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Margaret H. Brost

Child custody Attorney at Olympia, WA

3.8   20 reviews
  • Licensed for 32 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1990
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Margaret

Learn Margaret’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Child custody
    45%
    Including Grandparent's Rights

    32 years

  2. Divorce and separation
    40%

    32 years

  3. Child support
    10%

    32 years

  4. Alimony
    4%

    32 years

  5. Adoption
    1%

    32 years

Ms. Brost started her professional career in nursing, and continued to military social work. She has worked as a family counselor, drug/alcohol specialist, and Guardian ad Litem. With over 25 years of experience as a family law attorney, she is an experienced litigator of cases involving significant assets and/or serious allegations of abuse. She utilizes her broad base of knowledge and experience to obtain successful outcomes for her clients and their families.

Contact Margaret

Similar lawyers nearby

Gravis Law, PLLC
1800 Cooper Point Road SW Suite 18
Olympia, WA, 98502

Reviews

3.8 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
5 Star
 
70%
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1 Star
 
30%
Posted by Brian | May 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Lawyer and staff that makes sure you're informed on your case and options
Margaret and her staff made sure to keep me well informed throughout my divorce process. It started with the introductory meeting with Margaret who listed to my situation and then provided the steps in a divorce proceeding in the state of WA. She stated what I should expect and how the state handles the process. After the initial filing from my ex, Margaret then walked what the course of action I should expect and through the next steps in the process. She made sure I was comfortable with the resolution that came from the divorce and answered any questions I might had. As the divorce laws in WA are very unfair to the fathers (from my perspective), she made sure I got what was entitled to get during this process. She made sure I understood the child support calculations (also unfair) and that I was comfortable with what came from it. Divorce was not a happy situation and no result was going to make me 100% happy, but Margaret made sure I got at least what I should have gotten and looked out after my interest throughout the process.
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Posted by Tasha | January 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Someone to fight for me
Margaret became my lawyer because my first lawyer treated me as “less”. I was not a priority and I felt like a revenue stream. The contrast was extreme. Margaret has a team behind her. She provides council to get you to a divorce. She has a plan and she lets you know where you are in that plan at al times. She is not afraid to let you know about the consequences you are facing. She did what she said she would when she said she would. Having someone so professional and proactive there for you during one if the most difficult times in your life was amazing.
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Posted by Beau D. Shattuck | August 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire this Attorney!
Margaret Brost, and her team are simply put....THE BEST! I have worked with several attorneys in the past, and at Brost Law: You-Are-Important....Let me explain: When I would call and leave a message or e-mail, they returned it within 1 business day, if not the SAME day; then, if I left a message on a Friday, often I would get a call on a Saturday or even a Sunday on Margaret's free time. (This is unheard of friends!) Margaret was always diligently working on my case, researching Case Law....(And this is a TIRESOME task),interviewing people, and the paperwork that they file for you at Brost Law; is professional and flawless. Margaret's pure, clean, and crisp knowledge of law seems so natural to her; as I have often seen Judges and Commissioners, look to her for advice---And this was in open court folks! THIS-IS-WHO-YOU-WANT! The team at Brost Law are All Stars! Then, when we were at the stage of my Family Law Court case where Margaret thought I could take care of the rest on my own, she told me so, so that I would save some money. I NEVER felt like I was being "swept under the rug" by this attorney; but rather they held my daughter and I up like a trophy each and every day! So, if your case is important to you.... Hire Margaret Brost. You WON'T regret it!
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Posted by Tasha | July 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I Can't Thank Her Enough
I came here to review my family law lawyer options. I went with Margaret because it looked like she was the best...and I was absolutely right. Margaret was truly a guide and mentor through my legal battle. She spoke plainly about my options and my chances. She listened to my concerns and often replaced my ideas with better ideas born from her years of helping parents do what's best for their kids. I felt truly supported by her and found peace through trusting my case was in the best hands. She often called at night or on the weekends showing me she took my case as seriously as all the other cases taking up her time. My case lasted about 9 months and I got the results I wanted without every going to court. I owe that entirely to her creativity and masterful understanding of the system. Remember that if you don't choose Margaret, you may be on the other side of the table from her. That is a scary place to be.
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Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Informative, clear, and worth the time
In my consult with Margaret I found her to be extremely informative and able to explain the process and complexities of a custody case in a clear manner. She has the ability to talk to a variety of audiences that either have no knowledge of the process or have been involved in the process. She is passionate, understanding but also does not mislead you.
