Krista Stipe

Biography

Through Krista’s years of experience and diligence, she has acquired extensive legal knowledge, but also a focus on achieving practical resolutions. Her practice largely focuses on high asset divorces and complex family law litigation, including child support, custody, committed intimate relationships, etc. She also engages in transactional work such as prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and estate planning. She is highly regarded among her peers, being selected as a Super Lawyer. She regularly represents other lawyers in their family law cases.

A former high school teacher, Krista seeks to educate and guide her clients through complicated legal processes. She is highly committed to her clients and extends compassion, but also strives to help clients continually evaluate their priorities and long-term goals. While she aims for successful legal outcomes, she understands the paramount benefit of achieving results that foster long-term well-being for clients.

Krista has been appointed as a King County Pro Tempore Commissioner. She decides cases before the court, at times, when sitting commissioners are not available. This is an honor and responsibility she welcomes and enjoys.

In addition to being a skilled litigator in court, Krista seeks cooperative resolutions in mediations or other settlement efforts. The majority of her cases are settled prior to trial, which mitigates the financial and emotional cost for many of her clients. Krista is also trained in collaborative law.

Krista is a certified mediator. She has served as a neutral to parties seeking to resolve their matters outside of court. She volunteers as a mediator with the King County Family Law Settlement Conference program.

Krista consistently presents at legal seminars and writes publications. She gives back to her community through volunteer work and participating regularly in charitable fun runs to bring awareness to such issues as breast cancer, suicide prevention, and domestic violence.

Personal:

Krista finds her greatest joy spending time with her family, including her husband and two children. She enjoys running, yoga, music, and is an emerging pickleball enthusiast.

Classes & Seminars

• What to Do if your Client’s Spouse Works on a Separate Property Business: Some Ideas, Continuing Legal Education Course — Community Property Law in Washington: Current Issues for Experienced Practitioners, Co-Presenter and Co-Author, Washington State Bar Association CLE, 2013
• Co-Presenter: Family Law Practice Guide: Running Lean Without Cutting Corners – Ethics in Family Law Practice segment at the National Business Institute (NBI) CLE (2022)
• Co-Presenter: Beginning a Case and Pre/Postnuptial Agreements segments at the National Business Institute (NBI) CLE (2017)

Pro-Bono Activities

• King County Family Law Settlement Conference Program volunteer mediator
• Emerald City Open mock trial volunteer judge – national competition at the University of Washington

Published Works

• Seattle Journal for Social Justice – Article Editor (2005-2006)
• Seattle Journal for Social Justice – Staff Member (2004-2005)
• Co-Author, “Holiday Schedules – How to Avoid a Legal Nightmare Before the Holidays”, King County Bar Bulletin (published 2020)
• Co-Author, “Tips for Successful Mediations”, King County Bar Bulletin (published 2019)
• Author: “Self-Care – How to Help Your Kids by Helping Yourself” – blog (2021)