Skip to main content

Daniel N Cook

also known as Dan Cook
  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • University Place, WA
  • Licensed for 17 years
See more University Place Divorce & Separation lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Daniel

A mentor once told me that when you start law school, you do not realize that many of the clients you will serve are coming to see you at the lowest point in their lives.  That has proven to be sage advice.  I have served clients who are charged with a crime, who have just experienced the loss of a loved one, and who are going through a divorce or separation.  I have had the opportunity to help clients through happier times as well, such as adoptions, and sometimes my work involves trying to avoid problems in the future, such as estate planning.  But overall, I understand that most often clients are coming to see me in times of crisis.  A figurative “earthquake” has happened in their lives, and I strive to guide my clients through the recovery process by serving as a zealous and objective legal advocate and counselor.

 

Family Law is a passion for me.  I started my career at a law firm which exclusively handled domestic relations work.  Since then, I have moved to a general practice law firm which has been established in Pierce County for more than 60 years.  This gives me the opportunity to work with other cases outside of Family Law, but I still devote approximately 80% of my practice to domestic relations cases.  I love the interaction with people that Family Law brings and the challenge of problem solving it entails.  Serving  as a Pro Tem Commissioner in the Pierce County Superior Court for four or five days, and sometimes more, each year during the last four years has broadened my perspective and helps me give my clients seasoned advice since I have seen many cases from the "other side" of the bench.  This helps provide advice on probable outcomes should they go to court.  

 

While virtually all cases involve some sort of court appearance by the attorney, most Family Law cases settle without a full contested trial.  I work very hard with clients and opposing counsel or parties to resolve their cases short of trial.  The clients often benefit by keeping their fees lower and controlling the outcome of their case.  I strive to make sure my client is fully educated about their options and there are those cases which cannot settle and strategic advocacy is required all the way through trial.  I enjoy being in the courtroom and am happy to roll up my sleeves and provide you with a spirited representation at trial and even on appeal if necessary.  I have tried many cases over the years at the Superior Court level, and have handled several cases in the Court of Appeals.  I have successfully defended positive and overturned negative outcomes from trial on Appeal.

 

It is also a pleasure to handle certain cases outside of the Family Law context.  I feel it to be a great compliment when clients I have helped in a domestic case return and ask me to assist them in another area of law, providing services which could range from, among other things,  preparing a will, defending them in a civil suit, or drawing up real estate agreements.  

 

I appreciate the opportunity to serve clients with a wide range of legal needs, and I value the trust they place in my counsel and representation.  I look forward to continuing to provide compassionate and vigorous advocacy for many years to come.

Practice areas

Debt collectionChild supportChild custodyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 60%

  2. Child custody: 15%

  3. Child support: 15%

  4. Debt collection: 10%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

5316 Orchard Street W
address map

Alliance Law Group PS

5316 Orchard Street W
University Place, WA, 98467

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive200410/18/2020
CAInactive200310/27/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers3
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2019
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2018
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2017
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2016
Rising StarWashington Super Lawyers2015
Rising StarWashington Super Lawyers2014
Rising StarWashington Super Lawyers2013
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Pro-Tempore Commissioners/JudgesSuperior Court Pierce County2010 - 2015
AssociateLutz Law Offices, PS2004 - 2009
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2004 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember2004 - Present
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Oak Brook College of Law & Gov't PolicyJD - Juris Doctor2003
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
TPCBA Family Law Section MeetingConsiderations for Calculating Income of Business Owners for Child Support2019
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Diane Dumond And Greg Dumond, Appellants V. Vietnamese Baptist Church Of Tacoma, Et Al., RespondentsSuccessful appeal.

Reviews

(33)
5 Star
88%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
12%
Review Daniel Cook

A superb advocate and advisor.

Posted by

Dan Cook is a sharp, thoughtful, intelligent attorney who was absolutely the best advocate I could have had while navigating through a painful divorce. He explained each step to me, offered me options and answered all my questions. He stayed in constant contact with me and always communicated effectively. Above all, he is a very kind person who understands your vulnerability as a client. He and his assistant Ursula have been very supportive and professional. I doubt there is another family law attorney who can offer the caliber of service I received from Mr. Cook. (And you know what? He is just a really nice person.)
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best lawyer I've ever worked with

Posted by

Dan went above and beyond helping me with a relocation with my kids. Even now a year later he is quick to answer questions I have had. I appreciate his expertise and genuine care for his clients.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Experience

Posted by

Daniel and his team were amazing to work with from the first phone call to the close of my case. Any time I had questions or concerns, he made sure I understood what was going on and what was being filed. His knowledge and guidance were exceptional and I highly recommend his firm to anyone looking for an attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome Lawyer

Posted by

Dan handled my divorce case recently. He is a very dedicated and professional lawyer with a personal touch. Many times I reached out before and after my divorce and he or his assistant promptly got back to me. He even gave me his personal cell phone to contact after office hours. Dan is my first choice for any future legal situations either for myself or family and friends. I highly recommend his services for family law.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Divorce Lawyer

