Benjamin D Platt

Benjamin D Platt

4.1
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 19 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Spokane, WA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence

1020 N. Washington, Suite A, Spokane, WA

About Benjamin

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 19 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt

1020 N. Washington, Suite A, Spokane, WA, 99201

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Benjamin D Platt's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

5 star (31)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (9)

Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Useless

Never answers calls or emails until it's payday(shocking) and does the absolute bare minimum to help you in child custody. Btw his wife works for the YWCA and will actively sabotage your case to benefit the rigged feminist court system.

Posted by Michael | November 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Fantastic Results

Ben represented me (a man) in my divorce (with multiple kids.) My wife had filed and included many horrible allegations which led me to have almost no time with the kids on our temporary parenting plan. Ben picked up the case (which my first attorney had done a poor job on.) He knew exactly what to d...o to get the end result I wanted. I had to suck it up and it wasn't an instant fix but in the end he rocked my wife's world in court and the record was set straight by his courtroom skills. It seemed at times throughout the case that he was not attentive to my little daily concerns, but I think he simply puts focus where it really counts and if I had trusted him more I would have saved some worry and stress. I read that you will never regret hiring an attorney that you can't afford when it comes to fighting for your kids. After trying to go the cheap route I bit the bullet and I'm so glad I did. Worth every thousand spent and then some. Ben was brutally honest with me and didn't sell me anything he wasn't able to deliver. He was spot on with every estimation he had regarding the case while letting me know that anything can happen. I very highly recommend him if you have the ability to trust him and not expect him to get caught up in every little daily drama you throw his way. Again, he put attention and detail where it really counted and the results were what mattered in the end.

Posted by Chris | June 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Only Attorney I trust in Spokane

Ben is an amazing attorney. He helped my wife and I in a custody battle with my ex. His professionalism and ethics are the highest I have ever seen. Despite the other side trying to play dirty, he maintained his ethical and professional demeanor and prevailed every time. My being out of state during ...all of the battles was scary, but Ben made sure everything was done for my best interest and the best interest of the kids. I wouldn't recommend any other attorney in Spokane.

Posted by Jessica | December 7, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Puts kids best interest first!

I highly recommend Mr. Platt. I have an ongoing custody case that involves domestic violence. Him and his team have held the children's safety at highest importance through my entire case. He is extremely knowledgable navigating court verbiage and situation. When it comes to money, any good lawyer re...presenting you in court is going to cost you. I think of it this way, you get what you pay for... I dont find him to be worth any less than he asked for. He IS the best, honest, fair lawyer I have come accrossed and will hands down send everyone I know to him if they find themselves in a similar situation. You could say he has been an angel of Devine intervention for my family.

Posted by Jenny | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Ok guy, but did not advocate for me

Ben Platt seems to be a basically decent guy, but as a lawyer he was instrumental in leaving me in an extremely precarious and vulnerable position, financially drained, and my children regularly in the hands of an abuser. I was referred to Ben by the YWCA, where his wife is a domestic violence leg...al advocate. I did not know this at the time. In hindsight this seems like a conflict of interest. I was trying to leave a violent marriage, being threatened, stalked, financially cut off, and needed to act quickly to secure safety for my children and I. I did not have the strength to self represent. Although I asked for the temporary relief of a restraining order, I was advised not to ask for one. The other party’s lawyer wanted to move through the process quickly in shortened time, and assured no trouble. Ben was aware that the lawyer is one of the more contentious, trial prone attorneys in family law. I was not. Ben advised trusting the other party. Stalking and harassment continued. In later discussions, Ben didn’t even think we could mediate or attempt settlement, and didn't try. Trials are big money for attorneys. Any difficulty was always the other attorney's fault. Communication was poor. Ben’s office did nothing in a timely manner. Preparation was poor. Responses were made in a hurry. Staff turnover was high, and new staff meant more time getting up to speed on my case. My temporary orders were lost by the court, Ben had a family emergencies (but didn’t tell me). He reconstructed orders incorrectly. Had he returned my multiple calls, he could have easily created the orders properly. It cost me thousands, and potential protection for my kids. Although I asked repeatedly, and made it clear that DV should be brought up every time we were in court, Ben would not pursue acknowledgement of domestic violence. It is taboo and makes the court uncomfortable, because they are going to give kids to abusers anyway. Ben made it clear that he could handle only the stereotypical abuser who blackens eyes and breaks bones. Ben blamed me for not pursuing restrictions after he advised I couldn't and wouldn't be successful if I tried. I asked for a loophole free parenting plan. My plan has so many holes it looks like Swiss cheese. The abuser creates chaos with this. I let Ben go after a few things happened that shed some light on the sad state of affairs of family law: #1-He offered to assist me in filing a bankruptcy, after I paid him approx $20k in charges. #2-He discussed in front of me, with another guardian, getting a friend of his into the GAL program who had a previous record of abuse. #3-After multiple post-divorce filings by the litigious ex, he told me that I could only protect my kids if they were being sexually abused or had broken bones or bruises, but that wouldn’t happen if I didn’t force them to go on abusive visits. #4-He texted me while patronizing the abusive ex's place of business, while I was currently retaining him for services. I have chosen to no longer participate in continued abuse through litigation. I have since been fined and browbeaten multiple times by the court for not litigating. I will potentially lose my children. I cannot afford the time and energy that is necessary to devote to fighting with an personality disordered individual. I want to live in peace. While it is bittersweet to know that I was correct in feeling afraid that I wouldn’t be protected in getting out, it is sad to see how others participate in a system that financially destroys and revictimizes survivors. I bear no ill will against Ben, but he was not capable of handling my (unwanted, by me) high-conflict, domestic abuse divorce. If this is not your situation, he might be ok.

