Larry Couture - Lawyer in Tacoma, WA

Larry Jerome Couture

Family Attorney at Tacoma, WA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Good Lawyer

Censured in 92? Tisk tisk

About Larry

Learn Larry’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Family

86%

50 years, 400 cases
General practice

6%

50 years, 150 cases
Business

5%

50 years, 75 cases
Criminal defense

3%

51 years, 500 cases

I try to be an active member of my community and my profession. Over the years I have participated in many volunteer positions and on many boards. I act as a mentor to other lawyers and have done so for over 35 years. I have helped create many panels and other bar committees that did not exist before my participation. As a young deputy prosecutor, along with my boss, I met with various legislators and proposed law changes that were actually adopted and are now part of the laws of Washington.

I am happily married to Stepanie Hart and together we have three children, eight grandchildren and one great-greatchild. We love to travel both in the United States and abroad having been to more than 50 foreign countries.

Photos and videos

State WA

Status Honorary

Acquired 1971

Updated 11/25/2022

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1992. See details

Contact Larry

L.J. Couture P.S.

3645 No. Pearl St

Tacoma, WA, 98407

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Reviews

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3.8 / 5.0

34 customer reviews

2 Star

Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2021

Good Lawyer

He answered my query without any expectation out of his busy schedule, he must be a very good human being !!!

Posted by John | May 28, 2020

Censured in 92? Tisk tisk

Hired Larry in 96 to handle my divorce. He handled that and my attitude all at once. He told me many things I did not want to hear but definitely needed to hear and take to heart. We share a similar sense of humor so office visits were productive and entertaining. He definitely made me a better person. Thank you Senór!

Posted by andrea | March 23, 2020

Larry is amazing

has gave great advice & is very professional, isn’t rude or anything but he’s a great lawyer , very recommended! he also helped me a lot when I mean a lot just buy a simple talk I understood better & now know how to handle my situation better

Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2019

Great Job

he was great! he answered all my questions and was a lot of help. he was very prompt with the answers i was looking for

Posted by Margaret | April 8, 2019

Larry is Great!

He defended me brilliantly against a restraining order from my ex husband 4+ years ago. His lightening fast responses and brilliant defense convinced the Judge to dismissed the case and the charges. Larry made my ex husband and the opposing council look ridiculous. It all happened so quickly the opposition did not know what hit them. For me Larry is a Hero!

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Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2019

Very professional and excellent knowledge for my situation

His responses were very quick and he got straight to the point and was very helpful. I would recommend him to anybody that needs help.

Posted by Shalisa | August 6, 2018

Knowledgeable and caring

Larry is kind, its clear to me that he truly cares about the oeople he represents and takes his duty seriously. He has helped point me in thr right direction, kniwing i may not be able to afford his services. That alone is huge! I am going to try everything possible in order to work with Larry Couture. Thank you !

Posted by Cheri | May 24, 2018

Highly recommended

I had a consultation regarding an extradition law question and this attorney was extremely helpful in answering all my questions and took the time to explain the legal statutes on extradition laws to help me and my family with our case. If I were ever in need of hiring an attorney for any legal issues now or in the future I would hire this attorney and recommend anyone who is looking for an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to contact Larry Couture. I am truly grateful I made the choice to call him this morning.

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Posted by Robert | May 12, 2018

Great advice.

He was the only attorney who responded to my question I thank you for this sir. Great advice.

Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2018

star only review

Larry explained some legally terminology clearly and if I was in need of a lawyer, I would definitely consider Larry!

Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2018

Divorce

He was very responsive and straight to the point and his advises were logical effective

Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2017

Great Person

It's awesome to find a lawyer who take the time to be honest with information as if he know me personally, I felt like I was talking to a family member or someone who cared about my situation. This is a great site now I wish he would take action for ma as well but I know that comes with a fee. Great person

Posted by Carol | December 14, 2017

Quick peace of mind response

Mr. Couture is responding in a timely manner. He gave me peace of mind advice. His answer was direct and to the point. Moreover, I think his personal opinion was hilarious.

Posted by Annette Laughter | October 22, 2017

I would recommend

He gave me peace of mind with the great advice he gave me, very helpful and knows his stuff!

Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2017

Consulted and retained for representation

Very pleased with Mr. Couture after my initial consultation. He is extremely versed in Pierce County family law matters and I would fully trust him managing my case. I have retained Mr. Couture for representation and have no concerns or doubts in his ability to help me achieve what best for my family and I. He's honest about potential outcomes and will not offer any promises which is very much appreciated. AF

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Posted by Dorothea A. Dillman | May 24, 2017

I got a direct answer.

I am very pleased and grateful. Not only did I get a direct answer specific to my question, I also received a little advice. Thank you Mr. Couture!

Posted by Dorothea A. Dillman | May 23, 2017

Direct answer to my question.

I got an answer and some advice. I'm very grateful. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2017

good

he gave me a place to start from.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2016

consult and Hired .

Mr L. Couture is professional, kind, understanding to unique situations that arise with law .. he is fast at meeting your needs in the most ethical and professional mater concerning your legal needs. he works with military family's who need legal issues taken care of in a fast and professional process ... I had a unique situation and Mr L Couture was able to take care of my family's legal needs while I was out of state and in need of legal help. I am grateful We still have honest caring lawyers around .

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Posted by Pat | February 27, 2012

Trustworthy and Knowledgeable

Mr. Couture was very helpful in a difficult divorce. He helped me to make good and fair decisions for myself, my children, and my former spouse, which was no mean feat. It has been quite a few rears, but, retrospectively, his guidance proved and advice proved to be spot on.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1992.

Censure issued in WA, 1992
updated on 03/03/2011

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Work Experience

President
L. J. Couture P.S.
2012 - Present

Volunteer Mediator
Superior Court-Pierce County
2010 - Present

Owner
LJ Couture PS
2010 - Present

Advisor
US Military-Operation Stand-by
2004 - Present

Pro Tem Judge and Commissioner
Tacoma Municipal Court
1995 - Present

Pro Tem Judge and Commissioner
Pierce County district Court
1978 - Present

Pro Tem Judge
Pierce County Superior Court
2014 - 2014

Pro Tem Judge
Fife Municipal court
2013 - 2014

Of Counsel
Tuell-Young PS
2009 - 2012

Pro Tem Commissioner
Pierce County Superior Court
2003 - 2019

Shareholder
Tuell, Couture, Tuell & Young PS
1992 - 2009

Sharehold
Tuell & Couture PS
1992 - 2009

Associate
Dolack-Hansler
1989 - 1992

Partner
Gelman Couture & Pate
1984 - 1989

Owner
Larry J. Couture Inc PS
1980 - 2000

Partner
Gelman & Couture
1972 - 1980

County Attorney
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
1971 - 1972

Enlisted Member
United States Army
1962 - 1965

View all work experience

Education

University of Oregon School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1971

University of Washington -Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1968

Legal Cases

In re the Marriage of Perkins
Reversed and remanded

State v Bell
Dismissed by State

Associations

DRAW (Dometic Relations Attorneys of Washington)
Trustee
2019 - Present

YMCA Mock Trial
Attorney Rater or Judge
2009 - Present

Washington State Bar Assoc. Mediation Panel
Mediator
2008 - Present

Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Member
2005 - Present

ABA Operation Stand-by
Legal Advisor for Military Members
2004 - Present

Puyallup Tribal Court
Member
2001 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section
President 1995
1994 - Present

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Speaker Bureau Member
1990 - Present

Washington State Bar Fee Arbitration Panel
Arbitrator
1981 - Present

Washington Bar Assoc. Family Law Section
Member
1980 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Attorney
1972 - Present

Washington State Bar Association
Member
1971 - Present

Univ. of Washington Law School
Honor Bd Judge of Mock Law Off Competiton
2015 - 2015

Family Law Executive Committee (FLEC)
Trustee
2011 - 2017

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
Trustee
1996 - 1997

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts
Trustee (President 2004-05) 1995-2007
1995 - 2007

First Place for Children
Trustee
1994 - 1997

Tacoma Sunrise Rotary
Member and President 1997-1998
1992 - 2007

Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Neighborhood Law Clinic Volunteer
Member
1990 - 1999

Tacoma Estate Planning Council
Member
1981 - 1985

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Lawyer Referral Committee
Member
1980 - 2007

