David B. Starks

David Starks, Partner, McKinley Irvin - Seattle David Starks is a Partner at McKinley Irvin, a Fellow and Certified Mediator of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and a Diplomate in the American College of Family Trial Lawyers. He focuses his practice in the firm's Seattle and Bellevue law offices on divorce cases involving difficult custodial matters and the protection, valuation and distribution of significant assets and business interests. Early in his legal career David gained significant experience in maritime and securities law in both federal and state courts, as well as arbitrations, through the National Association of Securities Dealers. His litigation, arbitration and negotiation experience in family, business and commercial law make him particularly well qualified to represent divorce clients with financial, business, executive compensation or spousal maintenance interests at stake. David also continues to enjoy assisting clients through the challenges they face in other family law matters, including parenting modifications, relocations and other matrimonial litigation. His passion for resolving complex family law matters has led David to routinely represent clients with international divorce and family law issues in both state and federal court. David is a fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and one of a very small number of U.S. family law attorneys whose practice includes international family law and treaties, including the various Hague Conventions on abduction, maintenance, and the protection of children. He routinely assists in the local recovery of foreign support and maintenance awards. David is president of the Washington state chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is also an active member of the International Law Section of the American Bar Association, having previously served as the co-chair of that section’s Family Law Committee. He is licensed to practice law in Washington, Oregon and Texas. David lives in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle with his wife and two sons. Learn more about David Starks at https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/Attorney-Profiles/David-Starks.aspx. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees David B. Starks included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Washington Super Lawyers, 2010 - 2013 Washington Rising Star, 2007 - 2008 Best Lawyers, Family Law, Seattle Metro, 2011 - 2012 Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State (Washington Super Lawyers), 2012 Other Sources of Feedback About David B. Starks Included on the 2026Washington Super Lawyers list Past Lists 2025 Washington Super Lawyers list 2024 Washington Super Lawyers list 2023 Washington Super Lawyers list 2022 Washington Super Lawyers list 2021 Washington Super Lawyers list 2020 Washington Super Lawyers list 2019 Washington Super Lawyers list 2018 Washington Super Lawyers list 2017 Washington Super Lawyers list 2016 Washington Super Lawyers list 2015 Washington Super Lawyers list 2014 Washington Super Lawyers list 2013 Washington Super Lawyers list 2012 Washington Super Lawyers list 2011 Washington Super Lawyers list 2010 Washington Super Lawyers list 2008 Washington Super Lawyers list 2007 Washington Super Lawyers list

• Recognition of Foreign Court Orders and Conflicts of Laws, American Bar Association, 2012
• For Better or Worse: International Issues in Marriage and Divorce, American Bar Association, 2012
• US Hague Cases and the UCCJEA, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2012
• Marital Misbehavior, the Chronically Noncompliant party: Remedies, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 2012
• Commencing Divorce Action, Divorce Litigation: From Start to Finish, National Business Institute, July 19, 2011
• Saving a Stolen Childhood: How to Prevent and Resolve International Kidnapping Cases, American Bar Association, 2011
• Family Enterprises in Distress: Issues to Consider, American Bar Association, 2011
• Nuts and Bolts of Family Law, King County Bar Association
• Domestic Violence: A View from the Bench, National Business Institute
• Family Law Boot Camp, Washington State Bar Association
• International Family Law: The Hague Convention, King County Bar Association

• In re the Marriage of Meredith
• Court: Washington State Court of Appeals Division II
• Year: 2009
• Brosselin v. Harless
• Court: US District Court, Western District of Washington
• Year: 2011

• Washington, 1998
• Texas, 2008
• Oregon, 2010

• Washington State Bar Association
• State Bar of Texas
• American Bar Association
• Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Committee, 2004 - 2006 (Member)
• Tacoma-Pierce County YMCA Board of Governors, 2000 - 2001 (Member)
• King County Bar Association
• American Bar Association, International Law Section (Co-Chair)
• Oregon State Bar
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fellow)
• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Fellow)