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Washington Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: How can I resolve debt from unwon eviction case to secure housing?

My previous landlord sued me for $8,000 for court fees from an eviction case they did not win, plus a month's rent, replacement blinds, and carpet cleaning, as we overstayed by three days. I never received any court papers about the lawsuit and only discovered this debt when I applied for a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: Must all relatives attend a guardianship show cause hearing in WA?

In a show cause hearing regarding guardianship, does every member related to the parties need to attend court? My mom is the current guardian of my 21-year-old disabled brother. She received documents notifying her of a court hearing because someone filed a motion to remove her guardianship, citing... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Can I sue a hospital for transferring my daughter without informing me during her 72-hour hold?

I want to know if I can sue a hospital for transferring my daughter without informing me. She was under a 72-hour hold due to suicidal threats at school. When I called the hospital for information, they said she wasn't on their list, and even in person, they refused to provide details. It was... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Construction Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Can a builder bill me $20000 after terminating a contract due to unforeseen costs? Is this legal in WA?

I contracted a builder for my new home, and after a year, I received a cost estimate that was $250,000 over what I could afford, leading me to terminate the agreement. Three months later, I received an email from the builder's billing department about an additional $20,000 charge they recently... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Eligibility for low-cost health insurance after divorce living together?

If my wife and I get divorced but continue to live together, would she be eligible for low-cost health insurance? We are still married and considering options; she doesn't work, and our kids have state insurance.

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can I defend myself legally if someone threatens me with physical harm?

I had an incident at my home where an aggressor threatened me with physical harm, saying he would "knock me out" and that he would beat me up if he sees me elsewhere. My brother witnessed the whole event. There has been no prior conflict between us, and I did not retaliate even though I... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law and Immigration Law for Washington on
Q: Can I report degrading treatment of suspected shoplifters by AP staff?

I work as a cashier for a large company and was called to the Asset Protection (AP) office to translate during an incident with suspected shoplifters who did not speak Spanish. I witnessed the AP staff intimidating and taunting these individuals, making disrespectful remarks about their immigration... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Orthodontic treatment issues and refund concerns with NDA in Washington.

I'm seeking legal assistance regarding an orthodontic treatment issue. I initially approached a practice to address problems caused by another provider, and after a year of treatment, my original issues persist alongside new ones like tooth sensitivity and cosmetic damage. The practice has... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law and DUI / DWI for Washington on
Q: Deported, removal order, Nicaragua, options to return, US citizen girlfriend, DUI charges.

If someone was deported with a removal order for not appearing at their hearing, and they have just been deported to Nicaragua, what actions or options do they have to come back to the US? The individual has a US citizen girlfriend and family, although none are US citizens, and they have two DUI... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: How to access denied background check info after removal from Clark County Jail hiring process in WA?

I applied for a position at Clark County Jail in Washington State and was removed from the hiring process during the background check portion. I have no convictions or legal issues. When I requested information about why I was removed, they cited RCW 42.56.250 and denied my request. I experienced a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Workers' Compensation for Washington on
Q: Terminated due to knee injury, denied FMLA, need legal recourse.

I have been employed for 90 days and have a previous knee injury. After being released to work, I reaggravated the injury, leading my doctor to stop me from working. I am currently under medical care. I was denied FMLA, being eligible in 10 days. My employer terminated me, stating there wasn't... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Concerns about corrective action affecting remote work and promotion after FMLA leave.

I was placed on FMLA last week, and upon returning to work this Monday, I received a corrective action that restricts my ability to work remotely and states I am not eligible for promotion due to being in poor performance standing. There was no documentation previously connecting these issues to my... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: In WA St if a trustee overseeing an estate trust no longer wants to continue, can one of the 3 legal heirs take over?

In Washington State, if a trustee (not being paid for their services) overseeing an estate trust no longer wants to continue, can one of the 3 legal heirs take over the trustee responsibilities, or is it necessary for an attorney to assume this role? The current trust agreement provision regarding... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Can a conviction be appealed in Washington for an accidental shooting incident involving intoxication?

My girlfriend accidentally shot me in the hand while we were intoxicated. She was interrogated at our house while I was taken to the hospital, and due to her intoxication, her statements were inconsistent. Law enforcement pressed different narratives, leading to a charge of assault 2. Despite... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 11, 2025

The real answer here is no, by accepting the deal and pleading guilty you gave up your rights to confront your accusers and question them. All your appeal rights so that is just the way it is. You should have fought the case and gone to trial and then if you lost your appeal rights would still be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Does a grandson qualify as heir in WA probate case without a will?

My mother's estate in Washington is being handled through probate without a will. She had seven children, two of whom, including my brother, passed away before her. My brother has a child, who is my mother's grandson. Does he qualify as an heir and receive my deceased brother's share... View More

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Mar 11, 2025

Yes, if your mother's estate is being probated without a will and any of her children passed away before her but leaving their own children (i.e. if your brother died before your mother but had kids), then any grandchild by a pre-deceased child inherits under RCW 11.04.015(2)(a).

A...
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0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: How do we change the guardian for a vulnerable adult facing mistreatment under current guardianship in WA?

I am the uncle of a vulnerable adult whose mother recently passed away. His brother established guardianship and conservatorship and has placed protection orders on anyone trying to assist my nephew. There have been patterns of mistreatment, documented by my temporary guardianship and a protection... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Collections and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Received notice for past due credit card; paid & told no court dates, but case on docket.

I received a notice of assignment to a judicial department and a scheduling conference for a past due credit card on October 3, 2024, without receiving a prior summons. I have since paid the past due amount. The representative from the law firm, who is not a lawyer, informed me that there are no... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Child Support, Divorce, Employment Law and Public Benefits for Washington on
Q: Options to modify support payments after job loss in WA

I was laid off last Monday, and my divorce was finalized in October 2024. I have been paying spousal and child support for 6 months, but losing my job has created a financial burden for me. There are no terms in my divorce agreement concerning modifications to support payments. I am actively... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Legal advice on pursuing charges or civil claim against stepfather for inappropriate texts and sexual assault.

I received inappropriate text messages with sexual content from my stepfather via a messenger app. This happened nearly two years ago, and he has also sexually assaulted me. Although I have limited communication with him, I am afraid to block him. I am seeking legal advice on whether the law can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Can I be charged with criminal trespassing after living on a property for 20 years?

I have been living on a property for about 20 years with the owner's knowledge and have never signed any paperwork or paid rent. Recently, the owner called the police on me for trespassing, cut off utilities, and now wants to pursue criminal trespassing charges against me. Additionally, I used... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 9, 2025

This issue is rooted in Landlord/tenant law so you need to consult with an attorney that handle that type of cases because you may have an argument there. Obviously you don't have a deed or ownership because of purchase, but through being there with the knowledge of the owner you may have... View More

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