See All Client Reviews

Benjamin D Platt's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Benjamin
Lani Jeanne Sockle headshot
Lani Sockle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben is a dedicated and skilled advocate for his clients."

Joseph W Kuhlman headshot
Joseph Kuhlman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Platt aggressively represents his clients in court and is always professional and ready for court. I would gladly recommend him to represent your needs."

Karen Gwen Schweigert headshot
Karen Schweigert

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Platt represents his clients aggressively and competently while behaving with complete professionalism."

Michael John Gainer headshot
Michael Gainer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I've been on the opposing side fighting Mr. Platt and referred cases to him. He is a very good lawyer. I highly recommend him."

Shannon Bomie Pae headshot
Shannon Pae

Family lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Platt is a very good advocate for people in the community. He has great oral argument skills in hearings and trial, and generally, has a strong passion for his clients. He truly does care for his clients."

Jacqueline Porter headshot
Jacqueline Porter

Family lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Benjamin is effective and aggressive and always professional. He is highly respected by his peers and provides an excellent service to his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Benjamin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Kelly W Padgham headshot
Kelly Padgham

Family lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben is an advocate for his client, but he is also very reasonable. He is a strong litigator, who also is willing to work collaboratively with opposing counsel."

Timothy Scott Note headshot
Timothy Note

Family lawyer | Feb 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have referred a a number of my clients who have family law issues to Mr. Platt. All of the feedback I have received from them has been positive."

Kenneth H. Kato headshot
Kenneth Kato

Family lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I do not practice trial family law, but Ben does and he is an aggressive advocate for his clients. He will do what it takes to protect your interests."

Brant L Stevens headshot
Brant Stevens

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Platt is an honest hard working intelligent attorney who is committed to representing his client's interests."

Thomas G Jarrard headshot
Thomas Jarrard

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I don't practice family law or criminal defense. So, I rely on Ben's expertise often when my clients have questions in these matters. I refer all my family law inquiries to Ben because he is efficient and focused."

Donald J Richter headshot
Donald Richter

Family lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Ben to be a passionate and tenacious family law attorney, he will work hard for you and your family."

Scott R. Staab headshot
Scott Staab

Family lawyer | Sep 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben is an excellent choice if you want someone who is both intelligent and skilled in the courtroom."

F. Dayle Andersen Jr. headshot
F. Dayle Andersen

Family lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ben for several years, he has demonstrated great skills and effective advocacy on behalf of his clients. Reading the client disputes prior to my endorsement surprises me, I have found Ben to be an outstanding attorney for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Timothy Scott Note headshot
Timothy Note

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas G Jarrard headshot
Thomas Jarrard

Appeals lawyer

James Richard Sweetser headshot
James Sweetser

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Donald J Richter headshot
Donald Richter

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Client's Choice Award 2013, AVVO

2008

Pro Bono Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2001

Cum Laude, Washington State University

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt

2002 - 2004

Intern, Law Office of Eric Steven

Associations

2014 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Criminal Law Section Member

2014 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Family Law Section Member

2012 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Spokane County Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

Signa Alpha Epsilon

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Washington vs. E.C.

Not Guilty

State of Washington vs. JA

Not Gulity

See More Legal Cases

Education

2015

King County Bar Association

Title 26 Guardian ad Litem

2004

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2001

Washington State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2014

Spokesman Review Newspaper Yard Sale Boat Deal - (Kip Hill)

2013

Spokesman Review - (Thomas Clouse) Trial of Father Accused of Abusing Child

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution