Janice K. Langbehn

Janice K. Langbehn

4.8
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 7 years

Family Lawyer at Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Adoption, Divorce & Separation

1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1503, Tacoma, WA

About Janice

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Family 34%

Including LGBT Family law

34%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 7 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2018

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Envision Family Law

1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 1503, Tacoma, WA, 98402

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Janice K. Langbehn's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Went in with high hopes only to be drastically let down

I had really high hopes when I retained Janice for a parenting plan modification. She had fantastic reviews, her background seemed really well suited for my case as it had been high conflict from the onset. The first 4months or so were ok, things went relatively smooth, but that may have just been be...cause not much happened. After mediation failed, we prepped a motion for modification and it was down hill from there. I am not certain if she felt over confident in her abilities, didn’t want to tell me something she felt I didn’t want to hear, or was just in over her head but it all went so much worst than I could have ever anticipated. First, the initial filing was either wrong or there was a miscommunication, but two different motions were in and the court was confused. I asked about if we could change different sections of the plan or if we needed to stick to just the section in question. I was advised “we can ask for whatever we want, the court will decide”, however the court felt otherwise and was pretty unhappy about some of it. Less than 24 hours before the first major hearing, Janice notified me that she couldn’t attend and some other attorney would be covering. So after months of prepping, some attorney that maybe spend an hour reviewing my file attended my hearing and it was bad. He didn’t know enough about the case to adequately counter the other parties arguments. That was one awful hearing down. Then unfortunately Janice had a medical emergency and was out of commission for a month or two. I had a mediation during that time and was going to have to have yet another attorney cover which, initially, I was very hesitant about. I also had a hearing less than a week after mediation and did not want to have another unfamiliar attorney cover it- this was probably my biggest error. Meredith from her firm cover my mediation and was great. She was knowledgeable and prepared. I should have let her cover the next hearing as well, but I had retained Janice and wanted the attorney I had spent so much time prepping with and, at the time, had great confidence in covering it. Janice did show up for this hearing however she was not the same, she was still on very limited hours and seemed like she was still very much in recovery. The hearing didn’t go any better than the 1st. Then there was a review hearing that went, I wouldn’t say well but at least got a ruling that the previously ruled final plan, wasn’t actually final so that was a plus. Then the next hearing, again less than 24 prior, Janice said she wouldn’t be able to attend and a 3rd different attorney was going to have to fill in. Another crappy hearing. This 3rd attorney was definitely an improvement over the 1st one that covered, but still didn’t have the in-depth knowledge of the case. He tried hard but by this time, I feel we had just pissed off the commissioner. So 10months and $25k later- I’m in the worst position possible because of what I feel was just piss poor representation. From not showing up for multiple hearings, either lacking sufficient knowledge or being unwilling to provide honest useful guidance- it was bad. I Now I’m 3 months from trial and because I already spent $25k getting here, I’m not in a position to even be able to hire another attorney. Janice is a great person. Maybe she is a great attorney as well, but that wasn’t my experiences. It feels like I got the really short end of the stick with her- if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t retain her. Outside Meredith Gerhart, I’d probably steer clear of Envision Family Law in general.

Posted by Fartun | January 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Thankful

Janice Langbehn is an exemplary attorney. As a new mother, I encountered a formidable challenge when my ex-partner assumed an absent role, promoting a false narrative while seeking legal rights to our son. From the outset, Janice demonstrated an exceptional level of expertise, professionalism, and un...wavering dedication to my case. Both Janice and Michelle exhibited promptness in returning my calls and emails, ensuring that I remained well-informed of any developments or changes throughout the process. I never felt left in the dark, a testament to their transparent and communicative approach that I deeply appreciated. Janice adeptly presented a compelling argument, ultimately securing all that I had hoped for in the resolution of my case. Her legal prowess and commitment to her clients are truly commendable.

Posted by David | September 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Effective, Efficient, and Compassionate

My wife and I first started looking for a family law lawyer in 2020. We needed a lawyer so that we could get full custody of our son, as well as a step parent adoption after we got full custody. When we came across Janice her credentials spoke volumes. So we set up a consultation and away we went. J...anice was up front and honest about the entire process, with honest time frames and potential problems and solutions along the way. I dont typically write reviews but I thought this was a nessecity, for all those parents who need a solid and honest attorney. Janice will go the extra mile for you. She will keep the gloves on for as long as you need her to play nice but when times get rough she is the one attorney I'll have in my corner. My wife and I recieved full custody of our son, as well as the step parent adoption in July and we owe it to her. It was definitely a long journey but well worth it. Thanks for all the Support Janice. We know you'll be able to help all those parents in need of your knowledge, skill set, and integrity.

