Richard K. Hart

Richard K. Hart

also known as Rick Hart

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 40 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation
This attorney is currently not accepting new clients.
Reason: Not Practicing

About Richard

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 25 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2000

Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 40 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1985

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Richard K. Hart's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

39 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Child Support

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Experienced, Very Knowledgeable, Honest, Supportive, and a Great Guy

I found Rick through AVVO and he caught my attention with the fact that he focuses on representing clients from major technology companies. Being an engineer, I opted to meet with him in person for an initial consultation and was so impressed that I ended up hiring him as my lawyer. Rick initially... carefully guided me through a contentious request from my ex for a ridiculous amount of money for spousal support, child support, post-secondary education support, etc. after my separation. We ended up deciding to fight in court since any negotiations with opposing counsel proofed to be completely futile. He performed brilliantly, made the opposing side look pretty bad in front of the judge (I almost felt sorry for them) and we basically got everything that we wanted. This was then followed by over a year of discovery requests, accusations of non-compliance on matters (which was the farthest thing from the true), threats of holding us in contempt, more and more continuous requests, etc. What I really liked about Rick was his ability to keep his cool, he understood the process, the games, the waste of time and resources, he tried to reason with opposing counsel, encouraged me when I could do some of the work myself, which helped keep down my overall costs, and got me through this arduous process. Had it not been for Rick, this process would have cost me a real fortune and after a year, of this, the opposing side found nothing that we hadn’t put on the table right from the start. I can only imagine what my ex spent on this! As we finally headed into a mediation meeting, Rick was very clear about explaining the risk/reward aspects of every issue and he outlined things very well to help me understand what things he thought were worth fighting over and what items are likely to be just a low Return on Investment. He genuinely wants the best for his clients and does a very good job of communicating expected outcomes based on previous court rulings. Working with Rick and his office felt like working with friends. Rick definitely isn't one of those lawyers who seeks to fight over every meaningless item just to rake up billable hours, but rather he focuses on what really matters most at the end of the day. He understands the law well and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to be able to provide good guidance on how he thinks a court might rule on the issues. In the end, I gave in somewhat in order to stay out of what was starting to look to be the makings of a long protracted costly court battle, but I still think we came out of it with a fair settlement (better than many I have seen at my work). I would highly recommend Rick as a consultant in an amicable divorce (which was the original goal when this whole process initially started) or as a strong lawyer in a highly contested case if need be (where I ended up). Thanks Rick, job well done!

Posted by Jim | March 07, 2014 | Child Support

Should have come to him right from the start

I went through an "amicable" divorce and I initially utilized a cut-rate lawyer who oversaw a "collaborative" divorce process. I felt pretty smart at first--I had saved thousands of dollars in legal fees and things between my ex- and I were fine. Well, later I was reminded that you get what you pay f...or when things between my ex- and I went sideways and there were issues over child support and time with the kids. It was at that point that I found out that my prior representation had done a lousy job of advising me and an even poorer job of writing out the divorce settlement. It was at that point that I sought out and found a new lawyer: Rick Hart. I found him here on Avvo.com and I hired him immediately after a short consultation. Rick has done an excellent job in advising and representing me over a number of difficult issues. He is thoughtful and low-key, but is absolutely willing to be an aggressive advocate when the situation calls for it. My favorite aspect of the way Rick works is that he is always very clear about what things he thinks are worth fighting over (and spending money on) and what things are likely to be very low Return on Investment issues. He definitely isn't the sort of attorney who seeks to fight over everything in order to churn billable hours out, to nobody's benefit but his own. In fact, I have found him to be the opposite. He genuinely wants the best outcome for his clients and he does a really good job of communicating a realistic range of expected outcomes on every issue. The bottom line is that I trust Rick completely and would have no reservations recommending him to other (reasonable) people who find themselves facing a divorce.