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Posted by Amanda | March 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney for advice as well as taking action
She is straight forward,honest and compassionate. Very thankful for this woman. Will go to bat for you quickly and responds promptly to all emails,phone calls.
Posted by Heather | November 20, 2014
Relatable, trusting and caring
Margaret Brost is a perfect mix of relatable, caring and confident. She took the time to listen to my concerns and was able to help me understand what was best for my situation. She knows what she is doing and looks out for the best interested of her clients. Margaret went above and beyond to help me in my case. She consistently kept me up to date on my case. Thank you Margaret for all you have done for me.
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Posted by Walter | January 15, 2014
Fantastic Attorney
I came to Margaret with a complex divorce situation involving child custody/visitation/support which originated in CA (my residence) and, subsequently, transferred to WA state jurisdiction (ex-wife's residence) on technicalities discovered by my ex-wife's attorney after 5 1/2 years of dealings through the CA court system. I needed a "great" attorney...and I received one in Margaret Brost. Her knowledge of Washington State Family Law is superior. From the initial consultation to the final judgment, Margaret and her professional staff guided me through the process thoroughly while clearly explaining my legal options along the way. I can't thank you and your staff enough, Margaret! Bottom line...If you're looking for the BEST representation, look no further than Margaret Brost.
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Posted by Bittu | November 12, 2013
Excellent service.
I have gone through three lawyers in my one divorce case and Margaret has provided excellent experience, knowledge and follow through. Margaret has take quick and strong action with the court to have successful outcomes in my case. Margaret will go out of her way for her clients. I would highly recommend hiring Margaret as your attorney.
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Posted by AMP | February 22, 2012
Excellent
Choosing Margaret to represent me during my divorce and custody case was the best decision i have made. :-) Margaret cares about her clients, she always gave me good advise and was available when needed. Her office staff is great too. I worked closely with Molly and it she was always very responsive and nice. I will definitively continue to recommend Margaret to my friends and fam.
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Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2012
Want to win the right way?
I originally found Margret Brost through Joint Base Lewis-McChord legal services (JAG) as a recommended civilian attorney in 2009. Margret has represented me several times since in family law issues. I will never use another attorney for family law unless she retires. Margret is extremely skillful; each time she represented me I was able to maintain excellent protections for my child and myself in the final legal documents. She is a powerful negotiator and has an outstanding knowledge of the law. Further she has an excellent network within the family law field ranging from counselors, guardian ad litems etc. As her client, she will tell you what is needed in order to make sure you are in the right. This is a stark contrast from sleazy attorneys who will let you look like a fool in front of the Judge by telling you that you are 100% right to begin with. Margret's guidance will set you on the right track for what is the best interest of your children, you and your case. You may not like it at the time, but she is doing it in your interests and the end results will speak for themselves. Margret is an extremely busy attorney but her staff all are all appropriately helpful, providing information or getting you in touch with Margret when you need her. I am happy to recommend her for your family legal needs.
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Posted by Nick & Raven | September 6, 2011
Determined and Dedicated
Since walking into Margaret's office, we felt a sense of security. It's something about just "knowing" when you have come to the right place, that makes you feel that sense of ease, especially during a time as difficult as needing an attorney in the first place. Margaret is professionally stern with her clients, and puts them in their place for the betterment of each situation. She does not beat around the bush, wasting people's time. She gets down to business immediately, and effectively starts working on your case as soon as you hire her. She is knowledgeable about the laws and uses her best judgment on deciding the route to take in each situation. She offers encouragement and resources when needed and what we truly admire most about her is that she genuinely "cares." In our past experiences with Family Law attorneys, we have been taken for a ride with our money, emotions, hopes, and energy. It has been discouraging. A lot of attorneys claim to "care" about your situation, and you really want to believe that they have your best interest at heart; however, our 3 former attorneys seemed to have gone out of their way to disprove their own claims of caring for our needs. Not Margaret (and her staff), they are committed to the needs and emotions of our family during the difficult process that lies in front of us. We always walked away feeling relieved. Even when I could have used a bit of "sugar coating" to our situation, she refrained from "blowing smoke," but she vowed to fight for us, because she knew that our case has sought justice for many years, but to no avail. She promised a difficult ride, never ensuring 100% success, but always promised to fight to the end. She was very upfront, open, honest, and used her time efficiently. Her staff (Mollie) keeps the line of communication open and is very prompt in replying to any questions/concerns that we have had. Overall, I am very satisfied with our decision to hire Margaret and The Brost Law Firm. It was an investment worth making. It's never cheap to retain an attorney, but Margaret truly works with you, as she fully understands the economic hardships that has plagued this nation. I'd really like to say thank you for everything you have done for our family. We really appreciate it! I would definitely recommend Margaret Brost and The Brost Law Firm to ANYONE!!
