I’m so sorry to hear about this situation.

Speaking very generally, anyone who is 18 or older can petition to be a minor’s guardian. Also speaking generally, no one can be a petitioner on any legal matter without their consent (usually demonstrated by their signature on the Petition)... View More

As a minor whose mother has legal rights over you, you are not free to live wherever you choose. Understanding you have been living with a friend for six-months, either your mother agrees or is not objecting to your living situation. It is possible that, if you were to move to live with your father... View More

I am so sorry that you have been going through this, but at the stage I'd strongly urge you to file a legal action for custody in whatever Family Court (through Superior Court) is closest to you in Washington.

If you are low-income, you may be able to get free legal assistance in this... View More

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answered on Apr 12, 2024

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult and frustrating situation with CPS, your attorney, and the social worker. It sounds like a very challenging and unfair process. Here are a few suggestions on potential steps you could take:

1. Document everything - Keep detailed... View More

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answered on Feb 7, 2024

In Washington, if you are in the process of divorce and plan to move with a minor child, especially out of state, it's essential to consider both the legal implications and the custody arrangements agreed upon or ordered by the court. Since nothing is final yet, and given your ex's... View More

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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In Washington State, the rules for serving legal papers can vary depending on the specifics of the case and the type of documents being served. Generally, for service to be considered valid, it must be made directly to the person named in the documents or to someone who is legally authorized to... View More

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answered on Dec 27, 2023

In Washington, as a single mother seeking sole custody, you have valid concerns about the safety of your 4-year-old son due to the father's substance abuse issues, two DUIs, and upcoming jail time, along with the grandmother's similar issues. To strengthen your case for sole custody,... View More

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answered on Nov 13, 2023

In Washington state, your ex's remarriage alone is not typically a sufficient reason to alter custody arrangements. Child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, not the marital status of the parents. If there is an existing custody agreement or court order, it remains... View More

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answered on Nov 5, 2025

That situation can feel stressful, but you still have time to protect your rights and respond properly. When you’re served with a parenting plan, the 20-day deadline begins from the date you were personally served — not from the date the other party filed it. Even though it was filed in June,... View More

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answered on Nov 2, 2025

You regain access by putting the court back in the driver’s seat and forcing accountability. File immediately in Washington to open or reactivate the family‑law case and petition for a Parenting Plan and Residential Schedule. At the same time, move for ex parte and temporary orders mandating... View More

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answered on Oct 22, 2025

This situation sounds incredibly difficult, but there are legal steps you can take to have your son safely returned. Since you have a valid custody order granting you sole custody, the mother’s refusal to return your child is a violation of that order. In Washington, this can qualify as custodial... View More

You should contact a Washington family law attorney as soon as possible. Ask them to review all your court papers, the GAL report, and the trust documents.

You may be able to challenge the GAL report, ask the court to change custody or modify the trust, and address any errors in the... View More

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answered on Oct 11, 2025

It’s understandable to feel the need to leave immediately, especially when coercive control has taken a toll on your sense of safety and stability. In Washington State, you can file for an **ex parte protection order** even without physical violence if you can show a pattern of intimidation,... View More

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answered on Oct 8, 2025

This is a heartbreaking situation, and your concern for your daughters’ safety and emotional well-being is completely justified. However, if there’s a court-ordered parenting plan in place, you generally cannot withhold custody on your own without risking being found in violation of that order.... View More

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answered on Oct 7, 2025

It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to establish custody or visitation from another state without legal help. The good news is that in **Pierce County, Washington**, there are several ways to move forward without having to hire a private attorney. Washington family courts... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

First, you need to gather all documentation proving you completed your alcohol evaluation and treatment, including certificates, correspondence with the DOC, and any other supporting records. Having a clear record will be crucial to demonstrate that the supervision extension was wrongful. Make... View More

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answered on Aug 31, 2025

With a deadline of September 1, 2025, you are in a very time-sensitive situation and need to act immediately. The court will expect you to file a response and, if appropriate, a proposed parenting plan of your own. Since you were the primary caregiver and continue to provide for your children’s... View More

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answered on Aug 21, 2025

You do not have to accept a Hawaii forum for child support modification because he moved with the child. Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, Washington retains continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over its support order so long as you, he, or the child resides in Washington, unless both... View More

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answered on Aug 12, 2025

’m not your granddaughter’s attorney, and this is not legal advice, but here’s a general overview of her possible options. Given the seriousness of the situation—including domestic violence, custody disputes, and safety concerns—she should speak with a qualified family law attorney in her... View More

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answered on Jul 19, 2025

Your concern is valid, and it’s clear that you care deeply about the child’s safety and emotional health. When there are signs of drug use in the home, unexplained odors, and a child reporting troubling experiences or showing behavioral issues, those are strong indicators that the child may be... View More