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0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: If a 18 year old starts an altercation with a 15 year old is that legally assault against a minor?

it started because her brother who i have a problem with said something rude and i responded and she turnt around and started assaulting me, no i didn't fight back much because i was disoriented. I don't have many scars and im relatively fine but we all go to the same school and i feel unsafe.

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can a Washington state medical lien be enforced in California?

I have a medical lien on bills incurred in Washington state, but Geico is refusing to honor it in California, citing a lack of reciprocity between the two states. The lien is not associated with property, as the patients are not property owners. Do I have any recourse to enforce this lien, or any... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 14, 2025

You may need to sue patients in CA for the medical bills. With judgments you may be able to collect against them in CA if they reside there. You will have to put on proof in a CA Court. Contact a CA collections attorney.

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3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for plaintiff's counsel to interfere with defendant's business, causing foreclosure?

I want to know if it's against the law for the legal counsel representing the plaintiff to interfere with the defendant's business dealings. The plaintiff's counsel contacted the US Bankruptcy Court and made a complaint regarding the defendant's bankruptcy history. As a result... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Apr 13, 2025

It does not appear that the Plaintiffs counsel has interfered with the business in taking the actions that he did.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Accused of predatory behavior by a non-profit and blacklisted without evidence in WA. What can I do?

I was accused of predatory behavior by a non-profit organization I volunteered for, specifically of watching a group of women while they were changing, despite allegedly being warned to stop. I became aware of this accusation when another organization I tried to volunteer for informed me that I had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Being accused of predatory behavior without evidence can be deeply distressing, especially when it affects your ability to volunteer elsewhere. The first step is to formally request the original organization provide evidence of the accusations. You have the right to know the specifics of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Is it legal for a 19-year-old to date a 15-year-old in WA?

I am 19 years old, and my girlfriend is 15 years old, making her four years younger than me. We want to ensure that our relationship complies with the law. Is it legal for us to date given our age difference, especially since we plan to keep the relationship respectful and free of sexual behavior?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Washington State Age-Based Relationship Analysis

Under Washington state law, while "dating" itself is not explicitly prohibited, your situation presents significant legal risks that warrant careful consideration. Washington's age of consent is 16 years old according to RCW...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Gov & Administrative Law for Washington on
Q: How to gain guardianship of non-biological son in WA?

I want to gain guardianship of my non-biological son, who was put under guardianship in Lewis County, WA. There's an existing guardianship case in Cowlitz County involving him and my biological son; their grandmother was the guardian until she passed away two years ago. This guardianship was... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To begin the process of gaining guardianship of your non-biological son in Washington, you’ll first need to address the existing guardianship case in Cowlitz County. Since the guardianship was never formally transferred or terminated after the grandmother passed away, you'll likely need to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Can I request a new trial under Rule 37 for nondisclosure of accusations?

I'm considering requesting a motion for a new trial based on Rule 37 because the petitioner made new accusations during the trial and did not provide me, the defendant, with a copy of a crucial statement. This lack of disclosure impacted the trial outcome. Can Rule 37 be applied in this situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You're right to be concerned when something that important was left out of the discovery process. Rule 37 generally addresses what happens when a party fails to provide information during discovery, such as documents, statements, or witness disclosures. If the petitioner introduced a new... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Is my final divorce decree considered mutual consent in Washington State?

I applied for a mutual consent divorce in Washington State, with both parties initially consenting and signing. The final documents were sent to the respondent on January 10, with a usual response time of 17 days, but the respondent didn't sign or withdraw. The judge issued the final decree on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Washington State, a mutual consent divorce generally requires both parties to agree to the terms and formally sign off on the documents. If your spouse did not sign the divorce papers or withdraw from the process within the expected time frame, it could technically change the nature of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Can I demand a map copy from Potelco and recover costs due to PSE misinformation?

I am seeking legal advice on whether I have the right to demand a copy of the location map shown to me by Potelco. Additionally, I would like to know if there is any possible recourse or recovery for the financial burden placed on me due to the initial misinformation from Puget Sound Energy (PSE).... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

You’ve clearly put in a lot of time, effort, and money into getting power to your new home, and it’s understandable to want some accountability. While Potelco works on behalf of PSE, they are still a private contractor, and you do have the right to request copies of maps or documents related to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Tax Law for Washington on
Q: Can taking a part-time job affect my full-time employment due to non-compete clause and tax records?

I am currently working full-time and considering taking on a temporary part-time retail job. My employment agreement includes a non-compete clause and mentions avoiding conflicts of interest, but I didn't see anything explicitly prohibiting secondary employment. I have ensured that there will... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

Taking on a part-time retail job while working full-time isn't automatically a problem, especially if the second job is in a completely different industry and doesn't compete with your primary employer. Since your current agreement includes a non-compete and conflict of interest clause,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Can a divorce be paused in Washington if both parties want to reconcile?

