Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC

When navigating sensitive and often challenging legal situations such as divorce, child custody, or probate matters, having legal counsel that is both competent and communicative is crucial. For residents across Washington, particularly in the Tacoma area, the Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, situated in a professional downtown location, offer services primarily focused on family law and probate. This article aims to provide an overview of the firm, including its location, reported areas of practice, and other relevant information to help local users in Washington make informed decisions about their legal representation.

F. Richard Ricketts has been a practicing attorney in Washington since 2003, with a reported emphasis on providing legal services at a cost adjusted for the client's particular situation. His practice is primarily focused on family law, which includes handling divorces, annulments, legal separations, child support modifications, parenting plan modifications, and non-parental custody cases. Additionally, the firm offers services in probate law. Mr. Ricketts has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2013 and received the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year award from Volunteer Legal Services / Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association in 2011, reflecting some positive recognition within the legal community.

However, it's important for prospective clients to be aware that some past client reviews highlight significant concerns regarding communication, transparency, and case handling. These reviews suggest issues with receiving timely information, a lack of proactive communication with clients, and instances where decisions may have been made without client consultation. Some clients have also expressed dissatisfaction with case outcomes, necessitating the retention of new counsel to rectify previous issues. While the firm's stated aim is to provide competent legal services, these varying experiences underscore the importance of thorough due diligence when selecting legal representation.

The Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, are conveniently located in the vibrant downtown area of Tacoma, Washington. Their office address is 1130 Broadway #202, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. This central location offers good accessibility for clients throughout Tacoma and the surrounding regions of King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties, which the firm explicitly states it serves.

Being situated on Broadway, the office is positioned within a hub of professional businesses and is easily reachable by various transportation methods. For those traveling by car, downtown Tacoma typically offers a mix of street parking and parking garages, though availability may vary during peak hours. The location is also well-connected by Tacoma’s public transit options, including bus routes, making it a practical choice for clients who rely on public transport. The firm's presence in a professional office building on Broadway suggests a standard and accessible environment for legal consultations.

The choice of a downtown Tacoma location emphasizes the firm's aim to be a local and convenient resource for individuals and families facing legal challenges in the area. Clients often value an attorney's office that is easy to access for meetings and court preparations, and this central address contributes to that convenience.

The Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, specialize primarily in family law and also offer services in probate law. These areas often involve deeply personal and sensitive matters, requiring experienced and compassionate legal guidance.

• Family Law: This is a core practice area for the firm, covering a wide range of legal issues that impact families. Services typically include:

  • Divorce: Guiding clients through the legal dissolution of marriage, including issues related to property division, asset distribution, and debt allocation. The firm is prepared to handle both simple and complex divorce cases.

  • Legal Separation: Assisting couples who wish to legally separate without formally divorcing, addressing similar issues to divorce such as property and support.

  • Child Custody (Parenting Plans): Helping parents establish, modify, or enforce parenting plans that determine legal decision-making, physical custody, and visitation schedules, always with the child's best interests in mind. This includes cases involving non-parental custody.

  • Child Support: Assisting in the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders to ensure children receive appropriate financial support from both parents.

  • Annulments: Handling cases where a marriage is declared legally null and void.

  F. Richard Ricketts has stated his goal is to provide competent legal services in family law at a cost adjusted for the client's particular situation, aiming for "income-based rates" where possible to make services affordable.

• Probate Law: The firm also offers legal assistance with probate matters, which involve the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, validating wills, and distributing assets to heirs and beneficiaries. This can also include addressing creditor claims against an estate.

• Arbitration & Mediation: Public information also indicates Mr. Ricketts has experience in arbitration and mediation, which are alternative dispute resolution methods that can help parties resolve conflicts outside of traditional court litigation, often in family law or business contexts.

• Business Law: Some sources indicate that F. Richard Ricketts has experience in business law, which could encompass various aspects such as business formation, contract review, or dispute resolution for small businesses.

• Estate Planning: While not listed as a primary focus, some public directories associate the firm with estate planning, which might involve drafting wills, trusts, and other documents to manage assets and plan for future contingencies.

For specific legal needs within these areas, it is always recommended to directly contact the Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, to discuss your case and confirm their ability to assist.

The Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, present several features based on available public information, although it's important to consider all aspects of client experiences:

• Experience in Family and Probate Law: F. Richard Ricketts has been practicing law since 2003, with a primary focus on family law and probate matters. This experience suggests familiarity with the complexities and procedures involved in these areas.

• Recognition in Legal Community (Past): Mr. Ricketts was selected as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2013. He also received "Pro Bono Attorney of the Year" in 2011 and "Pro Bono Attorney of the Month" in 2005 from Volunteer Legal Services / Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association. These past recognitions indicate some acknowledgment within the legal community for his work and contributions.

• Focus on Income-Based Fees: The firm has stated an emphasis on providing "competent legal services at a cost which is adjusted for the client's particular situation," and offers "flexible, income-based rates." This approach aims to make legal representation more affordable for clients.

• Client-Focused Approach (Stated Goal): The firm's online presence describes a "commitment to the client" and a "client-focused" approach, emphasizing that a client will "never receive a one-size-fits-all-approach." This indicates a stated intention to tailor services to individual needs.

• Litigation and Problem-Solving Orientation: Mr. Ricketts identifies himself as a "problem solver" for his clients, sometimes through "aggressive litigation" and other times through "simple, competent assistance with legal transactions." This suggests a versatile approach to resolving legal issues.

However, it is crucial to balance these points with direct client reviews, which reveal significant concerns. Multiple recent reviews mention issues with:

• Poor Communication: Clients reported slow or no communication, unreturned phone calls and emails, and a lack of timely information passing between parties.

• Lack of Transparency/Unauthorized Decisions: Allegations of the lawyer making decisions "on his own without talking to you about them" and charging for emails that contained information clients claimed they never received.

• Ineffective Case Handling: Concerns that the attorney "did nothing but make my case worse," "never filed documents that were supposed to be filed," and was unprepared in court, leading to negative outcomes such as loss of visitation rights.

• Professionalism Concerns: Reviews describe the lawyer as "not a professional lawyer in any way shape or form" and advise others to "LOOK ELSE WHERE YOU WILL BE THANKFUL."

Prospective clients should consider these varied accounts carefully when evaluating the firm.

The Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, emphasizes a client-focused approach to fees, aiming to make legal services accessible. Their primary "special offer" or promotional feature is:

• Income-Based Rates / Adjusted Cost for Client Situation: The firm states that it emphasizes "the provision of competent legal services at a cost which is adjusted for the client's particular situation" and offers "flexible, income-based rates." This suggests a willingness to tailor legal fees to a client's household income to make services more affordable.

While specific free consultations are not explicitly advertised, it is common practice for law firms to offer initial discussions to assess a case. Potential clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to inquire about their specific fee structure, if an initial consultation is complimentary, and how their income-based rate system is applied to ensure it aligns with their financial expectations.

To connect with the Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, in Washington, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1130 Broadway #202, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA

• Phone: (253) 259-3501

• Mobile Phone: +1 253-259-3501 (This is often the same main office line or a direct line for convenience)

It is recommended to call during business hours to discuss your legal needs or inquire about scheduling an appointment.

For locals in Washington, particularly within Tacoma and the surrounding King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties, the Law Offices of F. Richard Ricketts, PLLC, position themselves as a resource for family law and probate matters. The firm's downtown Tacoma location offers geographic convenience, which can be a practical advantage for clients needing in-person meetings or easy access to local courthouses. The stated offering of income-based rates suggests an attempt to make legal services more accessible and affordable for a wider range of clients in the community, which could be appealing to those with financial constraints.

However, it is crucial for Washington residents to conduct thorough due diligence when considering this firm. While some positive acknowledgements within the legal community exist from years past, recent direct client reviews raise significant concerns regarding communication, transparency, and the effectiveness of legal representation. Issues such as slow communication, unfiled documents, alleged unilateral decision-making, and reported negative case outcomes are serious points that prospective clients should carefully weigh.

Ultimately, selecting a lawyer involves trust and confidence in their ability to advocate for your best interests. For Washington locals navigating sensitive family or probate issues, while the firm's stated focus on affordability and family law is noted, the recurrent themes in critical client feedback suggest that a detailed discussion about communication protocols, case strategy, and fee structure during an initial consultation is essential. It is advisable for prospective clients to consider all available information and potentially explore other options to ensure they find a legal partner whose practices and client experiences align with their expectations for professional and effective legal support.