Updated: June 26, 2025

Family Law Section

The Family Law Section is the principal statewide organization of family law attorneys, and is one of the most active sections in the WSBA. The Section is devoted to improving the profession and practice of family law, to the benefit of its members and other family law professionals, the judiciary, and the general public.

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The Family Law Section offers many resources and benefits for members. On this page you will find information about the section, upcoming events and offerings, as well as information about the section's executive committee.

Family Law Section Website

Upcoming Programs

Join Our List Serve

Executive Committee

Executive Committee Meetings

Launch of WSBA Family Law Section Website!

We are proud to announce the official launch of the new WSBA Family Law Section Website. It is designed to enhance communication and engagement within our family law community, and to serve as a valuable tool for staying informed.

We invite you to visit the website regularly at wafls.org and explore all that it has to offer.

Key Features:

  • Events Calendar: Stay informed about upcoming Family Law Section seminars, workshops and networking events. Connect with fellow members and expand your professional network.
  • Around Washington: Navigate the complexities of family law proceedings through our dedicated Washington State Court Information Center. Access up-to-date court rules, procedural guidelines, and essential resources to bolster your practice.
  • Family Law Resources: Access legal resources and publications to stay informed and enhance your professional expertise.
  • Legislative Activity: Stay at the forefront of legislative activity and legal developments with our comprehensive page dedicated to current legislative activity. Watch for updates and links to family law bills of interest throughout the legislative session.
  • Family Law Section Committee: Stay informed about your Executive Committee's activities and advocacy efforts on key family law policies affecting our community.
  • Podcasts: Insightful discussions with family law professionals, experts, and judicial officers on topics and issues relevant to your practice and your clients.

The new website is, and will be, a valuable resource for our section members.

Check out the Family Law Section website now!

Upcoming Programs

Application Portal for Executive Committee Elections Open!

Election season is here! If you are interested in applying to serve on your section's executive committee, head over to the Family Law Section Election Page to see a list of open positions and how to apply.

If you have any questions, please email sections@wsba.org.

NEW Seminar! 2025 Family Law Section Midyear Meeting & Conference

Register Now!

Presented in partnership with the WSBA Family Law Section

The 2025 Family Law Midyear will be online and on the east side of the state and at the beautiful Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane. Spend the weekend with colleagues and enjoy informative sessions full of updates, information and strategies for your practice. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jonathon Gould as our keynote speaker this year.

When: July 25–27, 2025

Where: The Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S Post St., Spokane, WA 99201

Time:
Day 1 — 12:55–6 p.m. PDT
Day 2 — 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. PDT
Day 3 — 8 a.m.–Noon PDT

Credits: 14.25 CLE Credits
7.75 Law & Legal Procedure
0.50 Ethics
6.00 Other

Register Online Now!

 

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Executive Committee

Chair: Dawn Sydney (2024-2025)

Chair-Elect: Kimberly Loges (2024-2025)

Immediate Past Chair: Vacant (2024-2025)

Secretary: Kimberly Loges (2024-2025)

Treasurer: Shelley Brandt (2024-2025)

Legislative Liaison*: Dawn Sydney (2024-2025)

Section Liaison to the BOG*: Nancy Hawkins (2024-2025)

Young Lawyer Liaison*: Kiona Gallup (2023-2025)

Board of Governors Liaison*:
Kari Petrasek (2024-2025)

*Nonvoting member

At-Large Members:

Beth Helm (2022-2025)
Kimberly Loges (2022-2025)
Michael Savage (2024-2025)
Christy McKinley (2022-2025)
Stephen Foster (2022-2025)
Amber Bighorse (2023-2026)
Christopher Fox (2023-2026)
Dawn Sydney (2023-2026)
La Vonna Jones (2023-2026)
Laura Yelish (2023-2026)
Cecilia Welch (2024-2027)
Haley Helms (2024-2027)
Kiona Gallup (2024-2027)
Shelley Brandt (2024-2027)
Ariella Shuster (2024-2027)

Webmaster*: Alan Funk

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Executive Committee Meetings

The WSBA Family Law Section Executive Committee generally conducts meetings via Zoom on the third Saturday of each month. Please contact committee members and/or the section event calendar for specific details about their upcoming meeting dates.

Executive Committee Meetings will take place 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on the following dates:

Section members are welcome to attend. An opportunity for comments will be offered early in the meeting.

For more information, please see the section's Events Calendar.

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Join Our List Serve

The section's list serve is administered by the Family Law Section. To join the list serve, please contact and forward proof of membership to the webmaster. For general section questions, please send your email address and bar number to sections@wsba.org.

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