Law Offices of Daniel Ehrlich PLLC

Tribal Jurisdiction in Family Law

Navigating the complexities of Tribal divorce and child custody issues within the boundaries of the Reservation requires the expertise of a specialized Washington Tribal Attorney. Our firm excels in resolving matrimonial disputes and custody battles involving Native American families living on and off the Reservation. We're adept at determining jurisdiction between the Tribal Court and the Washington state court system, a key factor in cases involving tribal members or Native American children residing on or off the tribe’s reservation. Our firm regularly practices in the Tulalip, Puyallup, and the Stillaguamish Tribal Courts. We also appear and practice in other Tribal Courts across the Puget Sound area based on our client’s need.

As sovereign governments, each Tribe operates under their own laws and legal system. Understanding how and when these tribes have jurisdiction under Public Law 280, when they can assert emergency jurisdiction cases, and navigating each individual Tribe’s legal system are among our strong suits. Our focus is to ensure that personal matters such as divorce and child custody align with your cultural customs and traditions, often making filing in Tribal Court the preferred choice for our clients.

However, when one party is not a tribe member, jurisdiction over their divorce or custody case can get

complicated, often hinging on the location of the spouses, where the children reside, or who initiates the action first. In those cases, it is common to have a jurisdictional dispute between the state court systems and the Tribe’s court system. If you think you may have this issue, contact our firm so we can guide you through your options.

Regardless of the intricacies, you can trust our experienced tribal divorce and custody attorneys to guide you

through the legal labyrinth that is Tribal Law. At the Law Offices of Daniel Ehrlich, we are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring the best outcome for you and your family.