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Washington Adoption Questions & Answers
Q: How do I handle adult adoption forms in Washington State?
I live in Washington and I am the adult adoptee. The woman who is adopting me has raised me since I was 1 year old. I need guidance on the forms required for adult adoption in Washington State. Additionally, I would like to know how my birth mother can be excluded as a possible relative in official... View More 
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2025
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answered on Nov 8, 2025
You can complete an adult adoption in Washington through Superior Court using the adult-adoption packet and the statewide court forms. You and your adoptive parent file a Petition for Adult Adoption, your signed Consent to Adoption (because you are an adult), any local county cover sheets, and a... View More
Q: How to handle dog abandonment and avoid legal issues?
I am facing an issue where a dog I adopted has been abandoned and is currently at the shelter it was adopted from. I have contacted all possible shelters regarding surrender. I am concerned about the potential legal consequences, including the possibility of jail time or having a legal record. What... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2025
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answered on Oct 25, 2025
It’s understandable to be worried about the situation, but you still have options to resolve this without facing legal trouble. In most states, abandoning a pet can be treated as a misdemeanor, but the key factor is intent. If you’ve been actively communicating with shelters and trying to find... View More
Q: Will past legal issues affect my adoption qualifications in Washington?
I am in the process of adopting a child in Washington. Thirty years ago, I was taken to the police station for selling beer to a minor without asking for ID. I barely spoke English at that time and was not familiar with the laws. I was dismissed and let go that same night. A few years later, I was... View More
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James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
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answered on Jul 6, 2025
Your past legal issues are unlikely to disqualify you from adopting in Washington, especially since none of the incidents resulted in convictions and all were dismissed. The home study process does require disclosure of past interactions with law enforcement, but its primary purpose is to assess... View More
Q: My case got picked up from CPS two days ago I signed the papers to the terminate my parental rights what can I do?
My kids were taken by CPS on July 19th 2019, I was required to do services and complete them and do random UA's cuz I had a drug problem. At that time it was hard for me to even get in to services due to the coronavirus recently started. When I was able to get in to Services I stayed doing... View More
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 3, 2023
answered on Mar 3, 2023
I am a criminal defense attorney. From what you are talking about you need a dependancy attorney. Good Luck
Q: Rehomed my puppy to a family, they only paid part the agreed amount and have avoided paying the rest, can I get my dog?
I chose to re-home my dog after suffering an accident and the reason was to help my family and find a better home for my best friend, I've heard every excuse in the book and all the promises that go with it... I miss my dog, he saved my life more than once and he's worth more than $350 to... View More
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Kristina M. Bergsten
answered on Dec 2, 2020
answered on Dec 2, 2020
You can sue to get your dog back for nonperformance on a contract. Text messages will be sufficient to prove there was an agreement, if you do not have a formal, written contract. I would recommend contacting a local civil litigation or contract lawyer in your area to help you with this lawsuit.
Q: My father was old and manipul manipulation of elderly last will and testament States I give my daughter? Prove identity?
On Will & Testament it states I give my daughter? Amanda Gilbert my property what problem is he has no Daughter by the name of Amanda Gilbert this person only did a name change and took property and family back her up is that legal do you have to prove that you are actually a daughter to the... View More
Tammy L. Wincott
answered on Nov 26, 2019
answered on Nov 26, 2019
If you believe he was unduly influenced and the will is fraudulent then you should consult an attorney regarding to see if it should be contested. Do not wait until the estate has been drained of all assets.
Q: Nephew is 18 & in HS, been living w/me for 6 mos. His Dad won't give up being the custodial. How do I become custodial?
Yes he is 18 but he is still in high school & his dad claims he is the custodial until my nephew graduates.
Q: How does my new husband adopt my daughter? What do we need to do?
Her biological dad has not been in the picture since she was 3 or 4. She is now 9 years old. I live in Vancouver WA. We are recently married and had decided to wait tell we we're married to have him adopt her we thought it would be easier. We want to have her adopted and she would like to take... View More
Vincent J. Bernabei
answered on Mar 28, 2018
answered on Mar 28, 2018
You and your spouse should contact an attorney to initiate an adoption proceeding in Clark County Superior Court. Before doing so, I recommend that you have the birth father sign a consent to the adoption. You can complete the adoption and name change in the same proceeding.
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