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Sara Penn

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Call Us Today (206) 792-0981
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Sara Penn

Attorney
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Contact Us

(206) 792-0981

Biography

Sara received her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver, where she triple-majored in Political Science, International Studies, and Psychology. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating in 2011. During law school, she developed a deep interest in child advocacy, which led her to a legal fellowship at the National Association of Counsel for Children following graduation.

Sara began her legal career as a Guardian ad Litem, representing children in dependency and neglect cases in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After marrying her husband, who was then serving as an active-duty infantry Army officer, Sara shifted her practice to support military personnel. She represented soldiers navigating medical separations from the Army and later worked as a decisions writer for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

After her husband transitioned out of the military, Sara and her family settled permanently in Seattle, where she returned to her original passion—family law. Her background advocating for children and working with military families has given her a unique perspective and a compassionate approach to legal practice.

Sara is a strong advocate who prioritizes empowering her clients. She combines years of litigation and negotiation experience with a deep understanding of family law. Her empathetic approach and active listening allow her to tailor strategies to each client’s specific needs and goals.

Sara was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys reading in local coffee shops, walking her dog around Green Lake, and soaking up Seattle’s summer sunshine. She has been married for 10 years, and she and her husband have a young daughter who is the light of their lives.

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More about Sara Penn

Testimonials

“The entire team from the administrative staff to the attorneys at NW Family Law are wonderful to work with. I was always kept informed of the progress of my case, sometimes even getting updates after work hours or on the weekend.

My attorneys would always listen to my concerns and address them as needed. Never once did they talk down to me or express doubt about any issues I brought up. I felt like they really cared about me and my welfare.”

Glenn M.

“They were very professional. Very kind. Explained things clearly. Highly recommend!”

Rana H.

Case Results

Property Division · Contested Divorce

A Fair Split in a Short Marriage Marked by Emotional Abuse

The Challenge

A client in a short marriage with no children, experiencing emotional abuse, wanted to understand how a shared home, savings accounts and pets would likely be divided — before deciding whether to divorce at all.

How We Helped

Peyton McCulley worked quickly with both parties and opposing counsel to draft a clear agreement. Because Washington treats post-marriage income as community property absent an agreement, defining each party’s contributions mattered. When planning pushed the date, Peyton adapted — converting the prenup into a postnuptial agreement.

The Outcome

The client gained sole ownership of the home, a fair split of accounts based on each party’s contributions, and kept their pets — with a trial, and its costs, avoided entirely.

Child Custody · Trial

Protecting an Out-of-State Parent’s Right to Visitation

The Challenge

A parent living out of state had summer visitation that allowed travel home with the children. They faced an attempt to confine all visits to Washington — based on unfounded claims of mental instability, the latest in a pattern.

How We Helped

Sara Penn built a clear picture of the client’s positive, stable relationship with their children. With mediation off the table, she prepared the client for trial and argued — putting the children first — that restricting this bond would only harm them.

The Outcome

The court declined to modify the parenting plan. The client kept their travel visitation and lost no time with their children, remaining a positive force in their lives during a critical period.

Team Members

Monica Chin, CEO of Northwest Family

Monica Chin

Founder & CEO
Mitchel

Mitchell Polonsky

Senior Attorney
Laura Edstrom

Laura Edstrom

Rule 9 Intern
Dylana Jones, Northwest Family

Dylana Jones

Attorney
Hanna Oh, Northwest Family 2026

Hanna Oh

Attorney
Smiling attorney in a white blazer posing confidently.

Claire Shea

Attorney
Ryan Cross

Ryan Cross

Attorney
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