Biography
Admitted to the bar in 2010, Meredith Gerhart has devoted her legal career to various facets of family law, specializing in divorce, legal separation, parenting plan modifications, child support adjustments, paternity matters, and relocations.
Apart from her private practice, Meredith serves as a Guardian ad Litem on the Thurston County Title 26 Guardian ad Litem registry. Court appointments frequently task her with advocating for young individuals in dependency proceedings initiated by the State of Washington.
Unlike many of her peers, Meredith pursued law school with a distinct aim of becoming a family law practitioner. Her motivation lies in a steadfast commitment to minimizing potential harm to children involved in court proceedings, whether directly or indirectly. On a daily basis, she actively engages in child-centered and trauma-focused representation, striving to protect the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Meredith’s academic journey comprises achieving a cum laude Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Vanderbilt University, followed by earning her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. During her time at Gonzaga, she distinguished herself as the Staff Editor of the Gonzaga Law Review.
Practice Focus Areas
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Relocation
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Military Divorce
- Paternity
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Committed Intimate Relationships (CIR)
- Dependency
- Minor Guardianship
- Mediation
- Post-Dissolution
Education
- Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington
- J.D. – 2018
- Law Review, Gonzaga University School of Law, Staff Editor, 2008, 2009
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- B.A. – 2007
- Honors: Cum Laude
- Honors: Dean’s List
- Major: Linguistics
Bar / Professional Associations
- Washington State Bar Association (#43179)
- Thurston County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Chair
- Thurston County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section, Member
- Washington Women Lawyers, Member
- Pro Tempore Court Commissioner for Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) Calendars in Mason County
- Pro Tempore Court Commissioner at Mason County Superior Court, presiding over weekly Protection Order dockets
- Title 26 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Thurston County
- Title 4 Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Thurston County
Pro-Bono Activities
- Washington State Supreme Court Pro Bono Publico Honor Roll
- Appointed to represent petitioners in SAPO and VAPO proceedings
- Served as an Accommodation Attorney for persons who qualify under the ADA
- Litigation Guardian ad Litem for minors in various family law cases
Awards
- Washington State Bar Association Local Hero Award, 2021
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Best of the Best, 2021
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney & Practice Magazine
- Top 30 Matrimonial & Family Law, The National Advocates
