---
title: "Michelle Adams | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michelle-adams-judge-kitsap-county-superior-court-585-wa"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Michelle Adams

Kitsap County - Superior Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Kitsap County - Superior Court
- State: Washington
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### photography recording

Scope: statewide

Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.

Evidence excerpt: Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judge

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### limitations on recording

Scope: statewide

If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.

Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption

[Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=585&orgid=447)
- [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=585&orgid=447)
- [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=585&orgid=447)
- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge on the Kitsap County Superior Court in Washington, appointed by Governor Jay Inslee on June 1, 2018, to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Leila Mills
- Kitsap County Superior Court Commissioner (2016–2018) — handled family law, juvenile dependency, adoption, civil contempt, and parentage cases
- Solo Practice: Founded Law Office of Michelle Adams, PLLC in 2011
- Early Career: Associate at Crawford, McGilliard, Peterson, Yelish & Dixon (Port Orchard) from 1996; became partner in 2003
- Judge pro tempore in Port Orchard Municipal Court, Gig Harbor Municipal Court, and Kitsap County Superior Court

### Education

- in Politics & Government (minor in Public Administration) — University of Puget Sound — B.A.
- University of Puget Sound School of Law — J.D.

### Additional information

- Troup Assistant, Boy Scouts of America (since 2014)
- Appointment: By Governor Jay R. Inslee, effective June 1, 2018
- Admitted to Washington State Bar: 1995
- Office Address: 614 Division St, MS 24, Port Orchard, WA 98366-4683
- Email: madams@
- Practice Areas: Criminal defense (felonies/misdemeanors), family law, civil contempt, adoption, domestic violence, and sexual assault protection orders
- Trustee, Kitsap County Bar Association
- Pro bono volunteer in Kitsap County legal community



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.