Posted by

Mr. Cook was excellent to deal with. I would highly recommend his services. Communication with him and his assistant Ursula was fantastic. Dan made this process easy and I thank him for this.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Intelligent, Kind, and Trustworthy

Posted by

My case was very frustrating. Mr. Cook listened to my fears and addressed each one. He explained the costs associated with my choices and helped me weigh the pros and cons. I was happy with the outcome. Hopefully I won't need a family lawyer again, but if I do, it will be Daniel Cook.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney

Posted by

Dan Cook is an amazing divorce attorney. He was able to take over my case after I had spent a year with another attorney, who was unable to get my divorce finalized. He quickly reviewed the information he was forwarded from my prior attorney. Within less than six months my divorce was final. Dan was well prepared for the negotiation process, so it was not necessary for me to go to court. I could not have had a better outcome, as far as getting my share from the marriage. My only regret is that I didn't call Dan Cook when I began the divorce process.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Couldn't of ask for anything better

Posted by

Not only was Dan professional but also treated myself and my son like part of the family. He had a tall task to get me custody of my son at the age of 2, but after numerous court hearings and meetings I got custody of my son! In a state such as WA that is tough for any single father. I could call him anytime day or night, home or at work and he would be there to help me no matter what. If it was not for Mr. Cook and his staff I don't know where I would be at today in a custody battle. I owe EVERYTHING to this man and couldn't be any happier with his services!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

BEST lawyer ever

Posted by

I feel like he saved my sons life! Dan was understanding of my situation. He was flexible with payments and considerate. He had an amazing memory about both my children's lives. He was my attorney for several long years. I don't feel like at any point he dragged things out to increase the cost of my legal expenses. He's like a lucky penny doesn't matter how you find it somehow it helped you. When I was frustrated he explained things and in the end got me custody of my son.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Called around and didn't find the right fit until I called them!

Posted by

Very helpful, patient, and informative. Always reachable, and constantly kept me updated regarding my case proceedings. They are fair, honest, and quick. Would recommend to anyone in need of legal assistance.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(28)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Heather Ramirez, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Dan Cook is a formidable opponent in the courtroom, yet professional and courteous. He is very well respected by his colleagues in the legal community.

Jason Benjamin, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Dan Cook has an amazing ability to aggressively advocate his client's position with a disarming demeanor that takes his effectiveness to another level. This allows Dan to get great results for his clients in litigation or in settlement discussions.

Margaret Lund, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lindsay Camandona, Child custody Attorney on Mar 14, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Debra Morse, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 29, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have been referring clients to Dan for a long time now. He has consistently demonstrated a high degree of legal skill as well as humanity and decency in our shared field of Family Law. That balance is refreshing. Dan is a real gentleman.

Daniel Coen, Family Attorney on Jul 24, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cook is an attorney who seeks to achieve real results instead of simply racking up litigation costs. He represents his clients vigorously and is extremely knowledgeable and competent.

Patricia Steele, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 7, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Dan is very effective in representing his client's interests. He has a level headed and thoughtful approach to litigation that makes him an invaluable asset to any family law case.

Lindsay Noel

I endorse this lawyer.

Danielle LaBelle

I endorse this lawyer.

Carolyn Elsey, Family Attorney on Oct 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Heather Swann, Child custody Attorney on Sep 25, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

David Lutz, Family Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. Dan worked for me before he was a lawyer while studying to become one. After passing the bar he continued working for me for five years. In all this time Dan was a hard work, honest and competent attorney.

Jason Benjamin, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 22, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Dan Cook has an amazing ability to aggressively advocate his client's position with a disarming demeanor that takes his effectiveness to another level. This allows Dan to get great results for his clients in litigation or in settlement discussions.

Deborah Gordon, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Robert Helland, Family Attorney on Nov 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dan for many years. He has been on the other side of several of my cases. He is always very thorough and prepared. I have enjoyed his professionalism.

Leslie Bottimore, Family Attorney on Nov 4, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Stocks, Child support Attorney on Oct 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Daniel Cook is friendly and professional, but also can balance that with competent, zealous advocacy for his clients.

Nicole Bolan, Family Attorney on Sep 25, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Dan is an outstanding attorney. He is able to balance being a strong advocate for his clients, while at the same time remaining professional, ethical, and honest in his dealings with the court and opposing counsel/parties. Dan is always quick to respond to phone calls and emails and is a true pleasure to work with. I would recommend him to anyone.

Nicole Hancock

I endorse this lawyer.

Sophia Palmer, Family Attorney on Sep 17, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Dan and I have worked together as colleagues in the same office and as opposing counsel. Dan demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and integrity in his practice. When he is opposing counsel on a matter, I know that I am dealing with a trustworthy opponent who will work to negotiate a settlement, if possible, but who will aggressively advocate for his client. I certainly would recommend him for anyone seeking a knowledgeable, reasonable and reputable family law attorney.

Heather Ramirez, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Dan Cook is a formidable opponent in the courtroom, yet professional and courteous. He is very well respected by his colleagues in the legal community.

Jonathan Baner, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cook operates professionally and with great diligence for his clients.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$260-$280/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card