, Seattle, WAFamily Law for Paralegals, Ethics2015
    National Business Institute CLE, Seattle, WAComplex Assets in Divorce2015
    National Business Institute CLE, Seattle, WASpousal Maintenance and Property Settlement2015
    American Bar Association, Family Law Section CLE, Carlsbad, CABankruptcy Considerations for the Family Lawyer2015
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Washington Chapter CLE, Seattle, WADeconstructing the Parenting Evaluator's Report2014
    Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Washington Chapter CLEUpdates on Relocation Assessment: Mental Health and Legal Perspectives, Regional Guidelines and Larger Body of Research Informed Paradigms2014
    Lawyers Fostering Independence CLEParenting Plan Basics,2014
    American Bar Association, Family Law Section Conference, Deer Valley, UTDebt Cancellation2013
    Developmentally Appropriate Parenting PlansParenting Plans2011
    Current Events for Family Lawyers: Legislative and Case Law UpdateFamily Law2010
    Handling Complex Custody MattersParenting Plans2008
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Aubin v. Barton

    Reviews

    (15)
    5 Star
    		80%
    4 Star
    		7%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		7%
    1 Star
    		7%
    Review Stacy Heard

    Child Custody/Guardianship

    Posted by

    I hired Stacy to represent me in a child custody/guardianship case. She is very knowledgeable about family law matters and provided me with information about the court process. Stacy told me she could help me if I helped her by providing her with the information needed to build my case. I found her experience and caring attitude very beneficial to me.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Stacy is an awesome attorney. Thank you for everything.

    Posted by

    Stacy was great. I was referred to Stacy from a family attorney. She is very expensive so I consulted with another attorney that Stacy Recommended closer to my home. I didn't feel the connection there with that attorney so then I went back to Stacy for another Consult. Stacy is very knowledgeable in her role. She is expensive but well worth it because she knows the law. It was all a bit confusing to me but she educates you so that you can make the best decision for your family. Positive energy. Great hair and great smile doesn't hurt anyone either in a stressful time. She is a fire cracker but I feel that it is absolutely needed when your in this position. Thanks for everything you did Stacy. I do wish i would have initially hired Stacy from the Very beginning.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Smart, Efficient, and Professional Family Law Attorney

    Posted by

    Stacy was referred by another attorney friend. Now that my case is over, I cannot recommend her enough to anyone doing their homework on seeking a family law attorney. The bottom line is that nobody wants to be involved in family court, but the facts are that sometimes you just have to be. When that happens you want someone that knows exactly what they are doing. You want someone that is organized and will be honest with you even if it is not what you want to hear. You also want someone that knows family law forwards and backwards. She is all of this. Sometimes my situation was so messy that I didn't even know what to do or how to get through the day without feeling like it was never going to end. She was very reassuring. She had a plan and was very open about how we would solve the issues we were facing. She was also very honest about everything that could happen. I appreciated this because it helped me prepare for whatever could happen. From the moment I met Stacey I was impressed by her knowledge of the law and her confidence in being able to take over a case that was so incredibly messy. My case and the other party were very complicated. My ex was off the rails through the entire process and my previous attorney had sat on his hands for over a year. Within one month of Stacey taking on the case she did more for me in 30 days than the previous attorney did in one year! Any questions I ever had were answered quickly via email. She would also explain things thoroughly. Her assistant was amazing through our entire process, too. Extremely organized and on top of everything. Emails were responded to efficiently and timely. Not one time did I feel like I was hanging on by a thread waiting to hear back from them. In the end - our case is finally over. My kids are doing exceptionally well after being in a bad situation. I will always have a special place in my heart for what Stacey was able to accomplish in my case. She was ethical and honest with me the entire time.

    Excellent Attorney

    Posted by

    Stacy Heard has been a great help to me during a lengthy and mentally-straining process. She explains the whys, the hows, and whens very well and can anticipate opposing counsel’s next move. I am glad to have her as an asset and would recommend her to anyone going through a divorce or related family law issues.

    Smart, Problem solver, and responsive. Appreciated the advice

    Posted by

    I consulted with Stacy for a matter and she was extremely responsive despite being on travels. She was also helpful with the suggestions and I appreciated her advice. I would recommend her to others needing help with family matters.

    Excellent Experience, Despite the Situation of Divorce

    Posted by

    Stacy has done an outstanding job. She is candid, blunt and honest regarding how the system works yet is caring and understanding that emotions are playing a role in any divorce proceedings. Despite the unfortunate situation, I found her enjoyable to work with. I worked with her more than a year from start to finish. I had shopped around and met with several attorneys before I decided that Stacy was the one I knew who I would work best with. I knew she could get in there and be tough when she needed to be, which I appreciated. I truly felt that my best interests were always being looked after, instead of her bottom line - as I have seen other attorneys do. And I felt that she prepared me to what I should honestly expect in the end results. She is knowledgeable, seems to have great recognition in the legal community among her peers and possesses excellent communication skills.

