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“I work closely with parties to craft an individualized approach to each case, depending on the family’s particular circumstances, situation, and needs. Every family law case is different, and no single approach is appropriate. I seek creative solutions to difficult family law problems, looking for the parties and their children. Family law cases involve the most important parts of our lives – our children, our income, and all the property we own.“
Introduction
Michael Louden brings thirty years of family law litigation experience to his work as a family law mediator and arbitrator. In addition to working as a litigator since 1995, Michael has served as a guardian ad litem and court appointed special advocate for children, representing the interests of children in contested custody cases. He was chair of the section in 1999, and chaired the section’s legislative committee for over 15 years. Michael regularly presents at CLE’s for other family law attorneys. He serves as a mentor for new attorneys through the King County Bar Association Family Law Mentor Program. Since 2003, he has served as a King County Family Law pro tem Commissioner.
Michael has handled nearly every type of family law case, including dissolution of marriage, parentage, establishment of parenting plans and child support, non-marital relationships, restraining orders (26.50, 26.09, 26.26, 10.14), enforcement and contempt, modifications, relocation of children, interstate issues (UCCJEA and UIFSA), third-party custody, and appeals. Financial issues include maintenance, child support, property division, modifications, QDRO’s, asset valuation issues, small businesses, and real estate disputes. His experience with interpersonal issues includes substance abuse, mental health problems, family abuse and domestic violence, financial abuse and control, sexual abuse, and the many forms of family conflict that leads to court involvement. Michael has handled every stage of the case, from pre-filing strategy and consultation through trial, appeal, post-decree enforcement, and modification.
(Please note that if Mr. Louden has presided as a commissioner pro tem in your case, neither he nor any other attorney at Wechsler Becker, LLP can represent you.)
Michael’s practice is now focused on work as a family law neutral. To inquire about availability, please e-mail Kristin House at kristin@wechslerbecker.com. Please see links below for:
Bar Admissions
Washington State Bar Association, 1994
Education
University of Washington School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1994
Earlham College, Bachelor of Arts, 1990
Professional & Community Associations
Member, King County Bar Association, 1995 – present
Past Chair, King County Bar Association Family Law Section, officer 1999 – 2002, chair 2001 – 2002
Member, Washington State Bar Association Family Law Section, 1995 – present
Speaking Engagements
Michael has presented on many topics at numerous local and statewide conferences and seminars, including:
“Developments in Third-Party Custody Law.” December 18, 2003
“What Goes Into Good GAL Reports.” February 23, 2005
“Defending the Role of GAL’s.” (Discussion Panel) March 18, 2005
“Cross-Examination of GAL’s.” October 25, 2006
“KCBA Family Law Section Family Law Legislative Update.” Annually, since 1998
“SB 5470 and Changes in Family Law.” September 7, 2007
“Alienation as a Sign of High Conflict.” 2011
“Minimizing High Conflict and Alienation in Divorce.” 2011
“Ethics in Financial Divorce Settlements.” 2011
“Preparing Clients for GAL Interviews.” 2011
“Effective Use of Parenting Evaluations in Divorce.” 2011
“Child Support and Spousal Maintenance in Dissolution A-Z.” 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013
“Ethics in Family Law.” 2011 and 2013
“Oddities, Challenges, and Rarities in Family Law.” 2013
“Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets.” 2014
Publications
Editor, Family Law Section of the Washington Lawyer’s Practice Manual, 2000 – 2014
“Use of Qualified Domestic Relations Order as Post-Decree Mechanism for Enforcement of Child Support and Maintenance.” WSBA Family Law Newsletter (Spring, 1998)