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Posted by anonymous | May 2, 2011
Beyond an Attorney - Experienced Professional & Compassionate Advocate
Ms. Brost helped me during the hardest time of my life. Her diverse and impressive professional background and training make her a particularly unique attorney as she draws from knowledge and experience far beyond law. In addition to her law expertise she has a thorough understanding of people and human behavior, which translates to the ability to help you work through the stress and difficulties of personal situations. She helped me find my voice and was a true partner in advocating for my son’s well being. Ms. Brost was not only there for me as an attorney, but also as someone who understood what I was suffering personally with my divorce and her compassion was invaluable. Above all she was a creative problem-solver focused on positive results who demonstrated strong personal and professional character as well as an ethical framework not typically associated with attorney stereotypes. Ms. Brost is a good listener, a gifted communicator and met me at my level in terms of helping me to understand options and make informed decisions. Over the years since my divorce I have contacted her at times with questions or concerns and she has continued to be the consummate coach and professional. I would recommend Ms. Brost without hesitation to anyone!!
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Posted by Bill | August 19, 2010
My Experience
Wow...I wish I had found Margaret from the beginning of my divorce. As it was, I didn't realize how poor my first attorney was until it was too late and my divorce was finalized. Two years later changes needed to be made and I found Margaret purely by accident. From our first meeting I knew I had found a straight up, no-nonsense, honest attorney. She guided me through the necessary trials and tribulations and we reached the desired outcome without a long, protracted court battle. Since that time I've recommended Margaret to several people and will continue to do so.
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Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Don't hire
Margaret seemed intelligent enough when I first hired her but as Im reading through these reviews I too found her hostile very unprofessional and always asking for more money she didn't do what she said snd often gave me her client attitude. She sppears on your side initially but in the end she works against you.
Response from Margaret Brost July 1, 2019
It is impossible to respond to this kind of post. We all do our best to be responsive to our client's needs. When there are issues, we do what we can to resolve them. Please call us and we will be happy to discuss your particular situation.
Posted by anonymous | November 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Do not hire!
Margaret was very unpleasant to work with. I hired her for my divorce last year. I had posted a review 6 months prior to this because they requested me to, since her reviews were so poor. I was unaware that she never finished the job I hired her out to do at that time. I had to contact her multiple times and when I finally got ahold of her she said she would finish the job free of charge since she misunderstood. Two months later I am getting a call from her assistant saying I owe them money. The assistant would not allow me to speak with Margaret. So I wrote Margaret another email reminding her of our conversation. Her reply was unprofessional. She said that communicating with me was disruptive and not worth her time. She also said she wouldn't quibble with the amount I decided to pay her at this point, after charging a single mom of two $3000 for a simple divorce that she couldn't finish under 12 months. I would never recommend her.
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Response from Margaret Brost November 27, 2017
In reviewing your case, it is important to understand that when a decree of legal separation is obtained there is a 6 month waiting period before it can be converted to a final divorce. That length of time is determined by RCW 26.09.150. At the conclusion of your legal separation case, we refunded you several hundred dollars from your advance fee deposit since we never keep money we have not earned. When you later contacted us to convert your legal separation to a divorce, I quoted you a reduced rate because you had been a former client and perhaps there had been a misunderstanding about what we had agreed to do (I was not the lawyer that originally handled your case). After we did the work, you insisted that I had agreed to do the work for free. After several discussions it was clear that we had different memories of the "agreement." I then pointed out that the $200 we were asking you to pay was not worth my time to argue with you. To resolve the issue I suggested that you pay what you thought was reasonable and fair. You paid nothing. This matter is now concluded
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Posted by anonymous | February 1, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Amoral
Over a few weeks I had interactions with Margaret over a rental lease. She lacks ethics, compassion, and any fundamentals of humanity. Was unlawful when she felt she could get away with it. A real life Dickens Scrooge. Don't hire her if you value the general good of society.
Response from Margaret Brost March 3, 2017
This feedback is from a renter and NOT a client of this firm.
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Unprofessional, unethical, expensive
