Judge Ronald E. Culpepper: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Pierce County Superior Court, Department retired

Appointed By: Gov. Gary F. Locke

Biography

The Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper (Ret.) was a judge for the Pierce County Superior Court in Washington. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Gary Locke in 2003. Culpepper retired in 2016.

He was elected presiding judge of the Superior Court from 2013 to 2014.

At the time of his appointment, Culpepper was a judge for the Pierce County District Court, a position he had only held briefly. He joined the District Court bench in 2003 after sitting for several years as a court commissioner and pro tem judge of the Court.

Culpepper received a B.A. in history from the University of Washington. Then, upon completing an internship with former United States Senator Warren G. Magnuson in Washington, D.C., he went on to earn a J.D. at the University of Washington School of Law in 1976.

After law school, Culpepper briefly practiced at the Seattle law firm of Royal, Coates & Hutton (1976 to 1977) before going into solo practice at his own law firm. During his ten years in that capacity, his areas of practice included family law, adoptions, probate, personal injury, and criminal defense.

Culpepper served as director of the Superior Court Judges’ Association and was selected to be a Superior Court representative on the Board of Judicial Administration in 2008, a position he held for four years.

His memberships also included the District and Municipal Court Judges’ Association, the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association.

From a civic standpoint, Culpepper was a member of the Board of Directors of the Eastside Boys and Girls Club, a board member of Allied Arts of Tacoma, a former chairman of the Pierce County Democratic Party, and a former president of the Pierce County Film Society.

After retiring from the bench, Culpepper formed Black Robe Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC alongside two of his former judicial colleagues, Tom Felnagle (Ret.) and Brian Tollefson (Ret.).

Culpepper, who is a native of Tacoma, is married and has two grown children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, following current politics, tutoring students, and studying history.

Recent Cases by Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper

BRIAN LEE CULPEPPER VS. VICTORIA MAE DAWN MEARS

On June 20, 2025 a dissolution with no children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Jun 20, 2025

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with No Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 12, 2026

KYLE DAVID BROZKA VS. SANDY HUYNH

On January 3, 2017 a parenting plan\child support case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Jan 03, 2017

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Parenting Plan\Child Support

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 29, 2022

PSC INC VS. JOSE E GOLDSTROM

On December 30, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 30, 2016

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 01, 2022

SOLI INVESTMENTS LLC VS. KENNISHA D JONES

On December 29, 2016 an unlawful detainer uncontested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 29, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Uncontested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 27, 2023

MALY CHANTRIRACK VS. KHAMSY CHANTRIRACK

On December 19, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 19, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 12, 2022

PSC INC VS. THOMAS DOTY SR

On December 14, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 14, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 02, 2022

KELLY COLE WILLIAMS VS. JESSICA WILLIAMS

On December 9, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 09, 2016

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 07, 2024

KEHLSEY LEE COLLINS VS. ERIC SCOTT WILKINSON

On December 1, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Dec 01, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Apr 24, 2025

CODY LEE LETAVEC VS. APRIL DAWN WEBB

On November 30, 2016 a parenting plan\child support case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 30, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Parenting Plan\Child Support

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 13, 2022

TD BANK USA NA VS. GLENN E GROOM

On November 23, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 23, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

BROADMOOR APARTMENT ASSOCIATES LLC VS. ERIK C PRADIA

On November 21, 2016 an unlawful detainer contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 21, 2016

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Contested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

SYNCHRONY BANK VS. KATIE MCDANIELS

On November 10, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 10, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 30, 2022

GRE EAGLES LANDING LLC VS. GARRY CARLSON

On November 2, 2016 an unlawful detainer uncontested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 02, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Uncontested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 30, 2022

GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY VS. DAVID WILLIAMSON

On November 2, 2016 an unlawful detainer contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Nov 02, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Contested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 01, 2022

PSC INC VS. ERIC D GOODELL

On October 28, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 28, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

HALEY JANELL PERKINS VS. TEDD MARTIN PERKINS

On October 27, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 27, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

JENNIFER LEE SHELLEY VS. WILLIE ALLEN FRANKS

On October 25, 2016 a parenting plan\child support case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 25, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Parenting Plan\Child Support

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Child Support

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2022

ERIKA P ELLIS VS. JASON G ELLIS

On October 20, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2016

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 05, 2023

DEBORAH MOODY VS. ALICE STORY

On October 17, 2016 an unlawful detainer contested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 17, 2016

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Contested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

AMANDA LOUISE JOHNSON VS. NATHAN EARL JOHNSON

On October 12, 2016 a legal separation with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 12, 2016

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Legal Separation with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2022

NATHANAEL J ULLEVIG VS. JENNIFER ULLEVIG

On October 11, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 11, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 13, 2022

NICOLE MARIE ZEITLER VS. NICHOLAS BRANDON ZEITLER

On October 10, 2016 a dissolution with children case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 10, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Dissolution with Children

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

May 07, 2021

HAIGEUN JUNG VS. JEREMY T PULICICCHIO

On October 7, 2016 an unlawful detainer uncontested case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 07, 2016

Status

Settlement

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Unlawful Detainer Uncontested

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 01, 2022

PROGRESSIVE DIRECT INSURANCE COMPANY VS. RANDY SMITH

On October 7, 2016 a collection case was filed in the jurisdiction of Pierce County. Judge Ronald E. Culpepper presiding.

Filed

Oct 07, 2016

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Ronald E. Culpepper 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Ronald E. Culpepper

Court

Pierce County

County

Pierce County, WA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Collection

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 30, 2022

Discover if Hon. Culpepper is the right judge for your case based on their ruling history.

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About

Ronald E. Culpepper
Current Appointment Pierce County Superior Court, Retired	Pierce County Superior Court, Retired
Previous Appointment Pierce County District Court	Pierce County District Court
Education J.D., University of Washington School of Law - 1976 B.A., University of Washington	J.D., University of Washington School of Law - 1976 B.A., University of Washington

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	WA - Pierce County Superior Court
Previous Court:	WA - Pierce County District Court

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Partner	Black Robe Dispute Resolution Services, PLLC	Pierce County, Washington
Judge	Pierce County Superior Court	Pierce County, Washington
Judge	Pierce County District Court	Pierce County, Washington
Commissioner	Pierce County District Court	Pierce County, Washington
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	Pierce County, Washington
Attorney	Royal, Coates & Hutton	King County, Washington

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Pierce County: Ronald E. Culpepper (b.1949 - present)

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Judge Ronald E. Culpepper: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Biography

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About

Court Info

Career History

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