Q: The original attorney of the opposing party died, and with her went case records.
The original attorney of the opposing party died. The opposing party told the court that they could not get the original records with her death and her office having shuttered. Access to these records are critical. What are my options?
A: Sorry to hear. You can try contacting the Washington State Bar Association. Best of luck.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A: It could depend on tech-savvy the office was and what arrangements the attorney may have made for back-up records. If the records only existed in original paper form, and they're gone, it could be difficult. When you say "original" attorney, does that suggest a succeeding attorney? If that's the case, and there is a "new" attorney, that might offer some hope. If the records had reason to be filed with the court, court clerks could be helpful there. If it was a small office, which it sounds like, maybe the administrators of the estate MIGHT know more. Good luck
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.