I hired her because she seemed smart and aggressive, something that is good for a lawyer. The problem is, the attitude works against you. She overcharges, is often irritable and hostile when consulting, and a charge that could of been overlooked by my insurance company wasn't because of her clumsy handling of some paper work. When discussing this with her she lashed out, which was the last straw for me. Don't hire this person if you want someone on your side and is fair.
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Response from Margaret Brost December 30, 2016
We're sorry the experience with our firm was not what you expected. We strive to partner with our clients to achieve the best possible outcome for them and their children. When things don't go well, we want to learn from it. However, since we also take seriously our obligation to maintain our client's confidentiality we won't engage in a discussion on social media. Please call me. I am always happy to listen. If we failed, we will make it right.
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Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not impressed!
Margaret's prices are so steep! She makes you do all the work yet nickle and dimes you with every conversation and phone call. She also humiliated me in front of my ex's attorney by yelling at me for something she was supposed to do then appoligized later when NOT in front of his attorney! She is fake and a scam - please don't hire her as your lawyer!!
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Response from Margaret Brost November 10, 2016
We're sorry the experience with our firm was not what you expected. We strive to partner with our clients to achieve the best possible outcome for them and their children. When things don't go well, we want to learn from it. However, since we also take seriously our obligation to maintain our client's confidentiality we won't engage in a discussion on social media. Please call me. I am always happy to listen. If we failed, we will make it right.
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Posted by Cindy | November 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Many promises & not one achieved. I've had 2 Lawyers in the past & Ms. Brost & her Staff is by far the worst YET I paid WAY more
If your like me you read reviews to help make your decisions. That is exactly why I am taking the time to write this. Many reviews stated that Ms. Brost would cut them off in conversations. I thought heck, she just wants to get to the point and there's nothing wrong about an aggressive Lawyer. In fact, that's what we're all mostly looking for. Thing is, Ms. Brost cuts you off simply bc she doesn't want to hear what you have to say. She is highly unprofessional. When I hired her she was told that she would deal ONLY with me unless it was absolutely as my husband works full time and I am a stay at home mother. I've previously done this with 2 other Lawyers and had no issues. Ms. Brost assured me that was no issue at the initial consult. I also gave her lots of documentation BUT she refused most of it stating that "if she needed it, she would let me know". Turns out for her staff to take in the initial paperwork is a fee BUT when they call it's a fee AND then when they enter it -yep there's a fee! I figure that cost me about an extra $200 just right there. Then the very next day she calls my husband over trivial things and has him come in. We realized later that she was delaying a meeting between the 2 parties bc she wanted them to go to court. After my husbands encounter w/her he was shocked bc she was calling our sons Mom names. We don't curse and not once did Ms. Brost curse in my presence but did in my husbands. But why? Very unprofessional. At one point I told Ms. Brost that she needed to speak w/me and she informed me that there was a privacy issue. Hmmm... Then at court she threw my husband under the bus. See, our sons Mother is Bi-Polar and we have tried working w/her for countless years. She only knows one way- hers:(. But she stated that "she didn't understand why we were even in court, they should seek couples therapy". Thing is Ms. Brost would have her staff call me about the bill. She wouldn't of course. Bottom line, not one thing promised was delivered. More Child Support & extra-curricular activities to pay: as well as Car Insurance AND Braces that could've been TRIPLE COVERED for zero OOP expense! Go with another Lawyer that will listen AND not cut you off, do most OR at least some of what they promise, are professional, AND you can get them for HALF THE PRICE!!
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Response from Margaret Brost November 10, 2016
We're sorry the experience with our firm was not what you expected. We strive to partner with our clients to achieve the best possible outcome for them and their children. When things don't go well, we want to learn from it. However, since we also take seriously our obligation to maintain our client's confidentiality we won't engage in a discussion on social media. Please call me. I am always happy to listen. If we failed, we will make it right.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 280-320 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.0 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Brost Law, PC
  • 1991 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Margaret Brost, Attorney
  • 1991 - 1991
  • Law Clerk
  • Hon. Gerry Alexander, Court of Appeals (Division II)
  • 1990 - 1991
  • Legal Extern
  • Hon. Robert J. Bryant, US District Court
  • 1989 - 1989
  • Legal Intern-Civil Division and Legal Extern-Fraud Division
  • King County Prosecutor
  • 1988 - 1990
  • Security/Data Admin, Asst Staff Mgr, Supervisor
  • Mountain Bell Telephone
  • 1978 - 1987
  • Team Leader
  • Bernallillo Alcoholism Treatment Program
  • 1977 - 1978
  • Psychiatric Social Worker
  • United States Army
  • 1974 - 1977
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Texas at Dallas
  • Graduate School Certificate
  • 2010
  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1990
  • University of California
  • M.S. Ed.
  • 1976
  • Nazareth College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1974
View all education

