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Michael Lee Dewitt

Family Attorney at Tumwater, WA

4.8   34 reviews

also known as Mike DeWitt


Licensed for 21 years

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Child support
    25%
    Child support modification cases; enforcement of existing child support orders (including contempt motions); establishment of initial child support orders (unwed parents); administrative child support orders (cases involving DCS), etc.

    22 years, 250 cases

  2. Divorce and separation
    25%
    Representing parties who are filing for divorce, as well as respondents in divorce/legal separation/declaration of invalidity proceedings. Settlement conferences, mediation, and/or trial. Also committed intimate relationships.

    22 years, 250 cases

  3. Family
    25%
    Divorce, legal separation, child support, parenting plan modifications, establishing parenting plans (unwed parents), contempt motions, domestic violence protection orders, adoptions, wills and estate planning, probate, CIR's, minor guardianships.

    22 years, 250 cases

  4. Probate
    10%
    Representing petitioners in establishing probates (testate as well as intestate); non-probate alternatives.

    100 cases

  5. Wills and living wills
    10%
    Advice and drafting of Last Wills and Testaments; codicils to existing Wills; Powers of Attorney (personal and/or medical); Health Care Directives (aka Living Wills); trusts and general estate planning.

    100 cases

  6. Guardianship
    5%
    Representing Title 11 guardianship petitioners; establishing and/or modifying existing guardianship; transferring guardianship orders from other jurisdictions; review, analysis, and drafting/editing of annual reports and budgets.

    50 cases

SOUND ADVICE. AFFORDABLE RATES. EXCELLENT SERVICE.

I've been practicing law for over twenty years, most of it in Thurston County, with occasional sojourns into neighboring counties such as Mason and Lewis. Family law has always been my emphasis. I became a family law Guardian ad Litem in 2011, and now frequently serve as a mentor for new GAL's. For a time, I accepted court appointments representing minor children in dependency cases.

Client satisfaction is my top priority. I strive to remain highly accessible at all times, whether it be by email or telephone. I do my best to return every client's call promptly. I'm also mindful of the financial impact the case has on the client - hiring a lawyer is expensive, but the costs should not be unreasonable or exorbitant. I believe in educating the client along the way, both regarding the law and the process, so that they may make an informed decision about their case. I believe that the best outcomes are the agreed ones, but I do also spend plenty of time arguing my client's position in court when a reasonable agreement cannot be reached.

I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to be in a profession that allows me to help people in such a profound way. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and vigorously pursuing various fantasy baseball or football league championships. I live in Olympia with my two children.

Licensed for 21 years
State WA
Status Active
Acquired 2001
Updated 03/19/2023

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

Contact Michael

Mike DeWitt
855 Trosper Road SW
#108-296
Tumwater, WA, 98512

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  34 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
6%
Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A 5 Star Professional
Mike is a great listener and quickly demonstrated his expertise to tackle our case. He is very personable and conveys a caring and commitment often not found in family law practicing attorneys. His depth of knowledge and experience are paramount. A 5 Star Attorney!
Posted by Sally T. | March 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Michael Dewitt long-standing integrity & compassion
Michael provided me an option that met the needs of my situation back in 05’ & then again in 2010. I don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise. He genuinely cared and provided excellent professional counsel. Michael was consistently responsive & conscientious of my limited budget. Over the years since, I have had multiple opportunities to observe him serving youth and parents alike in custodial-related hearings, during my role as a social worker. Michael continues to ‘walk the talk’ & assist others in finishing well during some very difficult journeys. I am proud to have crossed paths with an attorney who practices law with the utmost integrity and compassion. I also referred a friend who Michael represented, guided, and helped to achieve an appropriate and better-than-expected outcome that brought 3 lives lasting safety & an end to the suffering and life-threatening dangers. Michael is an asset to our community because of his ‘person-first’ care. While many experience compounding heartache during the judicial process, Michael practices in a way that helps to provide hope and healing that lasts beyond representation. Thank you Michael.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-300 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Dewitt Law PLLC
  • 2017 - Present
  • Title 26 Guardian ad Litem
  • Taylor Law Group, P.S.
  • 2011 - 2017
  • Associate Attorney
  • Taylor Law Group, PS
  • 2011 - 2017
  • Associate Attorney
  • Morgan & Bartholomew
  • 2005 - 2011
View all work experience

Education

  • Seattle University School of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1998

Associations

  • Thurston County Bar Assocation
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Thurston County Bar Association - Family Law Section
  • Chairperson
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Mason County Bar Assocation
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2016
  • Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
  • Vice President
  • 2008 - 2009
  • WSBA Young Lawyers Association
  • Greater Olympia Area Trustee
  • 2005 - 2007
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Client Distinction Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2012
  • Local Hero
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2009
  • Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
  • Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
  • 2008
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2006
  • Rising Star
  • Washington Law & Politics Magazine
  • 2005
View all awards

