Monica Stallings
Compassionate Advocacy, Collaborative Solutions
“Monica is an intelligent lawyer whose gift at counsel is further enhanced by a natural commitment to ethics and an uncommonly compassionate spirit. She listens, she considers the larger implications of the details, she is patient in her explanation of complexities, and she invests herself earnestly in the representation of [me] her client. Ms. Stallings has never given me less than her best and she has never backed away from the best interests of myself and my family. But for all her skill as an attorney it was often her contagious warmth and courage that I most greatly appreciated and relied upon in the face of a process that is often intimidatingly cold and procedural. She is an outstanding attorney. She is an extraordinary human being.” – Former client
“Monica Stallings was very professional from beginning to end. She was very thorough and was quick to respond to any and all questions that I had regarding my case. She was extremely knowledgeable about the law regarding my case and very personable. I hired her based on a recommendation and it was the best decision. I have also recommended Monica Stallings to other people needing legal advice and they were extremely pleased as well. If I ever need an attorney in the future, I will not hesitate to contact Monica to represent me.” – Former client
“What I respect most about Monica’s approach to conflict (which, incidentally, is an approach that is consistent and dependable throughout every aspect of her life) is that she does not hesitate to walk through it with her eyes open to its realities and her hands open to the lessons it yields. The individuals that she coaches will harvest abundant benefits that will echo into every aspect of their own lives simply because she was there for them in a non-judgmental, kind, and strategically supportive manner. Monica is a rare and trustworthy combination because she can sharpen wits, soften hearts, and respect boundaries all at the same time. I cannot imagine a stronger ally in the darkness of divorce.” – Former colleague
“I have been working with Monica for a year now and am very pleased with her. She is very kind and caring. Also very prompt to answer my concerns.” – Former client
Navigating family transitions—whether it’s the end of a marriage, a change in parental arrangements, or the formation of a new family structure—can feel overwhelming. The decisions you make during these times will impact your life for years to come, and that’s where I come in. As a family law attorney, my goal is to provide you with the clarity and support you need to make informed decisions while minimizing stress and conflict.
I understand that every person and every case is unique, which is why I take the time to truly listen to your story, your needs, and your hopes for the future. My approach combines compassion with practical legal guidance to help you navigate the complexities of divorce, child custody, property division, and other family matters. Whether you’re ending a relationship or planning for the future with a prenuptial agreement, I will work closely with you to create sustainable solutions that serve you and your loved ones in the long term.
For some, this means crafting a solution that allows both parties to part ways amicably, without the need for lengthy litigation. For others, especially when children are involved, it means negotiating fair and thoughtful arrangements that support co-parenting for years to come. I am also passionate about helping clients build alternative family structures, and I’m here to assist with any unique family planning needs that may arise.
In my practice, I prioritize collaboration, where clients work together with a professional support team, outside of the courtroom, to create customized agreements that work for all parties. When negotiation isn’t enough, I’m prepared to take a more aggressive stance in litigation to advocate for your rights and best interests. And for those seeking a more streamlined, self-directed approach, I offer mediation services, guiding you through the process, with minimal attorney involvement if that is your preference, while still ensuring legal safeguards are in place.
My philosophy is rooted in civility, communication, compassion, and respect. Divorce and family law matters can be stressful, but they don’t have to escalate into more conflict. I’m here to guide you through the process with a calm, solution-oriented mindset, always keeping your long-term well-being in mind. If you’re ready to explore the options that might be right for you, I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you through this transition.
Collaboration: Collaborative law offers a thoughtful and respectful approach for couples who wish to resolve their differences without resorting to the court system. In this process, both parties, supported by a team of professionals—including attorneys, financial experts, and mental health professionals—work together to develop solutions that are mutually beneficial. The goal is to foster open communication and creative problem-solving, allowing both sides to retain control over the outcome. This approach is particularly effective for those who want to preserve relationships and co-parent effectively after the process is complete. If you’re interested in learning more about how collaborative law could be the right fit for your situation, I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
Mediation: Mediation is a great option for clients who feel comfortable making independent decisions and hope to avoid the potential acrimony of litigation. In this process, you and your spouse (or co-parents) work together in a neutral setting to reach agreements on key issues, such as property division and child custody. Your attorneys will provide guidance behind the scenes, offering legal advice and preparing any necessary legal documents, but they typically won’t attend the mediation sessions. Mediation can be a faster, more cost-effective way to resolve disputes, and it gives you more control over the outcome. If you’re interested in exploring whether mediation is the right option for your case, I’d be happy to discuss how the process works in more detail.
Litigation: Litigation is often necessary when a case cannot be resolved through negotiation or alternative methods like mediation or collaboration. In these situations, I represent my clients in contested matters, working diligently to develop a strong case through evidence collection, legal analysis, and strategic negotiation with the opposing side. When issues such as uncooperative parties, domestic violence, or substance abuse are involved, litigation can be the most effective way to ensure a fair and just resolution. While litigation can be more adversarial, I still prioritize minimizing conflict whenever possible, seeking solutions that serve my client’s best interests while maintaining professionalism and respect throughout the process.
Cooperative litigation: Even in litigation, it’s my goal to work respectfully and cooperatively with opposing counsel to minimize both conflict and costs. When it’s possible in a contested matter, I encourage my client to voluntarily share information instead of going through formal discovery, and I attempt to settle matters through negotiation or mediation. By prioritizing cooperation, we can often achieve a more efficient, cost-effective, and mutually agreeable resolution.
You can contact Monica directly at Monica@seattledivorceservices.com.
Monica Stallings attended Boston College and Seattle University School of Law. She clerked for a judge in Houston, Texas before she began practicing law in 2011. In 2015, Monica began practicing family law and has been serving the family law community as an attorney, mediator, and divorce coach ever since. She currently serves as a board member for King County’s chapter of Washington Women Lawyers.