Patricia Jo Nelson

Patricia Jo Nelson

also known as Patty Nelson, Patty St. Clair

4.2
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 41 years

Family Lawyer at Marysville, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Child Support, Divorce & Separation ... +2 more

1612 4th St Ste 201, Marysville, WA

About Patricia

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Support 25%

42 years

25%
Family 25%

Since 2005, I have dedicated the practice to family law matters which include parentage, domestic partnerships, and marriage dissolution actions.

42 years

25%
Child Custody 20%

42 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 41 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1984

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Patricia Jo Nelson

1612 4th St Ste 201, Marysville, WA, 98270-5045

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Patricia Jo Nelson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (31) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Eric | May 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Bad Attorney, Not on your side!!

I hired her to represent me in my divorce while I was dealing with a work accident(brain injury). She told me people with brain injuries are "loopy". She took my money and then treated me as if I was the bad person in the whole process. In mediation she informed me "we" weren't taking prisoners, si...x hours later she hadn't done anything and told me if I didn't give in it would just cost me more money. NO FIGHT at all from her. When I told her in front of the mediator that she wasn't doing her job she informed me she would walk out and leave me alone to represent myself, again I'm brain injured hence the need for the attorney. I was forced to sign an agreement that was overwhelmingly one sided. When I realized the corner she had put me in I asked her to help renegotiate the cr agreement. She answered with a notice of withdrawal. I personally had the Washington State Bar get involved in the matter. But needless to say she's awful, spiteful towards men in my opinion. And even now years later I'm still dealing with the repercussions of her failure to properly represent me. Bad attorney. You would be better off hiring any other attorney the county!!!

Patricia Nelson

Replied last May 02, 2018

I have never made fun of any client with a disability, so I vehemently deny the allegations made by this individual. I have also never had a client sign any agreement if they were disabled or compromised in anyway, or if they felt forced to do so. A CR 2A mediated agreement was reached with full participation of Eric V. However, as in a lot of cases, the next day there was a change of mind on his part. I told him that to fight the other side enforcing the CR 2A agreement, that I would have to withdraw and if he wanted to attack the mediator and myself he was free to do so. That is what occurred. The Court enforced the agreement as they felt he was competent when he entered the agreement and found no wrongdoing on either the mediator or my part. The bar also agreed when this same individuaI went that route. This occurred over 4 years ago, in 2014.

Posted by Mary | March 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Warning scandalous money hungry and lies to her clients

This attorney led me on in a child custody and divorce case for a year. I was suspicious all allong of her rudeness. In the end dropped my case before finishing then lied about it to the courts. She will gladly take money from you and then not follow thru. Very disappointed. Think twice before h...iring this money hungry woman. She doesnt give a crap about children or families.

Patricia Nelson

Replied last March 29, 2018

I never represented Mary, but rather her ex-husband. I got him primary placement of his daughter through several court hearings before he began "negotiating" with the mother of his child which was not in the child's best interest. I cannot be responsible for the ultimate decisions client's make when faced with options. I wish him luck.

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Knowledgable

Patricia explained everything in detail in terms I could relate. She offered excellent advise and guided me through the process making my experience as smooth of a transition as possible. Explained me to what my rights are and was always concerned I was being treated fairly. Her response from her... office was always handled in a quick manner anytime I had a question. She was a perfect match and I am very happy I chose her to help me through the legal process of a divorce.

Posted by Angela | August 21, 2014 | Child Custody

Great Attorney

Have had SEVERAL issues with my sons father for 5 years. Been through a few different lawyers. Patricia is the FIRST lawyer to actually listen to me and and my concerns and help me through the whole process. I felt calm and like everything was explained to me so that I wouldn't have to worry about an...ything. I will be using her again, definitely!

Posted by Linda | February 15, 2014 | Child Custody

Third Party Custody for Grandparents

Thank goodness we found Patti when we did! Our young grandaughter had been living with us for over a year. Her mother was homeless with many issues. When we caught her stealing from us again, we had the mother arrested. When she was bailed out by her friends, her first stop was to come by and tell ...our grandaughter she was coming back to take her out of state. The tug of war using our granddaughter to control us was over! Thankfully a trusted and respected colleague recomended Patti. We called on Friday, had an appontment the next Monday. After explaining the situation, we had a restraining order that same day! Patti lead us through the third party custody process, keeping us informed every step of the way. Her compassion, experience, and professionalism made a very difficult process attainable. I will certainly recommend her to anyone seeking legal assistance!

