Hon. Eric Watness (Ret.)
Arbitrator
Mediator
Special Master
Seattle, WA, United States
Before entering private practice, Eric Watness served for over 16 years as a Commissioner for the King County Superior Court, where he presided over thousands of cases involving family law, probate, and dependency. His background includes extensive work in alternative dispute resolution, particularly in high-conflict domestic relations and complex estate matters. He is recognized for his ability to manage emotionally charged disputes with a focus on practical and durable settlements.
A seasoned former judicial officer with specialized expertise in resolving high-stakes family and probate disputes through mediation and arbitration.
Extensive experience presiding over more than 10,000 cases as a court commissioner, providing a deep understanding of judicial outcomes in family and probate law.
He is regarded by legal professionals as a patient and persistent neutral who excels at navigating the interpersonal dynamics of sensitive family and estate conflicts.