Publications

  • Thurston County Family Law Section Newsletter
  • Various articles regarding family law
  • 2018
  • De Novo
  • Financial Planning for Young Lawyers
  • 2006

Speaking Engagements

  • 2016 Thurston County Mandatory GAL Training
  • Report Writing
  • 2016
  • Obtaining Fees in a Legal Aid Context
  • Obtaining legal fees in family law cases
  • 2010
  • Child Support Calculator and Other Online Software in the Clinic Setting
  • Educating volunteer attorneys about online resources for use at the legal clinc.
  • 2009
  • Nonparental Custody
  • How to represent a client in a nonparental custody case.
  • 2009
  • Motions for Reconsideration and Revision in Family Court
  • Differences between motions to reconsider and motions to revise.
  • 2008
  • Nonparental Custody Basics
  • Basic procedure and law regarding nonparental custody cases.
  • 2008
  • 2007 Clinic Boot Camp II
  • Issues related to family law.
  • 2007
  • Preadmission Education
  • Managing Your Legal Career
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (20)
Endorse Michael
Family Attorney | Jul 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike works hard for his clients. He is responsive and professional. He is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced attorney in the field of Family Law. He is the president of the Thurston County Bar Association Family Law Section, and he is always up to date on the law or any new strategies that may help his clients. He is also a great mentor to young lawyers like myself who are practicing in the South Puget Sound area. I highly recommend Mike as a family law attorney."
Family Attorney | Jul 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael for anybody looking for a superior family law attorney. He has really staked out a position for himself in the world of family law attorneys by distinguishing himself with a cerebral and very professional approach to cases. He is creative and uses good judgment in what he presents to the court and what he chooses not to present. I envy his ability to succinctly encapsulate complicated facts and strike at the heart of matters. He is never circumlocutory in his arguments or communications to the court, and I think the judges and commissioner's appreciate his disciplined approach."
Family Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a great lawyer. He's a fierce advocate for his clients, and a consummate professional."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Knowledgeable about the law and sensible in his approach to resolving and litigating cases in a way to achieve best possible results at lowest possible cost, I am confident in recommending Mike to anyone seeking competent legal representation in a family law matter. It helps that he is very involved in the local bar and both known and respected by the judges and judicial officers in the counties in which he practices."
Family Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike's a great lawyer. Honest, knowledgeable and very well spoken. He does an excellent job in court."
Family Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike has a great personality and is able to engage his clients, other lawyers and the judge in a friendly, yet still aggressive manner. His passionate and professional approach helps him obtain great results."
Family Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure of working with Mike on numerous cases, many of which were high conflict cases, resolving all by agreement. Mike is conscientious and respectful to the court, counsel and parties. There are many attorneys to whom I look forward to working with in a case and Mike is one of them."
Family Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael has been working in the family law community for 10 years. Not only is he handling family law cases, he is a Guardian ad Litem for family law cases. He is very intelligent, well prepared and compassionate to his client's circumstances."
Family Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mike for several years. He is a fine upstanding individual and Family Law attorney. I have seen him grow in the legal community and am very impressed with him. You can't go wrong trusting Mike with your legal matters."
Family Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"First and foremost, I endorse Mike as a person. He is a genuinely good man who works hard at whatever he does. Mike has a great attitude and gets along with everyone. Mike really cares about his client's interests. He works hard and efficiently to make sure his clients get a very good value. He has been a good influence on me as an attorney, and that is why I highly endorse Mike DeWitt as an attorney."
Family Attorney | Nov 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. In the time that I have been acquainted with Michael, what immediately comes to mind is his commitment to his clients, to the profession, and to the larger community in which he practices. He is a skilled and dedicated lawyer and an asset to his clients and the legal community."
Family Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike DeWitt is an accomplished lawyer, counselor at law and advocate. I gained first- hand knowledge of his skills while he worked as my associate. Mike is a skilled and zealous advocate. He is conscientious, diligent and hard working. While many family law attorneys take a scorched earth approach to litigation, Mike approaches client matters thoughtfully and creatively often finding solutions that save his clients the financial and emotional cost of contested hearings. In court, Mike effectively advances his client’s position with clear, articulate and persuasive arguments. I have had occasion to be Mike’s opposing counsel in a number of difficult cases and have found him to be a consummate professional and a tireless advocate. Clients and attorneys relate to him because of his easy manner and pleasant demeanor. I have referred a number of clients to Mike with confidence. It has been a pleasure to have watched him grow into the highly regarded lawyer he is today."
View more endorsements