Legal Cases

  • In Re: Marriage of Freeman
  • We made law! The Washington Supreme Court adopted the New Jersey standard articulated in Carfagno (Carfagno v. Carfagno, 288 N.J. Super. 424, 672 A.2d 751(Ch. Div. 1995)) as a framework for modifying or terminating a permanent protection order.

Associations

  • Eastern District Court of Washington
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1991 - Present
  • Eastern District Court of Washington
  • 1991 - Present
  • Thurston County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Washington Women Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Monarch Children'
  • N/A
  • Stop the Violence
  • Board Member
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Monarch Children's Center
  • Board Member
  • 1995 - 1997
  • Harlequin Productions
  • Secretary
  • 1995 - 1999
  • Harlequin Theater Productions
  • Board Member
  • 1993 - 2003
  • Extended Hand (Romanian Orphan Relief and Adoption)
  • Legal Counsel
  • 1991 - 1994
  • United Way
  • Allocations Committee Member
  • 1991 - 1994
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • German

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Preeminent 5.0 out of 5
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017

Speaking Engagements

  • Pacific Legal Technology Conference
  • Self Help Divorce
  • 2003

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (2)
Endorse Margaret
Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known and worked with Margaret the entirety of my legal career. Margaret is well prepared, determined and effective in her approach to litigation as well as settlement negotiations. I am pleased to endorse Margaret..."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a great attorney and a great person as well."
Family Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"It is a pleasure to endorse Margaret Brost. She changed Washington family law when she successfully appealed a client's case all the way to our state's Supreme Court; that took brains, guts, energy, dedication, hard work -- everything you want in a lawyer. She had the whole family law establishment against her and she beat them single-handed. If you want a lawyer who is a proven winner, call Margaret Brost."