    Professional and knows the law

    Posted by

    I was referred to Stacy from another well reputable attorney in Seattle. From the first meeting we had, Stacy understood my divorce case and set the proper expectations of what I could expect. It was a difficult divorce with multiple evaluations for child custody. The case ended up in mediation and was resolved there. I was very satisfied with the outcome of the divorce and know I would have not been able to do it without her. Stacy is not only passionate about the law, but knew how to communicate the law so I could understand it. She never left me in the dark, would consistently get back to me on the same day I sent an email or called, and always felt she was giving me the truth. There were a couple of times that I was feeling drained and wanted to give up - Stacy would refocus me on my goals and always kept an eye on the end. I found it very helpful that she is so well networked in the community. She made great suggestions for evaluators and a mediators! Stacy knows when to listen, knows when to advise, and knows when to be tough. I would highly recommend Stacy's representation in a divorce case.

    Great Family Lawyer

    Posted by

    Stacy really saved me when I needed it most. She has a great understanding of family law and the emotional side that goes with it. Unlike a lot of attorneys, she was incredibly responsive and always made sure I understood what was happening and coming up next. She's a straight-shooter and will always guide you in the right way. I never felt dumb and always empowered. Not only would I recommend her, I would hire her again in a second. She made a terrible situation much more bearable.

    Best lawyer in Seattle

    Posted by

    Stacy was excellent I had a very long drawn out case and she stayed the course. I have complete confidence in her. She kept me very informed of the other parties every move and gave me very logical advice about how to handle everything. In the end Stacy helped me get all that I was hoping for in my divorce and parenting plan. It was terrifying for me to be in court and face my ex-husband and every time I had to she was right there calming my fears in her subtle way of explaining what would happen with such confidence I always felt safe with her. Stacy was very professional and has so much experience, I truly enjoyed working with her and getting to know her. You are in great hands with her!

    Excellent Family Law Attorney

    Posted by

    I would definitely recommend this lawyer. She kept me informed throughout my case and provided excellent representation.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (15)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Frank Cornelius, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 8, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I previously worked with Stacy. She is knowledgeable and works hard for her clients.

    Matthew Taylor, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 29, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    John Kydd

    Stacy is a pleasure to work with. She quickly gets to the key issues and addresses them. Working with a lawyer is not always easy. Lawyers are often set in how they wish to work; to doing it their way. I watched Stacy adapt to a challenge where the way to do it was not know. She was helpful, thorough and very effective. It is increasingly important for fmaily counsel to be able to work well with other counsel. Stacy does that well and comes up with novel ideas about how to improve family practice. She is not content to simply be a 9-5 lawyer; she spends quite a bit of time giving time to projects that seek to make family law better for everyone. We need more lawyers like her.

    David Starks, Family Attorney on Jun 13, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I heartily endorse this lawyer. Stacy is an excellent attorney with a deep understanding of family law. She gets excellent results for her clients.

    Andrew Benjamin, Litigation Attorney on Jun 11, 2013
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Stacy was defense co-counsel in a Malpractice suit prosecuted by my firm. She was thorough and organized despite the complexity of the matter. Although she zealously and ably defended her client, she was consistently professional in her dealings with me and others. From my perspective, I believe her client enjoyed her representation.

    Charles Butler, Family Attorney on Jun 11, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    James McGuire, Family Attorney on Aug 26, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Stacy is highly professional and dedicated to advocating for her clients. Her breadth of experience serves her clients well. I highly endorse Stacy.

    Susan Shulenberger, Family Attorney on Aug 11, 2011
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Stacy is one of a select group of lawyers to whom I refer cases when I cannot handle a case. She knows the area of law and is practical and resourceful. I know that both clients will be well served when she is an opposing lawyer on a case.

    C. Phil Su, Family Attorney on Aug 10, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Stacy is an excellent lawyer with unparallelled knowledge of family law. Stacy is compassionate about her clients' cause and is always cordial with her opponents. In this emotionally charged area of practice, having the ability to zealously represent one's client while showing the utmost professionalism towards sometimes irrational opposing counsel is truly a rare skill. I highly endorse Stacy's work and would gladly refer anyone I know to her.

    Misty Willits, Family Attorney on Aug 9, 2011
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. Stacy is a consummate professional. She is very reasonable as opposing counsel, yet a tough advocate for her client. Top notch.

    Evelyn Sybor, Family Attorney on Apr 19, 2010
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Ms. Heard is a superior attorney who I've recommended to several friends. She is a very bright and hard-working lawyer who provides an empathetic, supportive ear to her clients while aggressively pursuing their rights.

    James Owen, Family Attorney on Feb 2, 2010
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Stacy was a former colleague of mine who I have known for several years. She is a tenacious and highly experienced family law lawyer who I would recommend without reservation.

    Gregg Johnsen, Family Attorney on Jan 22, 2010
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer's work. She is professional, competent and worked towards resolution on very difficult issues.

    John Fuhrman, Family Attorney on Jun 20, 2008
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer's work.

    Sims Weymuller, Family Attorney on Jun 13, 2008
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I was opposing counsel with Stacy and found her to be both courteous and professional while capably advocating on her client's behalf.

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