As it stands currently, sexual assault protection orders expire after two years (RCW 7.90.120). This has long been opposed by advocates for sexual assault victims. Victim advocates argue that when victims are forced to petition repeatedly for these protection orders, it intensifies their already painful experiences and forces them to relive trauma. To petition for …
Don’t talk to the police! Whether you are being pulled over, approached on the street, or officers arrive at your door, it is never a good idea to talk to the police. Whether you are guilty or completely innocent, it is never a good idea to talk to the police. Whether you ready to come …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
