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Robert A Kelly

Family Attorney at Bellingham, WA

4.8   17 reviews
  • Licensed for 16 years
    State WA
    Acquired 2007
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Robert

Learn Robert’s areas of practice.

PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY LAW SERVICES WITH INTEGRITY & SENSITIVITY.

ABOUT ROBERT A. KELLY

Bellingham, Washington Family Law Attorney and Mediator

 

I came to practice law through a series of unique experiences. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I traveled through 16 developing countries around the world, which inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Political Science upon my return home. My graduate studies research in Alternative Dispute Resolution led to my career as a mediator and dispute resolution trainer. I eventually reached the point where I wanted to add legal counsel to my dispute resolution services, and I attended law school. I graduated cum laude and became a member of the Washington State Bar in 2007. I have lived in Whatcom County since 1978.

 

Contact my office today if you need to discuss family issues such as legal separation or divorce, property division, child custody or child support. Because I specialize in family law, you can be confident that you will receive the professional services you need.

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Contact Robert

Robert A Kelly
1112 11th Street, Suite 307-A
Bellingham, WA, 98225

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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6%
Posted by Dave | June 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A genuine high integrity person
I've worked with Rob on two occasions and both times I felt well taken care of by a highly professional and highly skilled attorney. He is clear and impeccably honest. He thinks on multiple dimensions and comes up with creative actionable solutions. He also was good at bringing me back to reality when I needed it.
Posted by Heidi | February 8, 2010
Genuine, reliable, honest, and knowledgable
Genuine, reliable,honest, and knowledgable should I say more? I started out my search for an attorney from the Seattle area. I was needing to find a quality attorney to represent me for a case that was approaching quickly. I placed several phone calls to attorneys in Whatcom County discouraged as none of them seemed to take a few minutes to learn about my case or show any interest what so ever. When I called the Law Offices of Robert Kelly in my first conversation with Rob I knew he was the one. Rob not only took time to ask questions and learn about my case he cared and best of all followed up. Before I hired him he learned the times of my court hearing and reserved them on his online schedule to ensure he would be available to represent me. Robert and his legal assistant Sara worked right along side me throughout the entire process. Remember I was two hours away and not able to travel back and forth. They communicated via email and phone as I was long distance making the situation the least stressful as possible. Being in a service related industry I have high expectations of service. Rob and Sara went above and beyond throughout my entire family law case. I am VERY SATISFIED with the results. I highly recommend Robert Kelly for legal services you will not be disappointed!
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Posted by MB | May 1, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best
I could not have asked for better representation. Rob is a great advocate and communicator. His fees are very reasonable for the high value received. I would give Rob 6 stars if I could.
Posted by Tom | January 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional empathetic representation
If you are reading this review, then you are probably like I was: full of anxiety and needing an advocate to help you navigate the most challenging time in your life. I had a few legal consultations before choosing Rob and beginning my “collaborative” divorce journey. My case was challenging from a financial, emotional, and custodial viewpoint. It was very charged at times, and I questioned whether we could reach an agreement-based outcome without a third-party decision-maker. This is where Rob really shines. Rob would calmly explain my options and partner with me to plan a successful strategy. He is an expert coach and a master of navigating tense situations. He thinks outside the box and brings methodical reasoning and empathy to the table when others are “digging their heels in.” His experience tells you when to take a break and when to push on because the finish line is in sight. Rob was able to get me a fair financial settlement and custody arrangement. That’s the key – Rob is fair. He has very high integrity and is looking for the best outcome for both parties. Without reservation, I would highly recommend Rob and his team for exceptional representation and support throughout your divorce process.
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Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Recommendation
Working with Sonia and Robert has been wonderful they are both very quick about returning your emails and or phone calls. Hiring them was the best thing I could’ve done. My divorce was executed in no time and the process was very pleasant I was able to understand every single step of the way I would definitely recommend their services.
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Posted by Gabriel | February 7, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
It was a great experience working with Rob
Rob and Sonia did a fantastic job for me and I recommend them highly. Rob is knowledgeable, empathic, and very patient in explaining the laws. I picked him because I didn't want a confrontational divorce, and true to his word he directed the process so that my ex-wife and I ended up in agreement on all the important issues. I got so comfortable with his advocacy that after the initial meetings I hardly thought about the divorce, after initially being obsessed with it. I never even met with Rob in person. The whole process was done on my iPhone while I was on the road. Sonia was wonderful. She explained things clearly, gave me great advice, and kept my spirits up in the initial difficult stages. I interviewed a different divorce lawyer but didn't use him because he didn't have an assistant like Sonia, who was always reliable and available when I needed her.
