Divorce is not fun. It impacts a family’s financial health. Both parties experience high levels of stress, which can manifest in emotional or physical issues. Family law cases force people to make difficult decisions and hear things they do not want to hear. Divorce is not pleasant—but it is necessary.
I became a family law attorney to help clients navigate this daunting process. I believe knowledge is power, and educating clients about the legal process and their options makes clients feel confident they will come out the other side with stability. I pride myself on being candid and honest, I do not sugar-coat things. I want my clients to make informed decisions, so I provide straightforward advice.
While waging war against an ex may feel cathartic, the vast majority of family law cases finalize through agreed settlements. I am a firm, but fair, negotiator and I feel comfortable walking away from the negotiating table if a proposal is not in my client’s best interests. I help clients recognize leverage points in their case, so we negotiate from a position of strength. Although negotiated agreements are the most common way to resolve a case, not all cases are well-suited for settlement.
Cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, or an opposing party that is simply unreasonable are better suited for the court process. I am comfortable litigating “high conflict” cases for clients involving motion hearings, depositions, contempt hearings, and trials. Before practicing family law, I worked as a criminal attorney and handled over 50 jury trials in Clark County. These trials ranged in complexity from one-day misdemeanor cases to two-week high-profile murder trials. My extensive trial experience earned me the Clark County Bar Association’s Trial Attorney of the Year award in 2020. Although family law and criminal law trials are different in substance—their principals are the same. I work with clients to develop clear “themes” for our case, and present evidence in a concise, persuasive manner to convince the court to align with our side.
Education
- Lewis and Clark Law School - J.D. - 2012
- Occidental College - B.A. - 2009
Urban & Environmental Policy (honors), and Politics
Bar Associations
- Oregon State Bar Association
Member Since: 2012
- Washington State Bar Association
Member Since: 2014
- Clark County Bar Association
2023-2024 President
- Washington Women Lawyers Judicial Evaluation Committee
- Clark County George & Donald Simpson Inns of Court
- Clark County Bar Association’s Hearsay Committee
Chair
Honors
- 2024 - Clark County Bar Association Family Law Attorney of the Year
- Commissioner Pro Tem, Clark County Superior Court
- 2020 - Clark County Bar Association’s Trial Attorney of the Year
- Judge Pro Tem, Clark County District Court
- Participant, Clark County Judicial Mentorship Program
Client Reviews
Chris and his staff are amazing to work with. They are kind and professional. They work toward resolutions that are in the best interest of everyone involved in their cases. They are detailed oriented and well informed!
Alex was in communication with me from the time I hired Wheeler, Montgomery and Boyd. Alex was thorough, professional and respectful throughout the process of defending my DUI charge. He and his firm also obtained the best possible outcome given the facts surrounding my case. I would recommend Alex...
I used Chris for a custody case several years ago. It was a very difficult time and the circumstances were of a serious nature. He was professional, kind and competent. Most importantly, he did his job well and my children were kept safe. I am forever in his debt and would recommend him in a...