Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Glenn E. Tanner
About Glenn
Biography
What You Can Expect
Your case is of extreme importance to you and to Glenn. Families are one of the most important and complicated aspects of our society. Your role, rights, and responsibilities to your Family are unique and deserve professionalism and respect. Glenn’s goal is to achieve the best possible results for his clients, while at the same time delivering the kind of personal service you deserve.
Practicing law should be a profession and that means you are entitled to great service and a high level of competence. Glenn strives to respond to phone calls and emails within 24 hours. He is available for after-hour appointments. You will be kept up to date about your case. Glenn believes clients should control the outcome, direction and tone of their litigation. His duty is to educate you about the law, advise you about your procedural options, and advocate for you strongly and effectively in a manner that is appropriate for your case.
It is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your attorney. Glenn welcomes your questions and phone calls. He relies on your feedback and strives to find ways you can save on attorney fees. A good attorney/client relationship depends on trust. Glenn trusts you will be responsive to requests for information and you can trust Glenn to do everything reasonable, within your budget, to promote your interests. Often you will see attorneys promise to “zealously advocate” for their clients. Such gonzo, warrior-like approaches often lead to pointless fighting and result in excessive attorney fees. Sometimes, a scorched earth approach is needed but many times it makes more sense to take a judicious and careful approach. In addition to the financial costs of litigation, Glenn understands there is a high emotional cost to everything you do in litigation. While keeping you informed and protected, Glenn also tries to empower you and make it easier for you to protect yourself and resolve conflicts more easily down the road. If you are not getting good service from your lawyer, let Glenn know and he may post your experience on his blog, Stupid Things My Lawyer Did, so he and other lawyers can learn from your unfortunate experiences.
When needed, Glenn will advise you about the use of various forensic experts such as accountants, appraisers and financial analysts. Glenn has established relationships with respected and knowledgeable experts in various fields including tax, financial planning, parenting, substance abuse, sexual abuse, computers, private investigation, business and pension valuations, personal property and real estate valuations. Glenn often uses the specialized skills of a certified divorce financial analyst to help value the marital estate, assess the parties’ income, trace separate property assets, and evaluate tax planning strategies for settlement. A financial expert can provide valuable assistance during discovery, settlement negotiations, trial and in collaborative cases.
Personal Information
Glenn was an orphan before working class parents in rural Wisconsin, close to Madison, adopted him. Glenn did not grow up the privileged child of lawyers or other professionals. Of the 262 persons in his law school class, he was one of a handful whose parents were not college graduates. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Glenn worked numerous jobs to pay for college and law school. He truly understands what it means to struggle financially and understands the need to be conservative with your hard-earned money.
Options Regarding Representation and Payments
Unbundled or Limited Services
Glenn often provides “unbundled legal services” or limited representation. Unbundled services is when an attorney provides limited assistance instead of full representation. This option often makes legal help affordable. If you only need advice, document preparation, and help preparing for court, unbundled legal services may work for you. Unbundled often works well for modifications, name changes, and uncontested divorces. Contact Glenn if you are curious about unbundled legal services. He can review your situation and provide just the limited services you need such as drafting of documents, and helping you prepare for questions the judge may ask. You can then represent yourself with more confidence but with much lower legal costs and greater control over how your case is handled
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 35 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Glenn E. Tanner
901 N Adams St, Spokane, WA, 99201-2050
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Glenn E. Tanner's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (41)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Client | April 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Worthless attorney just wants money charges outrageous fees and does little to nothing for it.
The most impatient arrogant man around. My consultation was with him on Christmas Eve many years ago. Made the whole divorce process worse if you would even think that's possible. Charged me 12k and did nothing for me. At midigation sat there working on other cases the whole time. Lost my ass in divo...