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Posted by Dan | October 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Good representation
Rob represented me in my divorce and I was very pleased with his level of expertise, professionalism, and willingness to listen to my desired outcomes. His calm and knowledgeable approach to the process was greatly appreciated.
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Would highly recommend Rob
I worked with Rob on a couple of different occasions with my divorce. I always felt that communication was great, his work was thorough, and was pleased with the end result.
Posted by anonymous | April 2, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Another Grateful Mom
I hired Rob after interviewing numerous family lawyers in the area. I chose him because he brought the father's perspective to my case; he is obviously a family man; he wasn't simply a hired gun charging high fees and following some of my uninformed ideas; he has decades of experience and a respected place in the legal community; anyone who meets him would both respect him as a good guy and one who wouldn't back down in a conflict; and because I felt his priority was to do the right thing for my children. Mine was a complicated case involving DV, an ex with infinite time and money for a prolonged battle, two young children, and me in a state of shock and fear. Throughout the process, I always felt that Rob was telling me the truth and giving me sound advice, not just to win the case and be a bully, but to make sure my children and myself were protected. I also love his sharp and competent staff of strong women. A formidable, but altogether humane, team... I can't thank these people enough.
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Posted by Terra | March 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A grateful single mom
I cannot speak highly enough of Rob Kelly as the best possible attorney for a high conflict divorce or custody case. He genuinely cares about his clients, has high integrity, and his team at the office match his thoughtfulness and care. I am grateful to him for the many ways he supported myself and my son through the most difficult of times.
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Posted by Christine | February 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Ethical, professional, and knows how to listen
Divorce is not pleasant or easy is something we can all agree on. Working with Rob and his responsive staff made the situation manageable with an excellent outcome for myself and my ex-husband without going to trial. From my first meeting with Rob I thought he was extremely knowledgeable about family law and most importantly is an excellent communicator and listener. He and his staff always showed me respect and courtesy in all situations. I never felt my bill was being run up as he delegated what was appropriate to his staff to control my costs. There was always transparency for work being done on my behalf. For friends and acquaintances seeking a lawyer one can trust to be a strong yet flexible advocate I can without hesitation recommend Rob Kelly.
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Posted by Chris | December 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Integrity, Compassion and Tenacity!
I worked with Rob on a high conflict custody case for over 4 months. Every interaction I had with Rob and his staff was professional, considerate and thorough. He worked tirelessly as an advocate for myself and family, putting in dedicated hours day after day. While the legal fees were mounting, he was simultaneously working to make a case that the children's father had brought the suit in bad faith, maliciously accusing me of activities and behaviors that were not true. While all along reminding me it would difficult to prove, I always had faith in Rob's ability to take my information through the legal lens to convince the court our parenting plan should not change, and he should pay legal fees. Rob was fair, professional and never stooped the level the other lawyers or my ex-husband, did. This makes him exemplary, in my book, because there were plenty of times he could have used information against the children's father and didn't. We still won the case, with the judge ruling to increase my child support and pay my legal fees. I'm convinced after meeting over 10 lawyers in Bellingham, nobody could have done this except Rob
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Posted by N. R. | November 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Made time for me, very thorough, great outcome
Leaving my 45-year marriage took courage on my part, and special skill on the part of Rob Kelly. Rob explained things patiently, and helped reduce the surprises and turbulence. I wish my divorce had been collaborative, as Rob's background as a mediator would have helped make quick work of a just settlement. But my divorce was more contentious. Still, Rob's mediation background helped me focus on mediation and arbitration, approaches that are far less upsetting and expensive than a full-on court battle. Rob encouraged me to be a full partner in my divorce, listening to all of my ideas and using them every time they fit. I made sure to arrive at every meeting as prepared as possible, with all of the information asked of me. (No matter how great the divorce attorney is, it's important to be an attentive and prepared client. After all, it's your divorce!) At every meeting, I had Rob's full attention: it would have been easy to believe I was his only client. The dedicated paralegals were professional and thorough, and worked very hard to do things in a timely and professional way. Their attention to detail was impressive, time and time again. Rob Kelly treats you with respect and caring. Although he is the very definition of "Mr. Nice Guy," when it's time to get tough on your behalf, he will definitely do that, too. We persevered, and my settlement was very satisfactory to me. Although it was tough and trying, this divorce has given me my life back. My only "tip" for adding value to the attorney-client encounter, no matter whom you hire, is to be prepared, do your homework, and contribute to the process. Staying constructive also helps tamp down the emotional distress. Rob Kelly is an excellent choice for divorce attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2015
Strong client advocate
After our initial meeting with Robert Kelly, it was very clear he was going to be different. Rob was honest about our particularly frustrating custody battle; he made sure we knew what we could and should expect of him. With that came hope for the first time, as we were finally talking with a knowledgeable attorney who was fully in our corner and was going to do whatever he could to help us. Coming from our last attorney's office whose main motivation was money; we were more than concerned this could be a similar situation. After learning Rob is one of the only attorney's around with two paralegals; amazing paralegals at that, we knew that alone would help with the bill. There have never been any surprises on the bills and Rob has offered such peace of mind by diligently trying to save us money, even while going through this lengthy process. Rob has been dedicated to our case, working tirelessly for us, listening to all concerns, answering all questions and has been there fighting for us the whole time. He has never wasted a dime of ours, which is a precious thing as these dealings are very expensive. Rob has always broken down everything, making things easy to understand and with that, easy to make sound decisions. He has kept us in the loop every step of the way; whenever questions or concerns have come up and he's not available, he gets back to us within a short amount of time. When others may have tried to cut corners, Rob has been upfront and honest with his strong ethics hard to find in others. He has managed to take an enormous weight off and has made this unbearable process bearable. Rob was ready and willing to litigate this case if necessary but he skillfully found a way to get mediation onto the table. This had seemed impossible before him and court looked like the only inevitable way to finish this. We felt more than confident putting our full trust in Rob and his team and it paid off. Rob not only was more than prepared for the face to face, he did not allow any of the shady tactics the other side attempted. It was a relief that Rob was our attorney and we weren't on the other side of the table from him. It is only because Rob is a very good attorney that we walked out of there with exactly what we had wanted from the start. My family and I will forever be grateful and indebted to Rob for standing with us through this entire process. You would be hard pressed to find an attorney more dedicated, more skillful or more of a client advocate than Robert Kelly.
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Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2014
Wonderful Attorney
Rob was so lovely during my entire divorce process. He opened my eyes to a few things that will help me work with my ex-husband better and to be a better parent. I appreciated his patient demeanor and kind heart and definitely above all else had my best interests at heart
Posted by David. | August 17, 2013
Outstanding Family Lawyer
I worked with Rob Kelly for 18 months during a traumatic child custody dispute where my ex-wife was trying to move our son away to a different school district and drastically reduce my custodial time. Rob Kelly came highly recommended by other Family Lawyers and from the moment I met with Rob, I knew he was not only an exceptional lawyer but a good man too. He was honest from the outset regarding my chances of prevailing (not good) and didn't pull any punches during our work together. He was knowledgeable, determined, patient, caring, sympathetic, charming, honest and ultimately very successful as we won every single installment of a protracted case that dragged on for months due to my ex-wife's selfish behaviour. Rob and his excellent Paralegals are a formidable team and I'm glad I hired them and had them on my side. Whilst Rob works to the highest ethical standards, he is also more than ready and capable to stand his ground and fight his clients' corner toe-to-toe when required and because he keeps this part of his arsenal in reserve, it can have a devastating effect on the opposing client and counsel. I'm delighted with the work that Rob and his team did for me, ecstatic at the results they got for me and I recommend Rob Kelly wholeheartedly and unreservedly. I'm a very good father. Rob Kelly is an exceptional lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Lost simple case, went way over budget.
Had extensive criminal, drug, and CPS reports on my ex and I am squeaky clean, "A slam dunk case" he called it. He said he wouldn't go over the retainer, then shook my hand and said he wouldn't go over the next bill, and then agin. He was not confident in the courtroom and when we lost the case he tells me I still won. My son 3 year old son was surrounded by meth alcohol and felons but we still won. few months later I hired peach and won in half the time and half the price. I could have done a better job in the Cort room, honestly.
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Response from Robert Kelly October 27, 2016
I want to offer my deepest condolences to whoever wrote this review; to the best of my knowledge, I have not represented anyone matching the circumstances of this matter. It is very unfortunate to see a review like this because anyone who has worked with me knows that I always strive to serve my clients with the utmost integrity. I am fully committed to my client’s needs from start to finish. If this comment is from an actual client, I encourage you to contact me directly to discuss your concerns. I am always open and willing to listen to feedback. I have a proven track record of success with my clients and look forward to serving for many more!
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Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney & Mediator
  • Robert A. Kelly, Attorney at Law P.S.
  • 2008 - Present
  • Mediator
  • Northwest Dispute Resolution Group
  • 2006 - Present
  • Mediator
  • Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
  • 1994 - Present
  • Associate Attorney and Mediator
  • Law Offices of Karlene K. Weiland
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Legal Intern and Mediator
  • Law Offices of Karlene K. Weiland
  • 2006 - 2007
  • Legal Intern
  • Northwest Dispute Resolution Group
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Adjunct Faculty
  • Western Washington University
  • 2001 - 2005
  • Partner
  • Resolution Services, LLC
  • 1996 - 2006
  • Mediation Coordinator/Program Developer
  • Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
  • 1994 - 1996
  • Owner
  • Rob Kelly & Associates, LLC
  • 1993 - 2008
View all work experience

