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Tom Kruse
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Tom Kruse
Tom Kruse
3014 Hoyt Ave
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: (425) 258-6155 | Fax: (425) 388-9999
http://www.tomkruseattorney.com
Committed to Excellence & Legal Representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Family law, divorce, bankruptcy, and probate.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Student Rights
- Teacher Abuse
- Title IX
- Trade & Technical Schools
- Special Education
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
- Medicaid & Medicare Planning
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Family law, divorce, bankruptcy, and probate.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Family law, divorce, bankruptcy, and probate.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Credit Disputes
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Credit Repair
- Credit Restoration
- Creditor Harassment
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
WA, Jan 1986
Bar Number: 15585
Other Court Admissions
All Courts in the State of Washington.
Association Memberships
Washington State Bar and Snohomish County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I have always been current in my Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements through the Washington State Bar Association. I frequently take CLE courses in the areas of family law, bankruptcy, and probate.
Example Cases
Over the last 25 years practicing law, I have done thousands of cases in the areas in which I practices; i.e. bankruptcy, family law, divorce, and probate. I have handled simple and complex cases. For a simple case, I will work for a flat rate fee rather than by the hour. I have had cases that involved extensive litigation including trial. I have participated in the motions calendar as well as in trial in all areas of my practice. In my family law practice I have gotten custody for both mothers and fathers. I have handled cases with extensive property, extensive debt, and have frequently handled difficult custody litigation including litigation involving sexual abuse, domestic violence, alcohol, and drug use by parents.
Education
Degree:
Doctor of Juris Prudence
School:
Washburn University
City:
Topeka
State:
KS
Year:
1984
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
I have been practicing law in the State of Washington for 23 years, primarily doing family law, bankruptcy, and probate. I focus on divorces, paternity, child support, parenting plan modifications, adoptions, Chapter 7, and discharge type.
I graduated from law school and originally practiced in Kansas and Iowa the first two years before moving to the State of Washington in 1985. I have lived and practiced law in Snohomish County since that time.
Previous Employment Summary
I started out by opening my own practice in Iowa and then moved to the state of Washington. I worked for an attorney in Snohomish County and did work for one of the bankruptcy court trustees.
Activities and Awards
• Member in good standing of the Washington State Bar Association and the Snohomish County Bar Association.
• Licensed to practice law not only in the county and state courts, but also Federal District Court.
• Active member of Snohomish County Legal Clinic that provides pro bono legal counseling and assistance.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am willing to help people represent themselves if they cannot afford active legal representation.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents, give advice, and help them prepare documents and paperwork needed for court.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am always willing to help clients in any way.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I was an outstanding debater and was encouraged by teachers to go to law school. I was always passionate about being able to work through the legal system to obtain justice without resorting to violence.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have had a wide range of work experience, including running numerous small businesses. I graduated valedictorian from my high school class and had a 3.8 GPA from Kansas State University. I have traveled extensively and have been married to the same woman for 33 years. We have four kids who are grown and in college or graduated from college.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law, bankruptcy, and probate because they are areas I have gotten into because of law school, mentors, or job experiences. I feel I can help people through the difficult times of their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I am thankful that I am a solo practitioner with a flexible schedule, handling all of my clients' problems personally and individually and helping a wide range of clients in Snohomish County by getting them through the legal system.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a wonderful paralegal who has tended to all my clients' immediate needs. Margo Hayden has worked for me for over 20 years. She is wonderful with my clients. We feel we provide very top quality personal service for our clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I return all phone calls before I go home each day. We respond promptly and personally to our clients' needs. Clients will find I am direct and to the point. With 24 years experience, I am very knowledgeable in my fields of practice and the court system.
Personal Interests:
I have primarily been focused on my marriage and family. I've been married for 33 years and have four children. I am always active in my children's lives as a basketball coach, coaching over 15 teams at the AA level. I am actively involved in the Lake Stevens Education Foundation, Snohomish County Legal Clinic and other community agencies and organizations. I also read and play tennis.
Office Manager/Assistant
Margo
Fax
(425) 388-9999
Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Mr. Kruse charges a flat rate of $1,075 attorney fees plus the court filing fee to file a simple no asset bankruptcy.
Family law representation is typically done by the hour. Agreed divorce without children costs $700 plus filing fees. Divorce with children costs $900 plus filing fee.
Hourly Rates
$270 plus out of pocket costs.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free phone consultation.
Typical Retainer
$1,500 depending on complexity of issues. Chapter 7 is $1,075 plus filing fee (simple).
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
