Heather Z Bliss

Heather Z Bliss

4.4
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 25 years

Family Lawyer at Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Child Custody

2112 N 30th St, Ste A, Tacoma, WA

About Heather

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 25 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Heather Z Bliss

2112 N 30th St, Ste A, Tacoma, WA, 98403

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Heather Z Bliss's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.4 /5.0

25 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (25) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Awesome lawyer

I hired Heather after I had the same lawyer for 3 plus years. I had been through a very nasty divorce, a revised parenting plan right after my divorce and battles over child support. I was trying to obtain passports for my children which my ex husband was not wanting to cooperate with. So that's when... I hired Heather. I met with her one morning and right away I knew she was a good fit for me. She was not going to back down from my ex and was not afraid to rock the boat a little. She told me my case needed a change in tone and that's exactly what she did. She changed the tone of my case. In court she was very assertive and not going to take anyone's crap. The look on my ex husbands face was priceless. I think his eyeballs almost popped out of his head when she spoke. My other lawyer was very soft spoken and not very assertive, so he was used to pushing her around, but not Heather. She was not going to let that happen. She fought for me in court and it paid off. I ended up getting everything I wanted that day. I was amazed at her professionalism. I would totally recommend her, especially if you are in a really nasty divorce or custody battle. She and her staff guided me the entire way. Through countless emails and phone calls they were able to help me respond to my ex husbands emails in a way that would be positive for me in court. I think that is a huge factor when hiring a lawyer. You need their guidance that's why you hired them. At times I have felt very hopeless in my situation with my ex husband, but now I have more hope that the future will be better because of Heather's help.

Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The lawyer you want on your side!

The law office of Heather Bliss came into my life un-expectantly and it turned out to be a true blessing in disguise. I was facing a serious challenge. I was being falsely accused of some serious allegations by my ex-husband who is a police officer and in turn was facing an uphill battle. I was re...presented by a different attorney for years because my divorce was very contentious but I always felt underrepresented and felt bullied by my ex’s legal counsel. The moment I called Heather Bliss’s office, I knew I made a good decision. Her legal assistant, Jessica, was very professional and understanding of my situation and relayed the urgency of my case to Heather who then saw me the same day for a consultation which is unheard of. When I arrived to her office, Heather was pro-active and had already looked up information about my case. Her level of preparation and thoroughness was impressive. It was at the consultation that Heather immediately noticed that my ex had filed documentation with the court to fight for full custody with his false accusations. This of course sent me into a whirlwind of panic but Heather took charge immediately. I explained my situation to her and she listened with empathy, was very understanding and made me feel like I was not just another case. She made me feel like my difficult situation was just as important to her as it was to me. Heather succinctly and thoroughly advised me on the pros and cons of each course of action and broke down each step with concrete instructions. Throughout the process, Heather and her legal team were quick to respond to any questions that I may have and kept me informed every step of the way. Heather is very knowledgeable about the law, detail-oriented and aggressive when she needs to be to fight for what is right. Heather’s professionalism, thorough preparation with her cases and attention to legal details are exemplified in the court room where her effective communication skills, assertiveness and confidence show through. I have no doubt that Heather’s expertise and passion for fighting for her clients allowed me to win my case, regain control of my life and put my mind at ease during a very stressful and challenging time. If I could do it all over again, I would have retained Heather from the beginning to avoid all the problems that surfaced because I was not represented properly from the get go. Nevertheless, I am happy and relieved to have finally found an attorney that is invested in her clients, personable and knowledgeable of legal details. Rest assured that you will be in very good hands if you have the law office of Heather Bliss on your side.

Posted by Robert | September 21, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Incredibly Competent, Interested and Engaged