My husband filed for divorce in Washington State two days ago. Yesterday, he mentioned that his lawyer put the divorce on pause because we both want to reconcile. I have not received any legal documentation about this pause. Can a divorce filing actually be paused under these circumstances, and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

Yes, in Washington State, it's possible to pause or even dismiss a divorce proceeding if both parties are considering reconciliation. Since your husband filed the petition just two days ago, you're still early in the process, and there are options available to you.

If your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Education Law, Health Care Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Legal steps to access daughter's medical records in WA

I live in Washington State and have a daughter with multiple diagnosed disabilities: dyslexia, language processing disorder, impaired working memory, and difficulty processing information. She recently turned 13, and I was denied access to her medical records by her doctor, due to her age. Although... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In Washington State, parents typically have the right to access their child's medical records until the child turns 14. However, this can be complicated if the child is deemed mature enough to make their own decisions, or if there are concerns about their ability to understand medical... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Employer failed to communicate rights; facing unexpected debt after FMLA leave. Am I entitled to relief?

I believe my employer failed to fully communicate my rights and responsibilities regarding the repayment of benefits implied to be covered by them during my FMLA leave. Upon returning to work after 8 weeks, I discovered a bill of over $1,470 was to be deducted through double deductions at a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

It sounds like you’re in a difficult position, especially with the unexpected financial burden after returning from FMLA leave. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you are entitled to job protection and benefits continuation during your leave, but employers are required to clearly... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Intellectual Property and Internet Law for Washington on
Q: Legal use of public domain comic book designs for online t-shirt store on platforms like Amazon?

I plan to start an online store selling t-shirts through print-on-demand platforms like Amazon, Printify, and TeeRepublic, while operating remotely from outside the U.S. I will manage the catalog and payment setup, with shipping outsourced and handled by providers directly to customers.

I... View More

Jeremy Malcolm
Jeremy Malcolm
answered on Apr 10, 2025

That's a great idea! Amazon and other U.S. based platforms will apply U.S. law which includes the U.S. copyright period, which ls longer than in many other countries. For works created on or after January 1, 1978, copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. If it's a work... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can I take legal action for damages caused by TRIMIX if not informed of side effects?

My doctor prescribed me TRIMIX, and shortly after starting it, I experienced severe issues that have destroyed any kind of sexual contact and now require me to sit down to urinate. I discussed this with my doctor and was referred to another specialist who said there wasn't much that could be... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

If you were not informed about the potential side effects of TRIMIX and have experienced significant harm, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. Medical professionals are required to fully inform patients about the risks and side effects of any prescribed treatment. If your doctor failed to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Employment Law and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Will a DCYF dependency finding affect my WA medical license?

I am concerned about how a dependency finding in a DCYF case might affect my Washington State medical license. I have signed an agreed dependency petition due to substance use and mental health issues. Currently, I am undergoing a drug and alcohol assessment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT),... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

A dependency finding, especially if related to substance use or mental health issues, may raise concerns for your Washington State medical license, but it doesn't automatically mean you will lose it. The Washington Medical Commission (WMC) focuses on whether a physician's actions impair... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Can a building department restrict public access to their floor in WA?

I am experiencing restricted access to the local building department's floor in a publicly owned building, which is meant for public access. They now only allow appointments after 1 PM, citing busyness as the reason, and this change was implemented without prior notice. This restriction is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

It’s frustrating when you’re trying to move forward with a project and suddenly can’t access the very office that’s supposed to support the process. While building departments in Washington operate out of public buildings, they do have some discretion to set policies that help them manage... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate and Real Estate Law for Washington on
Q: Property ownership rights after co-owner's death with no will.

I recently purchased property with another person in Pend Oreille County using an LPB #10 statutory warranty deed. We were not married, and the title does not indicate joint tenancy or other arrangements. Unfortunately, the co-owner passed away in an accident two months after the purchase. The tax... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 8, 2025

You will need a WA attorney to search the title and determine ownership. But most likely a Court would find that you own a half and the other half is owned by the Deceased Heirs. A Partition Action may be appropriate if you do not buy out the other half interest.

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Can I get into legal trouble for giving a truck to an excluded beneficiary?

I am the executor of my father's estate and mistakenly gave his 2000 Toyota Tacoma, in poor condition, to my stepsister. The will excludes her because my father loaned her $24,000, possibly more, and it was never repaid. We suspect the money went to her boyfriend. The title hasn’t been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

You're right to pause and think carefully—being an executor carries a duty to follow the will and act in the best interest of all beneficiaries. If the will clearly excludes your stepsister, then giving her any estate property, even something as minor as an old truck, can raise legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: How can I get a total loss payout for my stolen vehicle affected by drugs?

I'm seeking a total loss payout for my high-value vehicle, which was stolen from a body shop due to their negligence in leaving the keys in it. The vehicle tested positive for meth and fentanyl upon recovery, affecting its condition and value. The body shop's garage keeper's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

This situation is incredibly difficult, especially knowing your vehicle was mishandled and is now contaminated due to someone else’s negligence. If the body shop left the keys in the vehicle and failed to secure it, they may be liable under their garage keeper's policy for the damages caused... View More

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