Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
35 Client Reviews
$ 375-375 per hour
PRO
Michael Lee Dewitt
also known as Mike DeWitt
Virtual Consultation Available
About Michael
Biography
I've been practicing law for over twenty years, almost all of it in Thurston County Family and Juvenile Court. I became a family law Guardian ad Litem in 2011, and served in that role for many years. I have accepted various court appointments over the years, representing minor children in dependency cases; both parents and children in minor guardianship cases; and petitioners in domestic violence protection order cases. I have occasionally served as a Title 4 GAL to investigate a party's competency.
In 2024, I was honored to begin serving the community in the capacity of Pro Tem Settlement Conference Judge, and my interest in that led me to take the Professional Mediation Training offered by the Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center, so that I may join the list of court-approved private mediators in 2025.
I became a lawyer because I like to help people and have a penchant for finding creative solutions to difficult problems. I understand how stressful family law is for the client, so I remain accessible at all times, whether it be by email, telephone, or even text. I'm also mindful of the financial impact the case has on a client - hiring a lawyer is expensive, but the costs should not be unreasonable. I like to teach, so strive to educate the client along the way, both regarding the law and the process, so that they may make informed decisions about their case. I believe that the best outcome is an agreed one, but I do also spend plenty of time in court arguing my client's position when a reasonable settlement 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, while also giving me the freedom to pursue personal pursuits, such as playing basketball, listening to music, and teaching others D&D (including the afterschool club I founded at my kids' school). I live in Olympia with my two children.
Sound advice. Affordable rates. Excellent service.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Child Support
25%
25 years | 250 cases
Divorce and Separation
25%
25 years | 250 cases
Family
25%
25 years | 250 cases
Probate
10%
100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2014
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 24 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Michael Lee Dewitt's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | Child Custody
Posted by Lori | September 12, 2014 | Child Custody
SOLID!!
I was surprised to see all the other reviews here simply because I thought I was Mikes only client! It seems like he is always on the phone with me or answering a complex email of mine. Mike is knowledgeable, honest, fair and committed. I stayed in a seemingly hopeless situation in my life for ma...
Posted by Erin | September 11, 2014 | Child Custody
Thoughtful!
I worked with Mike Dewitt on two occasions regarding a divorce/custody. I'll probably end up using him several more times throughout my child's life. He was great about explaining all my options and helping me choose the one that was right for me. I didn't take advantage of the option, but he does...
Posted by Sarah | September 04, 2014 | Child Custody
Third party custody
I worked with Mike on a third party custody case recently. My case was headed for trial when he started on my case. Although we were trying to avoid trial, Mike thoroughly helped prepare for it. He wrote an excellent trial brief for us, and navigated the rest of the trial preparations. We were able t...
Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2012 | Child Custody
Third Party Custody
I have been working with Mike since April 2012 with a third a 3rd party custody case. Mike is always "on the ball", quick to answer when I have an issue and I most of all appreciate that he is so well level headed and a great listener. He has great advise and is always 2 steps ahead of the game. My c...
Posted by anonymous | September 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
my experience was not a good one
Despite ample warning on multiple occasions important paperwork was left to the last minute while I was at work and unable to review appropriately. On several occasions there were omissions and worse, inclusions of what the opposing party wanted was put in. I was unable to attend a hearing, which he ...
Michael Lee Dewitt's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a great lawyer. He's a fierce advocate for his clients, and a consummate professional."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike's a great lawyer. Honest, knowledgeable and very well spoken. He does an excellent job in court."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Meredith Gerhart
Family lawyer
Ingrid Malca
Family lawyer
William Edelblute
Divorce and separation lawyer
Lynn Moen
Family lawyer
Andrew Mazzeo
Appeals lawyer
Natalie Alane
Family lawyer
Patrick Rawnsley
Family lawyer
Loren Kiser
Landlord or tenant lawyer
Charles Houle
Unknown lawyer
Jennifer Andrews
Family lawyer
Michael Aronoff
Family lawyer
Forrest Wagner
Family lawyer
Brian Barnes
Family lawyer
Sean Walsh
Unknown lawyer
Gina Bissell
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Kimberly April
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Ryan Jacobsen
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Thomas Taylor
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Paul Posadas
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Lina Beckford
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Experience
Honors
2013
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2009
Local Hero, Washington State Bar Association
2008
Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
2007
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2006
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Owner, Dewitt Law PLLC
2011 - 2017
Title 26 Guardian ad Litem, Taylor Law Group, P.S.
2011 - 2017
Associate Attorney, Taylor Law Group, PS
2005 - 2011
Associate Attorney, Morgan & Bartholomew
Associations
2002 - Present
Thurston County Bar AssocationMember
2017 - 2018
Thurston County Bar Association - Family Law SectionChairperson
2009 - 2016
Mason County Bar AssocationMember
2008 - 2009
Thurston County Volunteer Legal ServicesVice President
2005 - 2007
WSBA Young Lawyers AssociationGreater Olympia Area Trustee
Education
2001
Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1998
University of Nevada-Reno
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
2016 Thurston County Mandatory GAL Training
Report Writing
2010
Obtaining Fees in a Legal Aid Context
Obtaining legal fees in family law cases
2009
Nonparental Custody
How to represent a client in a nonparental custody case.
2009
Child Support Calculator and Other Online Software in the Clinic Setting
Educating volunteer attorneys about online resources for use at the legal clinc.
2008
Nonparental Custody Basics
Basic procedure and law regarding nonparental custody cases.
2008
Motions for Reconsideration and Revision in Family Court
Differences between motions to reconsider and motions to revise.
2007
Preadmission Education
Managing Your Legal Career
2007
2007 Clinic Boot Camp II
Issues related to family law.
Publications
2018
Thurston County Family Law Section Newsletter
Various articles regarding family law
2006
De Novo
Financial Planning for Young Lawyers
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My 12 year old daughter is refusing to go see her dad, Do i have to force her?
21 Jun 2019
Q&A
How many days before my daughter respond to a Proposed Parenting Plan (It is not a signed court order)? Does she need a lawyer?
10 Jun 2019
Q&A
How can i fight a new child support order my ex has thrown at me because I'm getting married?
11 Apr 2018