Introduction
Margaret strongly believes in empowering her clients by keeping them fully engaged in their cases, whether they are taking the first steps to educate themselves about their options, or involved in heated litigation. Margaret believes that negotiating a settlement in her client’s best interest is often the best way to give her client control over the outcome of their case and their future. However, when settlement is not possible, Margaret is a strong advocate for her clients in the courtroom.
Margaret has practiced family law for fifteen years. Before joining Wechsler Becker, Margaret worked for seven years with leading family law attorney Janet A. George, with a practice specializing in high-asset and high-profile cases. She has extensive experience helping clients navigate complex cases, including closely-held businesses, layered business structures, and tax issues. Margaret is also experienced in protecting her client’s privacy and in appropriate cases will discuss diverting cases to private arbitration for an additional layer of privacy.
Margaret’s clients span all incomes and circumstances, and she enjoys the challenge of problem-solving with them and planning for families that do not fit a traditional mold. She understands what is important to her clients and has handled cases involving difficult parenting issues such as addiction and mental health concerns. Every case is unique, but her clients’ safety is always a primary concern for Margaret; she is always cognizant of how legal decisions affect the everyday lives of her clients and their future.
Margaret is active in the King County legal community and has served as Secretary, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the King County Bar Association Family Law Section. She has also served as an Editor of the Washington Family Law Deskbook. Prior to practicing family law, Margaret interned for the Honorable Timothy M. Burgess of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, as well as for the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations (now Alliance for a Just Society), the Northwest Women’s Law Center (now Legal Voice), and the Center for Reproductive Rights. While attending Northeastern University School of Law on a Dean’s Scholarship, she also served as a domestic violence advocate in Dorchester District Court in Boston.
When not working, Margaret enjoys spending time with her family. Having grown up in Alaska, she also loves the outdoors and spends as much time as she can hiking and cross-country skiing. And on the rare occasion when the childcare stars align she enjoys dancing lindy hop, balboa, and collegiate shag with her husband.