I had the pleasure to work with Heather and her team for over a year as we slogged through the myriad details of my 24 year marriage, separation and ultimate divorce. First and foremost Heather is a listener. She pays thoughtful attention to what you have to say. By that I mean, should you begin... to digress or stray from the subject at hand, she has the ability to tactfully bring you back on point so as not to waste your investment in her time. More importantly, after you have provided her with, what you may feel are, salient and pertinent points, she intuitively asks questions that strike through the emotion and get directly to the heart of the case. Again, this saves you on your investment, in both your and her time. Throughout each of your conferences, Heather continually inquires as to whether she has a correct understanding of what you are saying and if you are comfortable with the progression and direction that she and the case are taking. Heather takes a team approach when she takes you on as a client. She sets extremely high expectations for herself, her paralegal and legal assistant in their handling of your case. From my standpoint, when her client is an involved participant with her team, efficiency improves, which in turn, increases the possibilities of a successful outcome. This means, again from my point of view, that when you approach Heather for representation, “have your ducks in a row.” Meaning, that if you want to keep costs to a minimum and have the greatest possibility for a positive outcome in your case, be proactive. When you show up for your initial consultation, first, and foremost, try to have your emotions in check. This will not only save time but in turn allow for insightful discussion of the facts. Next, have with you, your estimate of assets and liabilities along with a basic idea of the outcome you wish to see in your case. Finally, Heather will explain in depth and in understandable language, the facts of your case, possible strategies and anticipated outcome. She will take whatever time it takes to make sure you understand the ramifications, both legal and personal, of any decision you may make. Even if she does not fully agree with your decision after you have been explained the pros and cons, she will, relentlessly fight to get the best outcome possible for you in light of the informed decision you have made. This attorney will never contact you unless she truly has something to communicate. Again, keeping costs down. Of course, should you require a more hands on approach, Heather and her team are definitely capable of accommodating your needs. Her years of experience are showcased in her insightful and direct communications both with her client, staff and opposing counsel. A divorcing of two people who, at one time, truly loved one another is never an emotionless or easy process. With her many years of experience in this field of law, Heather’s skillset helps to keep things in perspective and she delivers information, whether good or bad, in a factual non-emotional manner that allows her client to make an informed and intelligent decision. I hope that this review of Heather Z. Bliss will help you in your decision to retain her for your legal needs. You will not be disappointed by Heather and her team. Sincerely, Client of a successful outcome

Posted by TJ | December 05, 2011 | Child Custody

Honest and informed

Heather Bliss is upfront and honest. She does not waste your money chasing things that are not important or things that are not realistic. I appreciate her honesty and attention to detail and it is clear she is highly respected by her peers in the courtroom. She truly cares about what is best for ...your child and leaves nothing unattended to. I refer her any chance I get as I know they will be in good hands. She is a person will realistic expectations, integrity and is very sharp. Highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2008 | Child Custody

Custody Case/Contempt

Heather handled my custody case in 2004. She was amazing to work with. She's well respected and easy to talk to. I felt like I was in good hands with Heather. Her assistant Kim was always avaliable for questions. My ex's attorney was an awful, sneaky, slime bag and Heather was organised and to t...he point. The judge seem to hold her in high regard. She also covered me with a lot of provisions that I wouldn't have thought about. Considering that our case was drug out by my ex and his attorney her fees were completely reasonable! In 2006 my ex took me to court for contempt. It was a stupid charge and Heather got it dismissed and he was charged with my attorney fees for waisting court time. It was nice to have an attorney that knows the law and wins her cases. I also called in the last month to check on another issue. She's always helpful! I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Heather Z Bliss's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Heather
Riley Nicole Norris Moos headshot
Riley Moos

Unknown lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ecleynne Mercy headshot
Ecleynne Mercy

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Bliss has an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She pursues information and brilliant ways to help her client’s vision become a reality. She loves what she does. Every single one of her clients are being taken care of with the utmost care. Her staff is an assembly of dedicated professionals armed with the desire to provide only the best in customer service and customer satisfaction. When you hire Attorney Bliss you, your family and your affairs are in the best hands. My name is Ecleynne Mercy and I approve this message."

Anthony J. Zorich JR headshot
Anthony Zorich

Family lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"Heather's reputation as one of the best attorneys in the area is well-deserved. She has worked hard to cultivate a practice built on impeccable service, trustworthiness, and dignity. I strongly endorse her."

Dennis Edward Schroader JR headshot
Dennis Schroader

Family lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is one of the finest attorneys practicing in Pierce County! Most of my experience with her has been going to her for advice (which she has generously given many times), but we have also wound up as opposing counsel on a couple matters. She is responsive, professional, and an extremely effective advocate. I highly recommend her to anyone."

Matthew Neill Davis headshot
Matthew Davis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In family law a critical aptitude for a lawyer is to understand the grief that their clients are experiencing. From that vantage the attorney can help them make sound decisions while also being empathetic to the personal trauma. Heather has an acutely high emotional intelligence that ensures her clients get this. Couple that with her devotion to her clients and passion for her work and you have one of the best family law lawyers anywhere."

Lindsay Diane Camandona headshot
Lindsay Camandona

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is an excellent attorney. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and highly respected in the legal community."

Jennifer Gore headshot
Jennifer Gore

Family lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have come to know and have observed Heather as a fellow law firm owner. She is dedicated to helping her clients by providing excellent legal services. I am happy to endorse her."

Silky Sahnan headshot
Silky Sahnan

Unknown lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Heather is a compassionate, hard working, and effective attorney. I endorse Heather."

Chelsea E Miller headshot
Chelsea Miller

Family lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Heather and I worked through a complicated mediation for 6 hours without a break and ended up with a great outcome for everyone involved. She was focused, prepared, and professional. I would be thankful to see her name as opposing counsel on any case. I endorse this lawyer."