Posted by anonymous | December 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

She is the attorney you need!

I paid for 6 different consultations and spoke to over 10 attorneys all through the PNW. This does not include the endless amounts of reviews and research I did on attorneys in which I chose to not call. Even some of the most high rated attorneys lacked the knowledge, skills and confidence that ...we needed for our family court hearing. I came across Janice on AVVO and started doing my research. I seen that she is an advocate, a blogger and had a strong legal background. It was very important that we found an attorney that could articulate their words on paper and in court. Knowing that she was a fierce advocate for her own beliefs gave us confidence that she was a fighter. All of these things prompted us to call her. During our consultation I explained our situation. There was a lot of previous litigation and we’re at risk of losing custody based on lies. We are the primary custodial parents. I asked Janice what she had to offer us. Her answers were straight forward and honest. She didn’t try and glorify or give us false hope… but she did promise she would fight hard. We knew she was the right attorney for us. I was so impressed through the entire process. We did extensive pro se work in the past, so we knew all the court rules. Janice was on point every step of the way. She went through all of our declarations and collateral material with a fine tooth comb. During the court hearing she was strategic and confident. She knew her case law, court rules and had no fear. She was up against a well known attorneys office. She quickly and respectfully objected to the information being provided by the other attorney. She stated precise case law and defeated their claims. She won our hearing. It was obvious that even the judge was impressed with her professionalism and skills. I wanted to post a review for Janice because I know how hard it is to find an attorney that is truth worthy and a fighter. Reviews are important when making a big decision. I called so many attorneys before we finally met Janice. She is worth every penny!

Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney

So very grateful!!!

Jancie was wonderful! This was a long process and alot of information that was confusing at times and Jancie was so good at explaining how the process works and was available anytime I had concerns or questions. Jancie and Tonya was very prompt at returning phone calls and emails. I am very grateful ...I had the opportunity to have these ladies work with me.

See All Client Reviews

Janice K. Langbehn's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Janice
Riley Nicole Norris Moos headshot
Riley Moos

Unknown lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Heather Colleen Ramirez headshot
Heather Ramirez

Family lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"Janice Langbehn is a fierce advocate for the rights and interests of her clients. She approaches each family law case with a high degree of diligence, strength, and vigor. I fully endorse this attorney."

Jason P Benjamin headshot
Jason Benjamin

Family lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"Janice is an amazing person and outstanding lawyer! Her client satisfaction ratings are off the chart compared to most family law attorney. Janice is beloved by her clients for her insight and empathy which translate to the Court causing outstanding results. I highly and enthusiastically endorse Janice."

Kelsey Dyann Morfitt headshot
Kelsey Morfitt

Adoption lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I enjoy working with Janice Langbehn and she is a dedicated attorney who will fight to the end for you. She has adopted four children and is very familiar with the foster care system and wants to help better the lives of children and parents. I highly recommend Janice for family law, and especially for adoption matters."

David Lutz headshot
David Lutz

Family lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Roger Colin Schweinler headshot
Roger Schweinler

Family lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
David Lutz headshot
David Lutz

Child custody lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2024

Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers

2024

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2024

Top 10 Attorneys - Family Law, Attorney & Practice Magazine

2023

Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2011

Presidential Citizens Medal, President Barack Obama

2011

National Liberty Award, Lambda Legal Defense Fund

2010

National Equality Award, Human Rights Campaign

Work Experience

2021 - Present

Attorney, Envision Family Law

2019 - 2021

Attorney, Lutz & Associates P.S.

2018 - 2019

Staff Attorney, King County Department of Public Defense

2016 - 2016

Judicial Extern to Justice Mary I. Yu, Washington State Supreme Court

2013 - 2019

Guardian ad Litem, Thurston County Superior Court (Family & Juvenile Court)

1994 - 1997

Child Protective Services Social Worker, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration

Associations

2022 - Present

City of Tacoma Human Rights Commission

Member

2019 - Present

National LGBT Bar Association

Member

2019 - Present

Thurston County Bar Association

Member

2018 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2018 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

Member

Education

2018

Seattle University

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of Washington

Masters of Social Work

1995

Evergreen State College

MA - Masters

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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