See All Client Reviews

Patricia Jo Nelson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Patricia
Lara Margaret Dethlefs headshot
Lara Dethlefs

Family lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Nelson is bright, efficient, and no-nonsense. She is a tough advocate for her clients and she has earned the respect she garners from the bench."

Roberta Lynn Madow headshot
Roberta Madow

Family lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Patty is a no nonsense and practical attorney. She knows when to advocate for her client and when to make a reasonable deal to settle the case. That is a priceless skill set."

Robert Norwood Getz headshot
Robert Getz

Family lawyer | Oct 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. we have had several cases over the years and Patricia always prepares and advocates. Her practical experience with litigation is coupled with a thorough understanding of how to sort out issues and resolve disputes. While a zealous advocate, she is always pleasant to work with."

Cynthia Lee Bailey headshot
Cynthia Bailey

Family lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Patricia. I've worked with her as opposing counsel and found her to be professional and reasonable. She served as mediator in a complex case and was patient and practical in her approach. She is well thought of in the legal community."

Diane Mary Stanton headshot
Diane Stanton

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have dealt with her both as opposing counsel and as a mediator and have always found her to be very professional."

Cynthia Renz First headshot
Cynthia First

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is professional and assertive without being unreasonable. I have worked with her for over 10 years."

Tristen U. Key headshot
Tristen Key

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have been on opposing sides with Patricia on numerous cases and each time she has practiced with integrity and vigorously advocates for her client. Patricia is very knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of family law. She is well respected by her colleagues and the bench."

Mark Theodore Patterson II headshot
Mark Patterson

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Patty has considerable experience and competence in this field. She has served our community well as a pro tem court commissioner and I have found her decisions well reasoned and generally with a good result in the field of family law. I regularly employ her as a mediator for my family law cases. She has a good sense of how things are in the law and with families, and her fees are generally reasonable."

Karen Christina Skantze headshot
Karen Skantze

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Nelson is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled attorney. She is practical and to the point, and advocates for her clients. As a colleague, I have always found her to be approachable, to be committed to this profession, and to have high ethical standards with a willingness to see the big picture. As a mediator, her knowledge of the court system, emerging issues, and the law is extremely valuable to the parties. She approaches her mediation work with a sense of balance and fairness that is exemplary."

G. Geoffrey Gibbs headshot
G. Gibbs

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been actively practicing in family law in NW Washington for over 20 years and have had Patricia as opposing counsel on many cases. It is clear that she provides her clients with professional and realistic advice which often results in reducing the stress of this difficult cases and often leads to early settlement. She has also appeared before me many times when I sit as a Commissioner or Judge Pro Tem in Snohomish County and she is respected by the bench as well as her professional colleagues."

James Davis Shipman headshot
James Shipman

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Patricia as opposing counsel, and with her mediating or me mediating cases. Patricia is an outstanding attorney and also reasonable to work with. I definitely endorse her work."

Tresa Ann Bennallack Sadler headshot
Tresa Sadler

Family lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Roberta Lynn Madow headshot
Roberta Madow

Family lawyer

Karen Christina Skantze headshot
Karen Skantze

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Clerk's Award for Pro Tem Jurist, Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's Office

2011

Clerk's Award for Pro Tem Jurist, Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's Office

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Mediator, St. Clair Law Office

2014 - Present

Abitrator, Snohomish County Arbitration Dept

2008 - Present

Pro Tem Court Commissioner, Snohomish County Superior Court

1995 - Present

President, St. Clair Law Office, P.S.

1999 - 2005

City Attorney, City of Colville

1989 - 1994

Partner, Braff & St. Clair

1987 - 1989

Partner, Case & Jackson

1984 - 1985

Associate, Ronald Ness & Associates

Associations

2011 - Present

Marsyville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce

Member

2008 - Present

Snohomish County Superior Court

Pro Tem Court Commissioner

2005 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

1984 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

Stevens County Bar Association

Past President

1983 - 1984

Kitsap County Women's Bar Association

President

Education

1983

University of Puget Sound School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

Gonzaga University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

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