Atty. David Starks
Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life. That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers; Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State; The Best Lawyers in America; Washington Super Lawyers, and most recently, Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area.
Child Custody & More Attorney · Serving Seattle, WA · 28+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About David Starks at a Glance
David Starks is a Partner based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at McKinley Irvin. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and military. Admitted to practice in Washington (1998), Texas (2008), and Oregon (2010). Educated at Seattle University School of Law (J.D. Cum, 1998) and University of Southern Indiana B.A. English (—). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David Starks
- Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life
- That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers
- Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
- Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Washington Super Lawyers, and most recently, Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area
- Public rankings and recognitions aside, David is a strategic thinker, a gifted advocate, and a warm “people person” who insists that “law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things.” He proves that every day, representing clients in a wide range of divorce cases involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests, as well as other cutting-edge family law matters, including international divorce and child custody. "Practicing family law is emotionally satisfying for me
- I much prefer the personal connection that comes with protecting the rights of my clients and their families to the impersonal process of representing corporations
- And I’ve done both
- Whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, David says he will “go the distance” to resolve each case in his clients’ interests
- And he will do so with compassion and respect
- Admired around the office for his innate ability to connect with clients and for his willingness to share his expertise with younger lawyers, David Starks is the kind of professional who can handle with aplomb the toughest cases that come in the door. "You wake up a little earlier than the other guy
- You work a little later,” he explains. “And you make sure you’ve done everything you can to ensure the best possible outcomes
- That’s what exceptional lawyering is all about
- And that’s the standard we have set for ourselves at McKinley Irvin."
Practice Areas Explained
David Starks's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Starks handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Seattle.
Divorce in Seattle
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
David Starks is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Washington →
Child Custody & Visitation in Seattle
David Starks is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Washington →
Family Law in Seattle
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
David Starks is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Washington →
Child Support in Seattle
David Starks is one of 24,443 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in Washington →
Military Law in Seattle
Military attorneys for court-martial, discharge upgrades, veterans benefits, and military family matters.
David Starks is one of 8,508 military attorneys indexed nationally. Browse military attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Seattle
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Seattle are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Seattle Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Seattle-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Seattle Choose David Starks
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David Starks's practice in the field of divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and military.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
David Starks brings 28+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Washington, Texas, and Oregon, David Starks can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering divorce, child custody, and family law, David Starks can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Seattle
A Seattle-based practice means David Starks attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David Starks Handles in Seattle
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David Starks has experience with under Washington law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David Starks directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find David Starks Online
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David Starks's Practice Areas & Specializations
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