How much does it cost to hire Mary for a adoption case?

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

Does Mary offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in Washington typically take?

Simple adoption 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Kirkland?

Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?

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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mary accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Mary Ellen Kooistra, Adoption Attorney in Kirkland, Washington

Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Kirkland, WA

Practicing adoption in Kirkland since 1977.

49+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Elder Law Estate Planning Family Law POA Probate

Are you Mary Ellen Kooistra?

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

Mary Ellen Kooistra is an attorney based in Kirkland, WA. The practice focuses on Adoption, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Mary has over 49 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Kirkland, WA
Experience: over 49 years
Known for: Adoption · Elder Law · Estate Planning

Handles Adoption, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Kirkland, WA.
Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Mary Ellen Kooistra

Mary concentrates on adoption, elder law, estate planning, family law, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Kirkland, Washington

Mary takes adoption matters in Kirkland, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Kirkland, Washington

Mary takes elder law matters in Kirkland, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Kirkland, Washington

Mary takes estate planning matters in Kirkland, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Kirkland, Washington

Mary takes family law matters in Kirkland, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Kirkland, Washington

Mary takes poa matters in Kirkland, 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 Mary agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Mary Ellen Kooistra — Over 49 years of Washington adoption experience

Mary Ellen Kooistra is a lawyer practicing elder, estate planning/ probate/ wills, family and 3 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from Linfield College in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. Mary practices in Kirkland, WA.

How Mary handles adoption matters

The kind of cases Mary takes

Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, elder law, and estate planning matters in Kirkland and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Mary Ellen Kooistra's legal education and bar admissions

University of Washington School of Law
J.D. · 1977
Linfield College
B.A. History · 1974

Jurisdictions

Mary's state bar admissions

Washington
1977 · ACTIVE

Mary studied at J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. History in Linfield College.

Law school and academic background

Mary completed J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. History in Linfield College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Ellen Kooistra

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Mary Ellen Kooistra's office in Kirkland

Mary's primary office is at 10526 Ne 68th St Ste 200, Kirkland, WA, 98033-7004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

10526 Ne 68th St Ste 200

Kirkland, WA 98033-7004

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Mary Ellen Kooistra — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Kirkland.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Ellen Kooistra claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mary Ellen Kooistra — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary'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; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Kirkland, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Mary

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mary Ellen Kooistra

How much does it cost to hire Mary for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Washington typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Kirkland?
Mary 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 — Mary 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 Mary?
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. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new adoption clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Kirkland, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

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

More counsel

If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Kirkland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.