L. Brooks Baldwin

L. Brooks Baldwin is a credentialed Collaborative Attorney and Mediator devoted to assisting her clientele in navigating the painful and oft-times bewildering process of divorce with the ultimate goal of achieving resolution in a respectful and dignified way without the devastating impact of litigation.  

 Brooks’ unique background includes a lengthy stint as a seasoned litigation attorney in criminal defense, followed by a 14-year career as a freelance journalist specializing in the spa and wellness industry.

 During her 8+-year career as a litigation attorney, Brooks became disenchanted with the acrimonious and competitive nature of the litigation process as well as the exorbitant related expenses to the participants, in time and money.  Passionate about writing, wellness and travel, Brooks shifted her career focus to writing and reporting on spas and the related topics of wellness, spa travel, consumer reviews, and industry news.  

 In 2005, Brooks became a volunteer facilitator for the “Beyond Divorce” program at University Presbyterian Church (UPC) in Seattle.  Having endured her own challenging divorce, becoming a facilitator for a program which had benefited her and her children so greatly during her own divorce process had been a primary goal of Brooks.  While in her facilitator capacity, she also received Stephen Ministry training provided by UPC so that she could provide heightened care to the support group participants. Compassionately coming alongside others enduring the painful and traumatic divorce experience and shepherding them gently through it, has become a fulfilling and meaningful endeavor for Brooks. She has spent 10 years actively involved in facilitating divorce support programs throughout the Puget Sound area.

Additionally, Brooks has dedicated recent years to researching and speaking on the positive role wellness plays in divorce recovery for all family members involved.  Recognizing and addressing the emotional as well as physical impact that toxic stress plays on children and adults during all stages of their lives, but especially during the divorce process, is critical to the overall long-term health of divorce participants and their children. Brooks encourages a holistic approach to dealing with both the legal as well as the health and wellness needs of divorce participants, and is a keen resource for those seeking such.

In 2010, having learned about the Collaborative Law movement in Family and Divorce matters, and how much it benefits divorcing couples and their families, Brooks chose to return to legal practice, albeit exclusively in a Collaborative capacity which respectfully circumvents the acrimonious and costly litigation process and intimidating courtroom atmosphere. Having acquired her credentials in Collaborative Law and Mediation, she opened her holistic approach Collaborative Family Law practice in Lake Forest Park/Shoreline area in Seattle’s north end. Her convenient location allows her to easily serve clients in Bothell, Kenmore, Seattle and Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland/Woodinville areas, as well as south Snohomish County including south Everett, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds.

If you are seeking a respectful and dignified path through the challenging divorce process, Collaborative Divorce Services are a valuable option.  Please contact Brooks to learn about Collaborative Divorce and determining if it's a good fit for your needs.