How much does it cost to hire Claire for a child custody case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Claire walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Claire offer a free consultation?

Claire charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Claire's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Washington typically take?

Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Claire gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Claire take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?

Claire is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Claire will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Claire?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Claire will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Claire accepting new child custody clients right now?

Claire's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Claire Kierst Drosdick, Child Custody Attorney in Des Moines, Washington

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Estate Planning · 2.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatClaire K. Drosdick, PLLC

Des Moines, WA

Practicing child custody in Des Moines since 1978.

48+: Years practicing
2.4 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Estate Planning Family Law Probate

Are you Claire Kierst Drosdick?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Claire Kierst Drosdick is a member based in Des Moines, WA. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Estate Planning. Claire has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Claire K. Drosdick, PLLC. Rated 2.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Des Moines, WA
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Estate Planning

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Estate Planning matters from Des Moines, WA.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Claire's practice areas in Des Moines

Claire concentrates on child custody, divorce, estate planning, family law, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Claire handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Des Moines, Washington

Claire takes child custody matters in Des Moines, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claire agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Des Moines, Washington

Claire takes divorce matters in Des Moines, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claire agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Des Moines, Washington

Claire takes estate planning matters in Des Moines, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claire agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Des Moines, Washington

Claire takes family law matters in Des Moines, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claire agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Des Moines, Washington

Claire takes probate matters in Des Moines, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Claire agrees to represent you.

Biography

Claire Kierst Drosdick, child custody attorney serving Des Moines

Claire Kierst Drosdick is a lawyer practicing estate planning/ probate/ wills, family, divorce & separation and 1 other area of law. Claire received a B.A. degree from Douglass College of Rutgers University in 1970, and has been licensed for 48 years. Claire practices at Claire K. Drosdick, PLLC in Des Moines, WA.

How Claire handles child custody matters

Who Claire represents

Claire reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and estate planning matters in Des Moines and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Claire studied and practices

University of Puget Sound
J.D. · 1977
Douglass College of Rutgers University
B.A. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Claire's state bar admissions

Washington
1978 · ACTIVE

Claire studied at J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. in Douglass College of Rutgers University.

Law school and academic background

Claire completed J.D. in University of Puget Sound and B.A. in Douglass College of Rutgers University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Claire runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Claire's legal honors and published work

Claire has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Claire's professional memberships and bar associations

King County and Washington State (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations Kentucky County Bar Association Legal Clinics Washington State Bar Association Kinship Care Project
membership

Locations

Claire Kierst Drosdick's office in Des Moines

Claire's primary office is at 27711 13th Avenue S., Des Moines, WA, 98198-9412. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Claire K. Drosdick, PLLC

27711 13th Avenue S.

Des Moines, WA 98198-9412

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Claire Kierst Drosdick — 2.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Claire. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Des Moines.

2.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Claire Kierst Drosdick claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Claire Kierst Drosdick — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Claire usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Claire charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Claire will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Des Moines, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Claire

Claire discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Claire confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Claire's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Claire Kierst Drosdick

How much does it cost to hire Claire for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Claire walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Claire offer a free consultation?
Claire charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Claire's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Claire's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Washington typically take?
Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Claire gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Claire take my case if I'm outside Des Moines?
Claire is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Claire will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Claire?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Claire will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Claire accepting new child custody clients right now?
Claire's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Des Moines, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

Claire handles child custody matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Claire's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Des Moines handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.