• David Starks
• Marc T. Christianson
• Jennifer J. Payseno
• Kathy S. Root
• Susan J. Shulenberger
• Elizabeth Hershman-Greven
• Justin Sedell
• Kim Schnuelle
• Lisa Dufour
• Sharon L. Friedrich
• Laura Carlsen
• Elizabeth Bianchi
• Jessica T. Moore
• Annelisa Smith
• Jamie Walker
• Christina Smith
• Lindsay Noel
• Krista Stipe
• Lindsay Camandona
• Rita Herrera Irvin
• Sands McKinley

Marc T. Christianson

Partner

• Divorce
• Complex divorce (cases involving business interests, complex financial issues, or asset values of $1 million or more)
• Complex Property Distribution Matters
• Collaborative and Cooperative Divorce
• Spousal Maintenance
• Support Modifications
• Available as Arbitrator or Mediator

• Download and print this profile: Marc T. Christianson

Marc Christianson began practicing family law in 1976. He has distinguished himself as one of Washington's premier divorce and family law attorneys, widely admired for both his skill and professionalism. Marc is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has been rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell®, a peer review rating distinguishing him as an attorney rated at the highest level of professional experience and ethical conduct.

Marc focuses his practice on divorce and family law matters with complex or unique property distribution, spousal maintenance, or support issues. He is trained and experienced in using mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law as alternative methods of dispute resolution in divorce cases.

Marc's perennial success as a family law attorney stems from both a history of achieving successful results for his clients, as well as providing a high level of personal service to each client. Marc points out that, "I understand the stress each client experiences during a family law case. Each client deserves to be treated with respect and compassion, which is how I interact with my clients."

"I believe in meticulous, tenacious representation regardless of whether a case is resolved by settlement or litigation. I also believe successful results can be achieved in a dignified and respectful manner. This is how I have practiced family law for over 36 years."

With over 20 years of experience as a mediator and arbitrator, he is frequently sought out to mediate or arbitrate in family law cases. He also has served for many years as both a Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore and Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore.

In addition to his litigation practice, Marc is trained as a Collaborative Divorce lawyer, and is an active member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, Collaborative Professionals of Washington, and Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County.

Marc has served as President of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. He is also a founder and first chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section.

Marc received his law degree in 1974 from Seattle University School of Law. After graduation, he was selected to serve as clerk to U.S. Federal District Judge George H. Boldt. Marc then entered private law practice in Tacoma in 1976.

EDUCATION

• J.D., Seattle University School of Law
• B.A. University of Puget Sound

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

• Selected by his peers as one of The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of Family Law in 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2005
• Distinguished as a Washington Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers® in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, and 2006
• Peer review rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell®

APPOINTMENTS

• Washington State Bar Association Family Law Executive Committee, Past Chair
• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, Past President
• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Family Law Section, Founding Member & First Chair
• Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tempore
• Pierce County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section
• Washington State Bar Association Trust Account Responsibilities and Retainers Task Force
• International Association of Collaborative Professionals
• Collaborative Professionals of Washington
• Collaborative Law Professionals of Pierce County

RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

• "Marital Agreements: Pre and Post Enforcement and Requirements," Washington State Bar Association CLE, April 2011.
• "Uninsured Motorist Arbitrations from a Neutral Arbitrator's Perspective," Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Assocation CLE, December 2010.
• "Family Law 101: Time for a Reality Check,"Washington State Bar Association CLE, December 2010.
• "Computer Technology Part 1," presentation on using Voice Recognition Software for attorneys at a Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Assocation Seminar, May 2010.
• "Preparation of Your Case and Client For Settlement Conference and Trial," Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association CLE, October 2008.
• Ethics presentation with Bob Gould, Family Law Section Midyear Meeting & Seminar, Washington State Bar Association CLE and Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Annual Retreat, May 2008 and June 2006.
• "Suggestions for Better Mediation," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Winter 2007.
• "QDROs and More: Mastering the Division and Assignment of Retirement Benefits in a Marital Dissolution," Washington State Bar Association CLE, October 2007.
• "It's All About Serving Our Members," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Spring 2003.
• "Renewal for One, Please," Washington State Bar Family Law Section Newsletter, Winter 2002.

McKinley Irvin proudly serves Washington State with offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Puyallup and Gig Harbor.