Glenn Tanner
Replied last April 02, 2018No one has ever spoken to me about any of the above kind of complaints. I question whether this reviewer was ever a client because I do not recall anything that resembles the above description. I wonder if the author of the above review is actually the one client below I know to have given me a negative review and who said he would use the internet to “get me.” There are so many complete falsehoods in the review that I cannot imagine it being authentic, including: 1) I’ve never asked a client to sign something saying he/she would not criticize me. I have no such form, have never seen such a form, and have never even imagined such a form existed. 2) I never work on other client’s matters during mediation, unless there is nothing I can productively do for a client at that time and the client consents. Clients always consent because it saves them money. Sometimes there are hours upon hours during mediation when there is nothing to do but sit and wait for the mediator to return from caucusing with the other party. My clients are always prepared for mediation so they can make decisions intelligently. 3) The above person claims I charged for work but really did nothing. I’ve never done anything of the sort. Clients are provided with detailed bills of all work performed and are always welcomed to discuss any billing concerns free of charge. 4) The reviewer above claims he/she “lost my ass” in the divorce and that he/she had to pay too much “alimony.” We don’t have alimony in Washington so again I question whether this is a real client. We do have maintenance and it is awarded in part on ability to pay and I’ve never had a client ordered or had one agree to pay more than is appropriate under the circumstances. That does not mean that sometimes it is more than a client and I wish he or she had to pay. Maintenance awards are always difficult but I always make sure a client pays no more than is appropriate and less if possible. 5) It’s claimed above that it was some kind of failing because I did not prepare a deed after the final paperwork was prepared. I give clients an option of foregoing a deed and trusting that a title company will pick up the transfer of title from the final paperwork, or incurring the expense of preparing and recording a deed. If this was a real client, he or she obviously chose to forgo the preparation of the deed, which is a reasonable decision, but it can mean a deed is later required. 6) It’s claimed above that I charge 4-5 times more than a decent attorney. My hourly rate is in the middle of the range of experienced family law attorneys. Sometimes my total fees are less and sometimes more than the other attorney. It depends on what a client’s needs, their personalities, and how much work he/she can do themselves. The above reviewer also seems to have been offended by my impatience and arrogance. I come from a very humble background. I was one of two members of my law school class of 262 students whose parents were not college graduates. I try to be understanding but confess that I am not perfect and the above gives me pause to consider what I might have done or said to warrant these comments. I can’t recall anything, and as I’ve said, no one has spoken or communicated such sentiments to me otherwise. I do strive to save client’s money by giving them as much to do as possible and am at times stressed by the fact they do not get work done in time or of the quality that is needed. Particularly at those times I should be more careful about how I communicate to clients. If this review is by a real former client from “many years ago” and he/she would like to discuss this further I welcome that opportunity but I suspect it's an added review by the one client below who gave me a negative review.
Posted by Jeff | March 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Dont trust him for anything!!!!
After blowing the initial hearing( that took 2 yrs to correct and over 100k) Glen stuttered that he felt I should get another attorney as the commissioner didn't like him. Got the easy money and wanted out. He had no issue charging a ridiculous price knowing he screwed up the case beyond horror-ably....
Glenn Tanner
Replied last March 26, 2018This review is surprising because it completely contradicts everything this person told me immediately after I stopped representing him. He told me then, repeatedly, that he was very pleased with my efforts and representation. This is confirmed in writing. He shook my hand and thanked me for my help. In the over two years since then, this person did not voice any concerns to me before posting his initial review. I would welcome an opportunity to talk with this client about his concerns but when I tried it was apparent he was not ready to fully do so. Instead, he told me he would use the internet to "get me" and hung up. I try to be open to constructive criticism and always welcome free discussions about any concerns regarding billing or my representation. This person never expressed such concerns to me, before his initial posting, and in fact cheerfully paid his bill in full. Attorneys are governed by rules of professional conduct and these rules limit my ability to respond. This person states that I "screwed up" his case. The only work I did for him was an initial temporary hearing in front of a Commissioner. We were disappointed with the result because this person very much wanted to be the primary caretaker of his son and the Commissioner saw it differently. There is a proper procedure for having Commissioner’s rulings reviewed by a Judge. I advised my client to do this and he did file a motion for such a review with his new attorney. The standard for such a hearing is de novo, meaning it is a complete second bite of the apple on the issues you want reviewed. However, the Judge who conducted the review hearing had the same opinion as the Commissioner. Surely, had I really "screwed up" the first hearing, this person and his new attorney would have corrected my errors at the revision hearing in front of the real Judge. Instead, the Judge thought the Commissioner's decision at the hearing I was responsible for was well founded, proper, and legal. When this client posted his initial review, he included many factually false statements about the fees I earned, the fees he paid, what the fees were for, etc. His current review is still skewed and highly inaccurate in my opinion. He is hurting and wants someone to blame. This client went through a divorce and experts say that is the most stressful thing we can experience in our society. It saddens me most that he questions my effort; I always give my clients my best effort I did tell him when we spoke recently that I felt bad about the outcome of the first hearing, and he insisted that this meant that I felt guilty about how much I had done or how well I had represented him. I do not. A transcript of the Commissioner’s ruling makes it clear that we made clear arguments about this client’s high level of involvement with the child and provided the Commissioner with many facts in support of this client’s desired outcome. Unfortunately, this Commissioner, and a Judge upon revision, felt it was in the child’s best interest to be placed primarily with the Mother because of the child’s special attachment to her. (I do not believe this Commissioner, or any other Commissioner or Judge dislikes me). This outcome hurt this client deeply because he loves his son. We did everything we could to achieve a different result and I'm sorry our arguments did not prevail. This client also parted ways with his second attorney. I can't please everyone, but I try.
Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2016 | Child Support
He doesn't blow smoke...
I worked with Glenn regarding a child support/custody issue in which I represented myself with Glenn as a consulting attorney. Without a financial kitty to fall back on, his "unbundled" option for legal advice was affordable and realistic for my limited budget as a single parent. I deeply wish I had ...
Posted by anonymous | September 05, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Perceptive and pragmatic
Mr. Tanner accepted my dissolution case after my previous attorney had made no progress beyond 11 months of conjecture and high fees. Mr. Tanner was a quick study, focused on the important, affect-able issues and kept me grounded. I liked his practical approach, and how he collaborated with me, liste...
Posted by Linda | March 06, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
client
Excellent attorney, compashionate, took me to the courtroom before hand to make my experience in the court less stressful. He was able to get the maintance needed versus what Larry suggested which was unexceptable. He was always able to answer my questions when needed and very patient with me. I woul...
Glenn E. Tanner's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am proud to endorse Glenn; as he is an excellent attorney and well-respected colleague. Glenn is both knowledgeable and committed to providing quality representation for his clients. He is always prepared and willing to resolve matters without needless and costly litigation."
"I endorse Glenn. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I highly recommend Glenn Tanner to anyone needing legal assistance in a family law matter in the Spokane area. I met Glenn through our mutual work on collaborative divorces and I was highly impressed with his intelligence and professionalism. I have heard great feed back from those clients who have hired Glenn to help them."
"Glenn is extremely dedicated to his clients. He takes the time to learn exactly what his clients want and why, and he spares no effort in passionately pursuing their goals. He is always courteous, respectful, and patient, which are qualities that are appreciated by his clients and colleagues alike."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have been the opposing counsel on several cases with Glenn. I find him to be professional and reasonable in the handling of legal disputes. He puts the interests of his clients at the forefront of his legal strategizing and and never loosessight of the fact that he is impacting the lives of his clients and their families. Glenn is a pleasure to work with."
"I endorse and would recommend Mr. Tanner to everyone and anyone. I have been practicing for 24 years. I was the youngest judge in Colorado history, a magistrate, a prosecutor in three districts, a law professor, and have worked in private practice for years. I still learn from his Avvo answers each and every day. He is a huge credit to the legal system. Hire him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked multiple collaborative law cases with Glenn. He works diligently to help his client achieve their goals, but in a thoughtful and conscientious way that builds trust between the parties. I consider him an extremely good collaborative law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Glenn and I have been on opposing sides on some pretty contentious cases. He is good at putting emotions aside and focusing on the facts and law. On one case the parties wound up sitting together to finalize their case."
"I endorse this lawyer. Glenn conducts himself with the utmost professionalism. He is both a strong litigator and one of the few collaboratively trained attorneys in the Spokane area. Glenn is able to wear both "hats" as (both) an effective trial attorney and collaborative attorney."
"I have had many cases over the past 5 years with Glenn Tanner representing the other spouse. I have found him to be very professional, and is a strong believer in the strengths of collaborative practice for divorcing couples. I know that when we are respresnting spouses in a collaborative divorce case, the clients will get the results that are interest based, and not tainted by intimidation and baseless allegations, which often happen in litigated divorces. I always look forward to working on a divorce case when Glenn is reprseenting the other spouse."
"I endorse this lawyer. Glenn is an articulate, thoughtful practitioner. When I need to refer folks to a family lawyer in the Spokane area, he is the one I choose. Glenn offers top-notch legal services with an eye towards peaceful, out-of-court resolutions. One client of mine who I referred to Glenn for a Spokane County matter reflected back to me that while she was certainly impressed with Glenn's obvious legal acuity, she was even more impressed with his empathy and integrity. "A true gentleman", said she. I have to say I agree."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I use to share offices with Glenn for 5 years in West Seattle. Having seen him in action many many times, I can say without hesitation that he is an excellent attorney and great guy! I would highly recommend his services. ."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Tanner is wise and noble. He does a difficult job with a very professional flair."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Tanner has gone to great lengths and personal sacrifice in order to hone the tools necessary to achieve his client's goals in a conflict-free manner by using collaborative and restorative techniques to guide parties to a satisfying result. Despite the inherent difficulties in his areas of practice, Mr. Tanner continues to provide the highest quality legal advice. We are lucky to have him in Spokane and I have recommended him to friends and clients alike."
"Glenn has been a key figure in the development of Collaborative Law in the Spokane area (and in Washington). I met him through my mutual interest and we've attended conferences and meetings together. He has always exhibited keen intelligence, attention to detail and devotion to providing meaningul service to clients."
"I worked with Glenn in a particularly hostile dissolution which also involved a business with significant income. Glenn was a pleasure to deal with and never bought into his, or my clients' desire to win at all costs. He remained professional, calm and legally effective throughout."
"I have worked with and consulted with Glenn Tanner on several difficult cases. Glenn has a great deal of experience in family law and other legal matters and I find his legal analysis to be well-reasoned."
Ellen Hendrick
Divorce and separation lawyer
John Mc Gilliard
Family lawyer
Laura Weight
Family lawyer
Thomas Webster
Family lawyer
Amy Rimov
Family lawyer
Julie Watts
Family lawyer
Graham Stone
Family lawyer
Gerri Newell
Family lawyer
Vicki Null-Carey
Divorce and separation lawyer
David Lohman
Family lawyer
Matthew Fischer
Family lawyer
Bruce Pruitt-Hamm
Family lawyer
Kelly Padgham
Family lawyer
Patty Grossman
Family lawyer
John Burke
Divorce and separation lawyer
Hong Tran
Appeals lawyer
Jon Mueller
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Cathy Zavis
Divorce and separation lawyer
Nancy Retsinas
Family lawyer
Kimberlee Zak
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
2010 Top Attorney, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine
2006
Master Male Runner of the Year, Bloomsday Road Runner's Club
2001
Male Runner of the Year, West Seattle Running Club
1990
cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School
1990
Dean's List, University of Minnesota Law School
Work Experience
1995 - Present
Owner, Glenn E. Tanner - Attorney at law
1991 - 1995
, Shiers, Chrey, Hague, Cox & Caulkins
1990 - 1991
, Scales & Associates
1990 - 1990
, deMers & Associates
Associations
2004 - Present
Spokane County Bar Association
2004 - Present
Bloomsday Road Runners Club
1996 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
1995 - Present
West Seattle Running Club
1990 - Present
Washington State Bar Association
2007 - 2009
Collaborative Practice of WashingtonDirector
2007 - 2009
Washington Collaborative LawPast Director
2006 - 2017
Spokane County Collaborative ProfessionalsDirector and Vice President
2006 - 2017
Spokane County Collaborative ProfessionalsFormer Director
2005 - 2005
Spokane Preservation AdvocatesFormer Director
1996 - 2004
King County Bar Association, Family Law Section
1995 - 2005
King County Bar Association
1995 - 2004
King County Bar Association, Solo and Small Practice Section
1991 - 1995
Kitsap County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Collaborative Wife v. Collaborative Husband
Resolution of All Issues by Collaborative Process
Education
1990
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
Evergreen State College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
University of Wisconsin, Madison
non-degree
N/A
University of London, Birbeck College
non-degree
Speaking Engagements
2021
Spokane County Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education
Introduction to Collaborative Practice
2011
Preparing Your Family Law Case for Mediation or Trial
Alternative to Litigation
2010
Introduction for Mental Health Specialist to Collaborative Law
The Collaborative Practice Paradigm Shift
2008
Spokane Rotary
Collaborative Practice - Alternative to War
2008
Nuts and Bolts of Family Law
Asset Division in Dissolution Actions
2007
Spokane Financial Planners
Intro to Collaborative Practice
2007
Chelan-Douglas County Bar Association Luncheon
Intro to Collaborative Practice
2007
Boise Collaborative Practice Group
Intro to Collaborative Practice
2006
Spokane County Bar Association Lunch Seminar
Intro to Collaborative Practice
Publications
2009
In Touch: Newsletter of the Collaborative Professionals of Washington
How to Practice When You Don't Have a Full Team
2009
Book: SCCP'S Evolving Practice Protocols and Best Practices for Attorneys. 170 pages. Principal author and editor.
Rules of Professional Collaborative Attorney Conduct in Spokane County
2008
Spokane County Bar Association Calendar Call
Are Your Client Meetings Ethical?
2007
Spokane County Bar Association Calendar Call
What is Collaborative Law All About?
1992
Kitsap County Business Journal
How to Protect the Rights of Creditors
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I have to list my mothers and great aunts income in my child support papers
01 Apr 2026
Q&A
How do I navigate a divorce When there is A domestic violence protection order against my husband?
26 Mar 2026
Q&A
Can i get the state of washington to include my ex-wifes annual bonuses(50K+) into her total income?
25 Mar 2026
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What is a Power of Attorney Document All About?
20 Dec 2009
Legal Guide
Why Is A Divorce Coach Or Facilitator A Good Idea?
15 Dec 2009
Legal Guide
Did Your Attorney Show You the Full Menu?
08 Sep 2009