Jennifer J. Payseno - a Seattle, United States Family Law Lawyer

Seattle Family Law Lawyer

Updated: 03/10/2026

Areas of Practice

Family Law
Divorce
Child Custody
Child Support

Attorney Information

Overview

Jennifer J. Payseno, Partner, McKinley Irvin - Seattle

Behind Jennifer Payseno's calm and deliberate demeanor are the intellect and ability of one of Seattle's finest family law attorneys. Practicing since 1992 and affiliated with McKinley Irvin since 1999, the former trustee of the King County Bar Association is highly regarded throughout the family law community for her integrity, courtroom skills, and unwavering commitment to the families she serves. She serves clients primarily from our offices in Seattle and Bellevue.

"The first thing I do is create a rapport with my clients, who are often under significant stress," Jennifer notes. "I work hard to establish an environment of trust and ease, which helps me focus quickly on their hopes, fears, and expectations so we can begin developing an effective case strategy."

While Jennifer is a caring legal advisor to her clients, she is at the same time an intense and effective advocate.

Jennifer says she chose to practice family law so that she could make a fundamental and positive difference in the lives of her clients. One of the most appealing aspects of the practice, she says, is its exceptional variety, both in terms of circumstances and people.

"Every case is different," says Jennifer. "On any given day, I might be dealing with business interests, real estate investments, stock options, parenting plans, or tax issues. What never changes, however, are my beliefs in putting my clients first and negotiating from a position of strength."

Founding partner Sands McKinley is an unabashed admirer of his colleague's skill and savvy.

"We met Jennifer years ago when she was the opposing attorney in a case," he recalls. "She was an extremely tough opponent, exceptionally well prepared, well-respected by the court, and a steadfast client advocate. She understood how to develop case strategy and execute it effectively. In sum, she was—and is—a real pro. We knew she belonged at McKinley Irvin, and we had the good fortune of persuading her to join us."

Learn more about Jennifer Payseno at https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/Attorney-Profiles/Jennifer-Payseno.aspx.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Jennifer J. Payseno included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

WSBA Random Acts of Professionalism Award, 2005
Martindale-Hubbell BV® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated
Distinguished as Washington Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers®, 2010 - 2017
Avvo.com 10.0 “Superb” rating
Trustee, King County Bar Association
President, South King County Bar Association

Other Sources of Feedback About Jennifer J. Payseno

Included on the 2026 Washington 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

Education

Legal Education
- Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington, 1992
  Honors: Chair of Moot Court Board, 1991
  Honors: Elected to Inn of Court, 1991
Non Legal Education
- Georgia Southern University, 1985
  Pre-Law

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Languages

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English (Primary)
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Classes and Seminars

Advanced Family Law Ethics CLE, Tacoma, Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association, October 19, 2007
Ethical Considerations, Relationship Agreements Seminar, Seattle, The Seminar Group, October 16, 2007
Community Property CLE - Marital Agreements — Pre and Post Enforcement and Requirements, Washington Bar Association , 2011

Pro Bono Activities

Volunteer - King County Legal Clinic, 1998 - 2006
Former Coordinator - South King County Legal Clinic
Board of Directors - King County Boys & Girls Club
President - South King County Bar Association, 1998 - 1999
Trustee - King County Bar Association, 2000 - 2003
Chair - King County Judicial Screening Committee, 2009 - 2010

Published Works

Articles

Divorce and Economic Recession, King County Bar Association Bar Bulletin, January, 2009
Business Law's Frequently Asked Questions, 425 Business Magazine, August, 2016
Is Divorce in Your Retirement Plan?, 425 Business Magazine, January, 2015
Trends and considerations in gray divorce, Avvo Stories, March, 2015
Own A Business? What You Should Consider Before Saying, "I Do.", Seattle Business Magazine, 2014
Divorce and Economic Recession, King County Bar Association Bar Bulletin, January, 2009

Bar Admissions

Washington, 1992

Other Affiliations

Washington State Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
King County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
King County Bar Association, 2017 - Present (Second Vice President)
King County Judicial Screening Committee (Member)
King County Bar Association, 2013 - 2014 (Treasurer)
King County Judicial Screening Committee, 2009 - 2010 (Chair)
King County Bar Association, 2000 - 2003 (Trustee)
South King County Bar Association, 1998 - 1999 (President)
King County Boys & Girls Clubs (Board of Directors)

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Contact

Seattle, WA

601 Union Street
Suite 3030
Seattle, WA 98101

Directions

Phone: 206-489-0991

Faxes:

Email: Send a message

Websites:

https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/
https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/family-law-blog/ (Family Law Blog )

Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Credit Cards Accepted

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Jennifer J. Payseno - Seattle, WA