Posted by Ben | December 20, 2012 | Child Support

I consider myself lucky to have found Richard

I was very lucky to have found Richard. In addition to his experience and knowledge, I really liked his down to earth personalities and cost conscious approach. Richard knew his stuff, was a great guy to work with. I trusted his judgment and advice. We made an excellent team. Together we scored ...a total win (not many people could say that). My ex-wife was an extremely stubborn, highly emotional and very rude know-it-all. She went through three attorneys while I had the same old Richard in my corner. My ex-wife started off with a low ball estimate on the value of the house she was living in (I moved out), a 70/30 asset split, a large sum of back child support, and an one sided parenting plan full of stupid conditions and restrictions. Richard was able to filter out the noise, separate non-sense from the facts and focus on what really mattered in the court of law, which really helped us to prepare for a mediation meeting with a mediator chosen by the opposing team. We successfully debunked all the claims by the opposing team with facts and took the wind out of their sail. By the end of the mediation, we signed a CR2A agreement that basically consisted of our versions of parenting plan, asset division (50/50) and back child support ($0.00). Then a couple of days later, my ex fired her attorney and hired a new one trying to nullify the agreement. Once again, Richard saved the day. He was able to work with the new opposing counsel and the court to uphold and enforce the agreement. A total win, beyond my expectation! Richard Hart, an excellent attorney, a great guy to be in your corner!

Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2010 | Child Support

Excellent Divorce Lawyer

Rick helped me through a difficult custody battle in many ways: he helped me achieve a joint-custody arrangement, he ensured my son was well represented by an excellent guardian, he arranged an excellent financial settlement, and he gave me reassurance and support throughout the process.

See All Client Reviews

Richard K. Hart's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Yale Lewis III headshot
Yale Lewis

Family lawyer | Apr 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Hart is aggressive and has a refreshing sense of humor. He tells it like it is. Having practiced family law for many years, he knows all of the local family law commissioners and most of the other family law attorneys. He knows the law. He is very good at getting a settlement Mr. Hart also takes personal injury clients. His cut-to-the-chase and aggressive style is well suited to that kind of work."

Leslie Jean Olson headshot
Leslie Olson

Family lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"A client could not ask for a more committed lawyer than Rick Hart. He is a skilled advocate, who tenaciously advances his client's position. He is persuasive and reasoned in the courtroom, adding credibility to his clients' cases, and achieving marvelous results for them. Always, he keeps me on my toes, demanding of me my best skills to match his."

Emily Jennifer Tsai headshot
Emily Tsai

Family lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey R Caffee headshot
Jeffrey Caffee

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Charles Austin Johnson Jr headshot
Charles Johnson

Family lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer unequivocably. For almost 20-years I have been referring clients to Rick to handle their domestic relations matters and have only heard positive things about outcomes and how the client was treated. I will continue to do so."

Wolfgang Richter Anderson headshot
Wolfgang Anderson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard’s sense of humor and legal knowledge make him an extremely dangerous attorney, for he can lull to sleep before you know your pockets have been emptied! He is a professional, he knows his family law, his word is his bond and he is a delight to work with. No one can take advantage of Richard. I am happy to make this endorsement for Richard."

Eugene W Wong headshot
Eugene Wong

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Rick for over 18 years and watched him work. Rick provides top drawer representation that is competent, efficient, and pragmatic. In or out of the courtroom, you'll want to have Rick on your team."

Jennifer R Langbehn headshot
Jennifer Langbehn

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard is a conscientious advocate for his clients. His real world approach to cases generates effective outcomes for his clients without relying on unnecessary or costly tactics. He is an absolute pleasure to work with, and I would recommend him to anyone seeking representation in a divorce/separation case."

Jennie Rebecca Laird headshot
Jennie Laird

Family lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had several cases with Rick over the years, and when I see him appear on the other side I know we will be able to reach resolution respectfully and at a reasonable cost to both parties, even if the parties’ positions are quite different. Rick doesn’t engage in the posturing that sometimes happens in family law cases and instead gets right down to business. His legal work and his good humor have earned him a spot on my referral list."

