James Davis Shipman

James handled our custody mediation case. From the start he was straightforward with us about the probable outcome. He laid out the risks but also what the likely hood of gaining out desired parenting plan was in modification. His expertise in this field is hard to come by, and being able to trust wh...at advice he was giving gave us piece of mind of a very uncertain time. His experience in mediation was helpful to help walk is through what to expect and we believe it's because of him that we were able to come to an agreement outside of a trial setting.

James Shipman provided me excellent legal guidance, a detailed probable financial outcome analysis and most importantly emotional support in my divorce proceedings. I appreciated the strait forward approach James took in the case and valued the time tested experience he has in dealing with divorce. ...James looked at the case from a statistical viewpoint in terms of the financial settlement and offered his opinion on what a judge might order had the case gone to trial, which it did not.

Shipman was an excellent attorney who made a difficult and stressful time more manageable. He took the time to listen to all of my concerns while taking the time to explain my options and develop a plan to reach my goals. Not only did we meet my initial goals, but I received much more than I could ha...ve hoped for thanks to his hard work and legal knowledge. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice during a difficult time and am forever grateful.

My divorce was horrible. Just about every imaginable fear I had about the divorce process before the end of my marriage, happened. The fear of my relationship with my son being limited to my ex's timeline and decision making was just about paralyzing. My ex did everything possible to throw anything s...he could against the wall to see if she could make it stick. The fear and feeling of helplessness was palpable. James was honest, reliable, and confident. He told me straight the issues we were up against, and explained all the potential outcomes. He never "guaranteed" an outcome, and very clearly explained the steps we needed to present our case. He was neither overly confident or overly pessimistic, he exuded a sense of calm confidence and always made me feel we were doing the right thing. He also answered my questions clearly and when he disagreed with me, he explained why. He did not treat me like a number, he was not harsh. Frankly, I am positive he actually cared about the outcome and wanted the "right" thing to happen. It was clear in his demeanor and how he dealt with the situations. What was the outcome? How did it resolve? My ex was fighting ferosiously for primary custody, was trying to upend two years of a working 50/50 parenting plan, was doing everything she could to hurt me personally, and was working to ruin me financially. She took me to court seven (7) (!) times to try to accomplish this. We won every time. The court resumed our 50/50 parenting plan and made it permenant. Divorce is horrible, there is no way around it. My legal nightmare went on for over 18 months and the cost (emotional and financial) was huge; BUT, in the end, we prevailed. For that, and the fact that my custodial relationship with my son was retained, I feel forever in James's debt. You can never get back time lost with your children. I was very fortunate to find James. I had interviewed at least five attorneys in the Everett area before I walked into James's office. I knew within 10 minutes that James had the knowledge and demeanor I needed to represent me in the most important fight in my life. It seems to me that it could become very easy (in this line of work) to become "hardened" to the system and lose the personal connection to what your clients are going through. To us, it's the worst emotional rollercoaster you can ever go through, to them, it could become "just another day at the office". James has not lost this connection and I really believe his heart is in the right place. I have one suggestion for anyone beginning this process. You HAVE TO do your part. You cannot just lay a case on their desk and hope for the right outcome. As important as these issues are, it is necessary for you to do your absolute best to respond timely, effectively, and accurately. Leave no stone unturned when it comes to giving James the information he needs, the "devil is in the details", as they say. The more, accurate and timely information he has, the clearer he will be able to represent you. My experience with James and the legal system actually renewed my confidence that right can prevail, and that you are not simply just a victim to what happens in the family court systems. I cannot recommend this fine man higher. I trusted him with my life, and I would do it again.

James Shipman came highly recommended to me by other professionals in the legal system. I was a mother of four children who had been left by her husband of many years, and had never planned to navigate these waters. I was scared and intimidated by the horror stories I'd heard about the cost (financ...ially and emotionally) of divorce proceedings, and called James' office filled with anxiety. From the moment I spoke with his friendly staff, however, my fears were laid to rest. I was received with respect and understanding, and never once felt like I was being manipulated, taken advantage of, or patronized for my lack of understanding of the legal process. James and his staff are very professional, well-spoken and knowledgeable in the courtroom and mediation settings, but they are also friendly, accessible and approachable, and were always happy to translate legal jargon into layman's terms that I could understand. I suspected going into the divorce that the opposing party would be very well-armed legally. James, however, used his impressive knowledge of the law, his respect and professionalism in the courtroom, and his tenacity in mediation to close my case with a settlement that exceeded what I had hoped for. I would not have weathered this storm in my life as successfully as I did without the help of James Shipman. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone going through a separation or divorce. You will be treated with dignity, with compassion for your unique story and emotions, and with your best interest in mind at all times.