Trustee
Family Counseling Service
1979 - 1982

Puget Sound Legal Assistence Foundation
Trustee
1976 - 1979

American Bar Association
Member
1972 - 2008

Custer Elementary PTA
President 1972-1973
1971 - 1975

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Languages Spoken

English

Awards

Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
1985

Speaking Engagements

Family Law Mid-Year 2016
Interstate Jurisidiction for Children
2016

Family Law Mentor Program
Getting Paid as a Lawyer
2016

Call to Duty
Child Support for Military Families in Washington
2016

"Love Stinks 9"
Initial Consultation with new Client
2016

WSBA Call to Duty: Days of Service
Parenting Plans & Residential Schedules
2014

Family Law Section Skills Training
Initial Case Preparation in Dissolution Matters
2014

Family Law Mid-Year Seminar
Parenting Plan Modifications-Do's & Don'ts
2013

Family Law Section Mid-Year Conference
Conventional Representation or Collabrative
2012

Tacoma Newcomers Club Meeting
Humor in the Courtroom
2011

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Ethics and Getting Paid
2010

Evergreen College Education Seminar
Landlord-Tenant Rights
2010

TPC Bar Assoc-Family Law Section
Getting Paid
2007

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Assocaiation Convention
Fee Agreements
2003

Tacoma CLE
Function of a GAL in Custody Dispute
1976

Univ of Puget Sound
Child Abuse
1974

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (25)

Given (23)

Steven Perrigo

Family Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse and recommend this lawyer."

David Pittman

Unknown Attorney | Mar 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His answers to questions posed are very informative and well thought out."

Noah Peterson

General practice Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

H. Aalsberg

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you need an extremely smart and experienced lawyer and want to win your case, you need to hire Attorney Larry J. Couture. I endorse him."

Christopher Day

Family Attorney | Jul 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Mr. Couture. He has demonstrated a depth of knowledge in many areas of the law, particularly family law."

Francis Younes

Unknown Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He has left some pretty great and accurate responses."

John Wickham

Family Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Larry has been widely regarded throughout Washington State as an expert on family law for many years. He is particularly adept at sorting out thorny legal questions that baffle good, experienced lawyers, saving parties from spending legal fees chasing down rabbit holes. Larry is my "go to guy" when I need a second opinion on choice of legal procedure in my family law cases."

Judd Nemiro

Unknown Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. An excellent and knowledgeable attorney who really cares about clients."

Jill Rogers

Unknown Attorney | Mar 11
Relationship: Other

"A very knowledge and competent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Marble

Family Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Larry is one of the best family law attorneys in the state. Smart, experienced and aggressive."

Sean Cleary

Business Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Deborah Gordon

Family Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian Lassen

Unknown Attorney | Sep 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney."

Jeffrey Caffee

Family Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Terrence McCarthy

Unknown Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Stocks

Family Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bruce Clement

Family Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Larry Couture has justifiably acquired a superb reputation among the Judges, Commissioners, and experienced family law attorneys in Pierce County WA. He recently acted as a mediator in a very messy and contentious case in which I represented the mother. My client wanted to relocate with the kids in order to remain with her husband, who had received orders in the military sending him to another state. Her ex-husband objected to her proposed modification of the existing parenting plan. Trial was scheduled to occur within days of the mediation. At first this seemed like a case which would be impossible to settle. At the conclusion of a lengthy mediation, we still had a number of unresolved issues. However, Mr. Couture's patience and encouragement during the mediation helped us to come to a settlement on all the remaining issues shortly after the mediation, and save our clients the expense and emotional toll of a full trial."

Ron Steingold

Family Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of exchanging information and views with Mr. Couture through the Washington Bar Association Family Law Section listserve for many years. He is very knowledgeable not only about the substantive law but also about the pragmatic side of practice. I am confident that he knows how to treat not only his clients but also opposing counsel and opposing parties professionally and respectfully. He is genuinely interested in the law and cares about his clients."

Joshua Foreman

Family Attorney | Apr 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is a pleasure to endorse Larry Couture, one of Washington State's top family law attorneys. His firm is the best family law litigation firm in Pierce County; they are an all-star group of attorneys, and of course, when you hire one of them, they are all on your side. Larry is a smart, talented, experienced lawyer who also does some criminal defense and business law; he brings 40+ years of experience to every case, and all the judges and commissioners know him and respect him. Larry is a founding member of a group of senior family law attorneys who consult each other by e-mail; he's helped me many times. There's no better lawyer in Washington State."

Ruth Edlund

Family Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Larry is a wise and skillful lawyer who brings a broad perspective to the law. Larry is a great resource to younger lawyers and the legal community. I trust his judgment."

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