$ 325-325 per hour
Deborah B Josephson
also known as Josephson & Associates, Inc., P.S., Josephson Family Law and Mediation Services
About Deborah
Biography
I have practiced family law primarily since becoming a member of the Washington State Bar in 1992. Prior to law school, I worked in law firms in San Francisco to get a feel for law and confirm that I wanted to become a lawyer. I also volunteered at the San Francisco Bar Association's Legal Clinic for Battered Women from 1986 to 1987. I went to law school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later transferred to the University of Puget Sound Law School (now known as Seattle University). While attending William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, I was a law clerk for Professor Christine Jones between April 1989 to June 1991. I researched federal jurisdiction issues and prepared legal memoranda regarding parental kidnapping issues. I also worked as an intern for the Hennepin County, Minnesota, Public Defender's Office between October 1989 and April 1990. In June 1990, I began a summer internship with Judge LaJune Lange of the Fourth Judicial District. In September 1990, I relocated to the Puget Sound and finished law school as a visiting student at UPS. While completing my law school education, I worked as a legal assistant for a family law attorney in Seattle, and also worked as a contract law clerk in family law. These experiences gave me the practical experience needed to open my own family law office fresh after law school.
I opened my law office in November 1992 and initially practiced regularly in both Pierce County and King County. I have continued to practice family law since that date. In approximately 1994 to 1995, I taught two family law paralegal classes at Highline Community College in the ABA-approved paralegal program as an adjunct instructor of family law.
I am passionate about family law issues, because I am passionate about children and preserving and improving family relationships, which are challenged by family endings. I also recognize the trauma of dealing with the end of a relationship on a personal and emotional level as well as financially. It is tough for people going through family endings to realize that the chance for a better and new family beginning is on the other side of the pain they are currently experiencing.
I am a certified mediator, and member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professionals of Pierce County, and Collaborative Professionals of Washington. As a collaborative family law attorney, I assist clients in resolving their family law issues in a respectful and responsible way outside of Court. If collaborative resolution is not possible in a particular case, then I litigate the case and zealously advocate for my client in Court.
I offer an initial in-office consultation for $185; the first meeting is typically one to one-and-a-half hours long.
You may contact me at or.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Family
55%
34 years | 2,000 cases
Mediation
25%
14 years | 110 cases
Child Custody
10%
34 years | 150 cases
Divorce and Separation
10%
34 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 33 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Josephson & Associates Inc PS
3560 Bridgeport Way W, Suite 1D10, University Place, WA, 98466
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Deborah B Josephson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 14 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Misleading and untimely
I hired for help with the other attorney associated with my relationship ending as well as any legal recourse I could be entitled. We met at her Tacoma office and she claimed I had a case. I was not so sure as we discussed the qualifications the law requires for my situation. She reassured me at ...
Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Selective about taking action, not selective about taking money
I had a long-term domestic relationship that was ending. I needed representation about distribution of assets (community property/common law marriage ) .... Deborah assured me that she could do the job and that my case was strong enough. She ensured she'd take care of me. If she had acted with due di...
Deborah Josephson
Replied last September 27, 2018We take all feedback, both positive or negative, very seriously, as it helps us to perfect our law practice, communicate better with our clients, clarify misunderstandings, and improve. A large part of legal practice and time spent by an attorney involves gathering information on the telephone, through correspondence, through emails, etc. If a client identifies him or herself and asks about time and charges incurred, an explanation is always given to clarify the time that was incurred on the client's case; but nothing can be explained until the client asks for clarification. This firm strives to act with diligence, honesty and integrity in all that we do; deadlines are respected, followed, and met.
Posted by tatyana zhukovskiy | August 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
excellent
very professional yet personal throughout the whole process. Made it easy and less painful, easily accessible and good with responses
Posted by Julie | July 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Caring and Knowledgeable
I hired Deb to take on a parenting plan and child support dispute. She listened and knew just how to attack the issue. She is very caring and attentive and understanding to the delicate nature of my case. Deb cares about her clients and works hard to make sure the case is closed quickly.
Posted by Judith Main | July 13, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Attentive and Educational
My relationship with Deborah started in May 2016 right after I got a restraining order on my husband. I use the auto advisor to get some advice from Deborah. And I ultimately ended up hiring Deborah and I'm so glad that I did. Navigating through the family law system is not something that I could d...
Deborah B Josephson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Deborah is a very experienced family law attorney and a frequent contributor to complex issues in this area. Give her a call if you have questions."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer for their dedication and commitment to clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I never hesitate to refer my clients and my friends to Ms. Josephson."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Josephson consistently provides specific and useful advice on AVVO. She has a wealth of knowledge, and provides exceptional advice."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"This lawyer is a very smart, assertive and multi-talented lawyer. I endorse this lawyer."
"The time a lawyer spends giving back through sites like this show passion for the law and compassion for people. Kudos to you for helping others with sage advice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Her experience and depth of knowledge are an asset to the legal community."
"Deborah and I were opposing counsel on a case and I saw first-hand how much she cares for each client. Aside from cases, she is a wonderful colleague. I have had her as a mediator and she did a great job in that capacity."
"I have had the opportunity to observe Ms. Josephson advocate for her clients on numerous occasions. She is a passionate and knowledgeable attorney who is generous with her time and insight."
"I endorse this attorney..Attorney Josephson combines the unique attributes of professional excellence,creativity and total commitment to her work with a warm and caring personality"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Experience
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Judge Pro Tem Settlement Conference/Mediator, Pierce County Superior Court
1992 - Present
Owner, Josephson & Associates, Inc., P.S.
1995 - 1996
Adjunct Professor, Highline Community College
1990 - 1990
Intern, Honorable Judge LaJune Thomas Lange
1989 - 1991
Law Clerk, William Mitchell College Of Law
1989 - 1990
Law Clerk, Hennepin County Public Defender's Office
1986 - 1987
Volunteer, San Francisco Bar Association's Legal Clinic for Battered Women
1982 - 1983
Legal Assistant, Michael Riccitiello, Littler, Mendelson, Fastiff & Tichy
Associations
2010 - Present
Collaborative Professionals of WashingtonMember
2010 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2010 - Present
Collaborative Professionals of Pierce CountyMember
1998 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Bar Convention CommitteeExecutive Committee Member
1993 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
1992 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Judicial Qualifications Committee
Executive Committee Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Family
Good
Education
1991
William Mitchell College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
California State University, Chico
Double Bachelor of Arts Degrees
Speaking Engagements
1994
Northwest Women's Law Center
Paternity Seminar
1994
Northwest Women's Law Center
Domestic Violence Seminar
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can my lawyer refuse to file family law temporary ( restraining, and support orders) unless I pre-pay?
13 Apr 2023
Q&A
Can I request an earlier trail date for a contested divorce?
07 Apr 2023
Q&A
I left the house moved into the green house my husband Is still in the house. can I get abandonment charges if I was afraid?
09 Oct 2022