Sten Evan Sorby headshot
Sten Sorby

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick has a long history of success and I am always confident when referring him a family law case."

Robert J Preston headshot
Robert Preston

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I've sought Rick's advice on a number of major issues over the years since we co-authored an article about a significant tax controversy that was resolved in the US Supreme Court. Rick always has provided the soundest advice which produced winning results. Rick is the "go-to" guy for domestic relations matters in the Seattle area and I would refer a matter of any magnitude to him with utmost confidence."

Thomas William Malone headshot
Thomas Malone

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick is an experienced ,thoughtful, dedicated domestic relations lawyer who gets great results for his clients. He understands his clients and always puts their interest first."

Kristin Noel Preston headshot
Kristin Preston

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Endorsement: Rick provides sound advice and produces winning results. He has a sharp mind and great speaking talent. Rick is the "go-to" guy for domestic relations matters in western Washington and I would refer a matter of any size or importance to him with complete confidence."

Ruth Laura Edlund headshot
Ruth Edlund

Family lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Rick and I have found ourselves on opposite sides of the courtroom a time or two. I enjoy working with him because he has the experience to combine strong advocacy of his client, and solid knowledge of the law, with a collegial manner. Our discussions are always spirited and utterly candid, but we are never enemies at the end of the day. Go to Rick if you can handle the truth."

Jill Elaine Bliss headshot
Jill Bliss

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Richard’s rating as a 10.0- Superb on Avvo is richly deserved. He is an intelligent attorney that takes on difficult cases with a practical view towards resolution. Rick is especially skilled with long-term marriages and is able to absorb and sort through the complexity of high asset matters. I know him to be a strong advocate for his client’s position and is able to tangle with the most vigorous opposing parties and counsel. He doesn’t back down in advocating for his clients. Rick has a great demeanor and takes the time to listen to client’s needs and goals."

Joseph A. Shaub headshot
Joseph Shaub

Family lawyer | Jul 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Richard Hart for more than 15 years. Throughout that entire period he has demonstrated consistent commitment to his clients' interests, an unwavering professionalism and a very sensible, cost-effective approach to problem solving. I endorse Rick without reservations."

Holly Hohlbein Wotherspoon headshot
Holly Hohlbein Wotherspoon

Family lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Rick is a thoughtful, knowledgeable lawyer who is always focused on sensible solutions. He brings a balanced sense of calm to any situation, with his winning combination of gentle humor and legal acumen. His clients and his colleagues are fortunate to have him."

Ricardo A Vazquez headshot
Ricardo Vazquez

Family lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Richard Hart in the King County Courthouse, when he was representing a client with a very tough case. I was impressed with his approach and amazed at his successful results. I have since come to know Richard as an extremely competent and brilliant family law attorney."

Ginger A. Boyle headshot
Ginger Boyle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Rick and I share a commitment to serving divorcing clients. I refer clients to Rick when they need a tough-minded truth-telling negotiator who litigates when necessary. I know that he protects his client's interests and keeps them focused on their long term goals. He communicates clearly and honestly even when the truth is hard to hear. I am honored to be his colleague."

Evelyn W. Sybor headshot
Evelyn Sybor

Family lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Hart is an intelligent and highly professional attorney with great communication skills. He is a warm and empathetic listener with his clients and aggressively pursues their rights."

View All Endorsements
Michael B Galletch headshot
Michael Galletch

Business lawyer

Charles Austin Johnson Jr headshot
Charles Johnson

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Cynthia Lee Bailey headshot
Cynthia Bailey

Family lawyer

Wolfgang Richter Anderson headshot
Wolfgang Anderson

Divorce and separation lawyer

Eugene W Wong headshot
Eugene Wong

Tax lawyer

Jennifer R Langbehn headshot
Jennifer Langbehn

Divorce and separation lawyer

David A. Strickland headshot
David Strickland

Mediation lawyer

Jennie Rebecca Laird headshot
Jennie Laird

Family lawyer

Sten Evan Sorby headshot
Sten Sorby

Chapter 11 bankruptcy lawyer

Thomas William Malone headshot
Thomas Malone

Business lawyer

Ruth Laura Edlund headshot
Ruth Edlund

Divorce and separation lawyer

Leslie Jean Olson headshot
Leslie Olson

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jill Elaine Bliss headshot
Jill Bliss