Education

  • Seattle University School of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • Western Washington University
  • Master of Arts
  • 1995
  • Western Washington University
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1986

Associations

  • Whatcom County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - Present
  • Whatcom Collaborative Professionals
  • President
  • 2016 - 2016
  • Whatcom County Bar Association
  • Secretary
  • 2009 - 2009

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Year-End Achievement Scholarship
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • 2005
  • Year-End Achievement Scholarship
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • 2004
  • Year-End Achievement Scholarship
  • Seattle University School of Law
  • 2003

Speaking Engagements

  • Law Advocates Local Family Law Update CLE - Fall 2018
  • Family Law Mediation
  • 2018

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (4)
Endorse Robert
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I've had two collaborative cases with Rob and I've been impressed with him in both. He's an excellent communicator, organized, and he does a great job focusing on the big picture. Working with him has made me a better attorney. If you're looking for a collaborative divorce attorney you would do well to hire Rob."
Family Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Rob’s integrity and diligence bring honor to our profession. For many years, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting around the table with Rob on cases where he has been a mediator, a collaborative attorney and a litigator. Although he is one of the mostly highly regarded family law litigation attorneys in Whatcom County, Rob is a peacemaker to the core. Rob’s commitment to solving problems is strongly enhanced by his sincerity, compassion and experience. I’ve never known an attorney who cares more about helping his clients than Rob does. I highly recommend Rob for anyone who wants to resolve their legal problems with efficiency and effectiveness."
Family Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked closely with Robert on a number of cases. He is highly ethical and has a terrific work ethic. I appreciate the fact that he really cares about his clients and works very hard for their interests. I have referred clients to Robert. That is the highest form of reference you will ever receive from a fellow attorney."
Family Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Rob is one heck of a fine lawyer! He is highly professional in every way and extremely knowledgeable. I enjoy working with him whenever I can."

Avvo Contributions

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Bellingham Family Lawyer Robert A Kelly
Robert A Kelly
Family Attorney
Bellingham, WA
Licensed for 16 years