MOVING IN TOGETHER? UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS BEFORE YOU TAKE THIS STEP

Your relationship is progressing nicely, you can see your future as a couple, and you are ready to move to the next stage. Time to move in together, right? Maybe. Before taking this step, however, we urge you to fully understand the potential implications of living with an intimate partner in Washington State. In Washington …

DAUGHTERS OF CASEY KASEM AND PETER FALK PURSUE ELDER VISITATION LEGISLATION IN WASHINGTON STATE

The topic of elder visitation is receiving attention in Washington State, thanks to the daughters of two late celebrities. The Seattle Times describes their separate but similar stories and quests for legal action, aimed at easing the process for family and friends who wish to visit ailing elders. Kerri Kasem is the daughter of radio personality, Casey Kasem and …

PROTECTION ORDERS IN WASHINGTON STATE

“I need a Restraining Order!” This is commonly heard when one is seeking a court order for protection, but it is a frequently misused term. A “Restraining Order” is one kind of court order, but there are a number of different types of protection orders used to prevent contact that may be harassing or abusive. Protection …

PRENUPTIAL AND POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS: WHY AND HOW?

The beginning of a new year brings all different flavors of change, in relationships and otherwise. Nicknamed ”, January sees an outpouring of couples looking to end their relationships. At the same time, there is a surge of couples beginning the year hopeful and ready to move to the next stage with their partner. Couples got …

SEATTLE TO OPEN SAFE PARKING LOTS FOR HOMELESS: BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE PLAN

Last week, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray issued an emergency order targeting homelessness. It isn’t meant to fix the widespread problem, but it does aim to provide a safer environment for some of the people living in vehicles throughout Seattle. The mayor’s order calls for quick opening of two safe-parking sites, which will be used by homeless …

CHOOSING LEGAL SEPARATION OR DIVORCE IN WASHINGTON STATE

What is the difference between legal separation and divorce? With both legal separation and divorce, there is a division of assets and debts and an agreements put in place for child support obligations and parenting plans. Procedurally, pursuing divorce and pursuing legal separation in Washington State are very similar. The primary difference is that with …

PATERNITY AND PARENTAGE ACTION IN WASHINGTON STATE: WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY

Defining Paternity and Parentage: Paternity by definition means the state of being the father of a particular child. From a legal perspective, paternity refers to the legal relationship between a father and his child. A biological father is not necessarily a legal father. It is the process of “establishing paternity” that then establishes the legal relationship …

MORE POT SHOPS COMING TO SEATTLE – REFRESH YOURSELF ON THE BASICS OF MARIJUANA LAWS

City Council approved rules this week that would allow more legal pot shops in Seattle. The Seattle Times describes the new proposal, driven by Mayor Ed Murray. Seattle will reduce some of the buffer zones, which are state-imposed and restrict pot businesses’ proximity to sensitive areas (parks, arcades, etc.). City Council agreed to reduce these buffers from …

NEW YEAR, NEW START: WHY JANUARY IS “DIVORCE MONTH”

Trends in recent years have given January the less-than-endearing nickname “Divorce Month”, with January seeing more divorce inquiries than at any other time in the year. Others refer to January as the beginning of “Divorce Season”, as people are beginning to consider their options and divorce rates remain higher beginning in January and through March. Either …

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOW TO RING IN 2016 DUI-FREE

Happy New Year! It’s time to celebrate the end of 2015 and the start of a new year! Enjoy your celebration this evening but remember to drink responsibly. DUI patrols are out in increased numbers, perhaps more than any other night of the year. You do not want to start out 2016 with a DUI charge. …

TIPS FOR AVOIDING A HOLIDAY DUI

With holiday parties and festivities in full swing, many people will take the opportunity to eat, drink, and be merry. ‘Tis the season, right? It’s a festive time of year. Many people are out to enjoy themselves over a glass of eggnog or a holiday martini. Others are drinking due to holiday stress and pressure, …

REDUCE THE STRESS OF HOLIDAY DRIVING

Our post last month indicated that lower gas prices are leading more and more Americans to choose road travel for their holiday plans. Whether you are out doing last minute Christmas shopping or embarking on a holiday road trip, you need to be prepared. Hazardous road conditions, heavy traffic, and anxious drivers out in droves are inevitable. …