Probate lawyer

Joseph A. Shaub headshot
Joseph Shaub

Mediation lawyer

Robert J Preston headshot
Robert Preston

Business lawyer

Ricardo A Vazquez headshot
Ricardo Vazquez

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ginger A. Boyle headshot
Ginger Boyle

Mediation lawyer

Evelyn W. Sybor headshot
Evelyn Sybor

Wills and living wills lawyer

Dennis Lynn Potter headshot
Dennis Potter

Personal injury lawyer

Kara Marie Kruse headshot
Kara Kruse

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Best Divorce Lawyers in Edmonds, Expertise

2021

Top Divorce Lawyers in Edmonds, Expertise

2020

Best Divorce Lawyers in Edmonds, Expertise

2020

Best Divorce Lawyers in Seattle, Expertise

2020

Certificate of Participation, King County Volunteer Settlement Conference Program

2019

Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2012

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2012

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2011

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2010

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2009

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2008

Certificate of Appriciation, King County Superior Court

2007

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2006

Certiicate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2005

Random Acts of Professionalism, Washington State Bar Association

2005

Certifcate of Appreciation, Unified Family County - King County

2005

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

2004

Certificate of Appreciation, King County Superior Court

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Volunteer Master Attorney, King County Superior Court

2000 - Present

Partner, Hart Schoener Bliss, P.S.

1992 - 2000

Partner, Treece Richdale Malone Corning & Abbot

1986 - 1992

Lawyer, Cameron Law Office

Associations

2020 - Present

DRAW

Member

2017 - Present

King County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Executive Committee

2008 - Present

King County Collaborative Law

Member

2003 - Present

King County Superior Court Volunteer Settlement Conference Program

Volunteer Master Attorney

2002 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Inactive Member

1990 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice

Member

1986 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1986 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2005 - 2005

King County Bar Association, Judiciary and Courts Committee

Executive Committee Member

2004 - 2004

National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association

Executive Committee Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Schieber and Schieber 92 Wn. App. 1063 (1998)

Court ruled for my client; sustained on appeal

Schneider v. Schneider

Affirmed on Appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

1985

University of Washington School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

University of Washington -Seattle

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

King County Bar Association

Family Law Section Common Cash Flow Issues in Divorce CLE Attended

2017

American Mock Trial Association 2017 Seattle Regional

Judge/Instructor

2017

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Business Evaluation and Tracing in Divorce Cases- CLE Attended

2014

Settlement Conference Master

Parenting and Child Support

2013

UW School of Law - UW Moot Court Honor Board

Judge/Analyst

2013

UW Moot Court Honor Board

UW Moot Court Honor Board/Judge

2012

The Many Faces of Collaborative Law

The Impact of Gender on Negotiation

2012

The Many Faces of Collaborative Law

Sources of Resistance & Moving Beyond Impasse

2012

Planning Your Financial Future

Financial Aspects of Family Law Q&A

1994

The Family Law Survival Guide

What You Need to Do After the Decree

1989

Legal Perspectives on Domestic Violence for Therapists

Presentation for Therapists on Legal Perspectives on Domestic Violence

Publications

2005

Seattle Times One Spouse's Name left on Former Marital Home

2002

Seattle Times Who Owns What Must be Decided

2000

Seattle Times Purchase of One Spouse's Interest in House

1999

Seattle Times Can a Will Deny Children a Share in Estate?

1998

Seattle Times Divorcing Couple Can't Agree on Sales Price for House

1997

Seatte Times Consult Attoney before Wife Dies

1993

Journal of Taxation Financial and Family Topics

Activity

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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