Mei Shih
"Supportive family lawyer guiding you through challenges with care and expertise
Transitioning from a known past to an uncertain future can be daunting, both emotionally and legally. That's where I step in! My name is Mei (pronounced may), and I am an attorney focusing on family law, guardianship, and estate planning. Consider me your guide and advisor, here to assist you in navigating the complexities with a blend of legal knowledge and a coaching approach. My aim is to create a supportive, educational environment where you feel empowered and informed at every stage. Together, we'll handle the legal aspects and ensure you're prepared for whatever lies ahead!
Having grown up as a "language broker" for my non-English-speaking parents, I learned the importance of patience, the value of empathy, and the power of clear communication. These skills are central to my legal practice, where I assist clients in deciphering the sometimes daunting realm of family law. Whether it's simplifying legal terminology or maneuvering through intricate statutes, I am here to provide clarity and confidence throughout the process.
When life becomes complex—such as ending a long-term relationship or initiating a parentage action—you don't have to go through it alone. My mission is to make the legal process accessible and comprehensible, guiding clients with compassion and knowledge every step of the way.
With over 14 years of experience as a practicing attorney, I understand that family law is not a one-size-fits-all matter. That's why my practice offers non-litigated traditional representation, collaborative divorces, and unbundled services designed to meet your specific needs.
I am committed to offering clients more than just what they want to hear. Leveraging my courtroom experience and over 14 years of legal practice, I provide thoughtful insights, helping you make informed decisions confidently. At the core, my goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout your legal journey.
- Family Law
- Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Divorce
- Collaborative Law, Property Division, Same Sex Divorce, Spousal Support & Alimony, Uncontested Divorce
- FaceTime
- Google Meet
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Credit Cards Accepted
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Pay-as-you-go legal services without a huge Advance Fee Deposit.
- California
- State Bar of California
- ID Number: 270470
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- Washington
- Washington State Bar Association
- ID Number: 53924
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- Cantonese: Spoken
- English: Spoken, Written
- Mandarin: Spoken
- Principal
- Shih Legal, PLLC
- - Current
- Managing Attorney
- View Ridge Family Law & Estate Planning
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- Associate
- DuBois Levias Law Group
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- California Western School of Law
- J.D. (2010) | Law
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- University of California - Davis
- B.A. (2004) | International Studies, and East Asian History
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- KCBA Collaborative Law Section
- Secretary/Treasurer
- - Current
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- Collaborative Professionals of Washington
- Member
- - Current
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- King County Collaborative Law
- Member
- - Current
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- Family Law CASA
- Vice President, Board of Directors
- - Current
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- International Families Justice Coalition
- Member, Board of Directors
- - Current
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- Washington State Bar # 53924
- Member
- - Current
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- State Bar of California # 270470
- Member
- - Current
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- Issue Spotting: Perspectives on Washington's Article 2 of the UGCOPA.
- Washington State Bar Association, Bar News
- Family Law Involving Domestic Violence for International Marriages, Seattle, WA
- International Families Justice Coalition
- Website
- Shih Legal, PLLC
- Q. My sister is probating are father estate and she said she was only child how do I or what form do I use to petition thI'
- A: You may need to take action to come forward and prove your relationship to the deceased, potentially by filing a petition with the court to open the probate case back up or to contest the distribution of assets that has already occurred.
- Q. Do both parents pay for school expenses. I have a son that is starting pre-school but need extra help from his father.
- A: It depends. Courts generally only consider incomes of the two parents. Review your Child Support Orders, monthly transfer payment, and proportionate share of child-related expenses to see what it says about education/school/daycare expenses.
- Q. If our agreement contains nothing about my possible income, does my Ex has the right to lower the support payment?
- A: Child support transfer payments depend on the two parents's incomes. Child Support Orders can be reviewed by the courts every 2 years. Without a new court order, one parent cannot arbitrarily decide to reduce their transfer payment or proportionate share of child related expenses.