Scott T Ashby headshot
Scott Ashby

Family lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather is a great attorney who genuinely cares about her clients."

Katherine Eisold Miller headshot
Katherine Miller

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Heather to be a passionate and dedicated advocate for her clients."

Gina Marie Auter headshot
Gina Auter

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Heather is an outstanding member of our local bar and an exceptional advocate for her clients. She is an attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and that shows in the way she handles her cases. She is hardworking, trustworthy, honest, and without a doubt, a woman of her word. Heather's clients are lucky to have her."

Sharon M. Ramage headshot
Sharon Ramage

Family lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather has a heart for families and truly believes in helping her clients come though a difficult time with the best outlook for the future. She is what every family lawyer should strive to be -- a compassionate, knowledgeable and zealous advocate."

Sandra Renata Calderaro headshot
Sandra Calderaro

Family lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Heather truly cares about her clients and takes pride in the work she does for them."

Sarah Jane Hink headshot
Sarah Hink

Unknown lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kelly Elizabeth Thompson headshot
Kelly Thompson

Family lawyer | Dec 15

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sophia May Palmer headshot
Sophia Palmer

Family lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Heather without reservation. She is a worthy adversary and zealously represents her clients. She is also very reasonable and willing to try to settle her cases, when appropriate. She is compassionate and represents her clients well."

Charles Daniel Jamieson headshot
Charles Jamieson

Unknown lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Intelligent, knowledgeable about the law, and always prepared, Attorney Bliss is an excellent attorney. She and her staff care about their clients and their cases. She is a staunch advocate for her clients, whether it is in the courtroom or at the negotiation table. She deserves the high reputation that she has obtained within the legal community."

Thomas Alan Baldwin Jr headshot
Thomas Baldwin

Family lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Dennis Edward Schroader JR headshot
Dennis Schroader

Unknown lawyer

Matthew Neill Davis headshot
Matthew Davis

Business lawyer

Lindsay Diane Camandona headshot
Lindsay Camandona

Unknown lawyer

Desiree S Hosannah headshot
Desiree Hosannah

Family lawyer

Allison C. Williams headshot
Allison Williams

Unknown lawyer

Ryan W Cummings headshot
Ryan Cummings

Unknown lawyer

Katherine Eisold Miller headshot
Katherine Miller

Unknown lawyer

Kenneth J. Levey headshot
Kenneth Levey

Unknown lawyer

Scott T Ashby headshot
Scott Ashby

Unknown lawyer

Mary Jean Gurganus headshot
Mary Gurganus

Unknown lawyer

Silky Sahnan headshot
Silky Sahnan

Unknown lawyer

Sara Gharib Khaki headshot
Sara Khaki

Unknown lawyer

Heather Brooke Quick headshot
Heather Quick

Unknown lawyer

Laura Marie Groves headshot
Laura Groves

Unknown lawyer

Gina Marie Auter headshot
Gina Auter

Unknown lawyer

Peggy Fraychineaud Gross headshot
Peggy Gross

Unknown lawyer

Michael Austin Stewart headshot
Michael Stewart

Unknown lawyer

Heather M Young headshot
Heather Young

Family lawyer

Jason P Benjamin headshot
Jason Benjamin

Family lawyer

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Best Lawyers in America, BestLawyers.com

2024

Best Lawyers in America, BestLawyers.com

2024

Washington Best Places to Work, Puget Sound Business Journal

2024

Best of Pierce County, Tacoma News Tribune

2022

2022 Fastest Growing Law Firms in the US, Law Firm 500

2022

Best Divorce Lawyers in Tacoma, expertise.com

2021

2021 Fastest Growing Law Firms in the US, Law Firm 500

2021

Best Divorce Lawyers in Tacoma, expertise.com

2020

2020 Fastest Growing Law Firms In the US, Law Firm 500

2019

2019 Fastest Growing Law Firms In the US, Law Firm 500

2018

2018 Fastest Growing Law Firms In the US, Law Firm 500

2017

2017 Fastest Growing Law Firms in The US, Law Firm 500

2010

Best Lawyer, South Sound Magazine

2009

Best Lawyer, South Sound Magazine

Work Experience

2001 - Present

CEO & Founding Attorney, Law Office of Heather Z. Bliss, Inc., P.S.

1999 - 1999

Law Clerk, Washington State Attorney General's Office

Associations

2016 - Present

Collaborative Law Professionals - Pierce County Chapter

Member

2016 - Present

Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Member

Washington Women Lawyers (Pierce County chapter)

Board Member

Education

2000

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1997

University of Puget Sound

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Young Lawyers Mentor

Office Management for Solo or Small Office

2013

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Panel on Professionalism

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Panel on Professionalism

2011

Young Lawyers Mentor

Love Stinks

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution