The Washington State Supreme Court has imposed an eight-month suspension on Timothy Ronald Richards, a Seattle-based attorney specializing in family law, following a cascade of serious ethical breaches that surfaced during his own divorce proceedings.
The suspension takes effect January 28, 2026, underscoring the high standard of professional conduct expected from attorneys—even when involved in deeply personal legal matters.
Court records reveal a pattern of repeated infractions, illustrating how Richards, while self-represented, consistently disregarded judicial directives and engaged in conduct that disrupted multiple parties.
Court Order Violations
According to the disciplinary findings, Richards initiated divorce proceedings in August 2022 and, acting as his own counsel, repeatedly flouted court-imposed restrictions.
Two formal orders—issued February 23 and 24, 2023—established a framework for communication, including limits on contact, prohibitions against disparaging remarks, and criteria permitting phone calls only in genuine emergencies.
Within days of those orders taking effect, Richards began sending his former spouse a series of text messages laden with strong language and critical commentary, none of which met the emergency threshold outlined by the court.
His noncompliance deepened over time, with phone calls and follow-up messages continuing well beyond the initial period.
A domestic violence protection order entered March 15 did little to curb his conduct. By late April, Richards had resumed direct contact, leaving multiple voicemails despite knowing the order prohibited such outreach.
Broader Harassment Campaign
Richards’ actions extended well beyond his ex-spouse, affecting legal professionals and unrelated individuals involved in the case.
After Sara Epler, the attorney representing Richards’ former spouse, indicated she preferred written communication only, Richards made an unscheduled visit to her home on April 23, 2023. There, he pressed for an in-person discussion and, before departing, deliberately scratched her vehicle—a move that contributed to Epler stepping back from the case.
His conduct also encompassed Elba Moreira, a tenant renting part of the former marital home. When Moreira declined to provide a supporting declaration for Richards, he launched a series of retaliatory steps.
Starting January 27, 2023, he emailed her employer with an unsubstantiated assertion about her mental well-being. When she resisted pressure to move out of the rental unit, Richards escalated the matter by reporting the arrangement to Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections, citing alleged code violations.
Records show he also used personal text messages to convey dismissive or scornful nicknames directed at Moreira.
The disciplinary board observed that much of this behavior appeared aimed at creating emotional strain, stalling proceedings, or imposing logistical burdens on the individuals involved.
Mitigation and Recovery
State Bar disciplinary counsel acknowledged that Richards faced significant psychological challenges during the divorce, including anxiety and depression, which they concluded played a major role in shaping his conduct.
His clean disciplinary history prior to the incidents, coupled with expressions of regret and active participation in mental health care, were cited as positive indicators of rehabilitation.
Records indicate he has since completed counseling and taken concrete steps to strengthen his professional practices moving forward.
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