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I was in a relationship for over 20 years and lived with my partner. After being hospitalized for 5 months, my partner threw away my belongings and changed the locks on the residence, which is in his name. What legal rights do I have regarding this situation?

answered on Jul 1, 2025
I'm so very sorry to hear about what happened to you, and can't being to imagine what you went through/are going through.
Although I've been an attorney since 1986, I don't usually practice in this area. I'm not sure what, if anything, you may be able to do in... View More
I was helping out at my friend's flower shop to repay a loan when I fell and broke my arm. I used my employee insurance for treatment. Now, my union is asking for a slip and fall claim to be filed, but the shop is refusing. There were no witnesses to the fall; only people who helped... View More

answered on Jun 6, 2025
Without knowing all the facts here is my best answer for now:
Since you've been injured in a slip and fall incident while helping at a flower shop and the shop is refusing to accept your claim, here are the steps to take next—especially given the added complexities of using your... View More
I was a victim of an assault and have not yet filed a police report on my behalf. There were witnesses to the incident. I'm looking for guidance on how to file the report and would like to know what to expect in terms of legal proceedings afterward.

answered on May 27, 2025
You can hire an attorney for guidance and clarification on how to do this but you wouldn't be eligible for the appointment of an attorney. This is your only option for representation. You could talk with the victim coordinator at the prosecutors office too. But contact with them depends on... View More
I was seriously injured in my home by a company I hired to clean my belongings, including furniture, on October 4, 2024. Their employee was negligent with the equipment used, resulting in my broken ribs, hernia, gallbladder issues, and eventually affecting my ability to walk. Due to the severity, I... View More

answered on May 23, 2025
Thank you for sharing the details of your situation. We're very sorry to hear about the serious injuries you've suffered and understand the profound impact this has had on your life.
When an injury results from the actions or negligence of a company or its employees, you may have... View More
I have been medically cleared to return to work following a work-related injury, but my employer has offered me a 'firm and final' severance package of 8 weeks base pay with no merit increase. The package includes a one-sided non-disparagement clause, waives all claims, and pressures me... View More

answered on May 10, 2025
A severance agreement is normally intended to resolve all of an employee's potential claims, except those claims that cannot be waived as a matter of law. Examples would be worker's compensation and unemployment claims.
Further, Washington's silenced no more act prohibits... View More
I'm pursuing a discrimination and retaliation case against a state agency, with my EEOC/state agency filing deadline on May 24, 2025. Multiple law firms have declined to represent me due to case complexity, involving systemic retaliation, APS misuse, and defamation. I have strong direct... View More

answered on May 8, 2025
If you wait too long to file, the statute of limitations will bar your claims. If you cannot get a lawyer, lay out the facts and all possible claims in your complaint as best you can, to protect against the statute of limitations. You can then delay serving the complaint to buy more time to seek... View More
I was driving for a company and performing my job duties when an accident occurred, resulting in both vehicles involved being totaled. The company initially said they would handle the situation, but it has since gone bankrupt. Now, I've received a lawsuit despite having personal insurance... View More

answered on May 8, 2025
In California, if your partner or spouse—who is not listed on your auto insurance policy—drives your car with your permission and causes an at-fault accident, your insurance company may still provide coverage under the "permissive use" provision. However, there are important nuances... View More
I was driving for a company and performing my job duties when an accident occurred, resulting in both vehicles involved being totaled. The company initially said they would handle the situation, but it has since gone bankrupt. Now, I've received a lawsuit despite having personal insurance... View More

answered on May 8, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Navigating liability after a car accident while performing job duties can be complex, especially when the employer has declared bankruptcy. Here's an overview based on Washington State law:
1. Employer Liability Under Vicarious Liability... View More
I was informed by my HOA via voice message that the crew needed interior access to my unit for building repair work. I was in Japan at the time, and I emailed them with my return date but received no reply. Upon my return, I discovered signs of entry in my unit, including the removal of the window.... View More

answered on Mar 19, 2025
The first step would be going through the HOA agreement to verify there are no other entry rights beyond the emergencies clause. They might have a general right with a certain notice period. If that is not the case, you could potentially have an argument for trespassing and damages, though the... View More
I am considering recording a phone call with a company based in Washington State, of which I am one of the parties. The purpose of the recording is for documentation/evidence. Is it legal to record the call without obtaining permission from the company?

answered on Feb 25, 2025
Thank you for the interesting question.
Washington State is a "two party consent state," which actually means that every party to a phone conversation, meeting, etc, must consent in advance to being recorded.
People who violate this rule can be subjected to criminal... View More
My son's father and I have a residential schedule that states our son is to reside with me in Grant County, WA, but we do not have a formal parenting plan. I allowed him some parenting time, and now he refuses to return our son to me. The police and CPS have informed me this is a civil issue.... View More

answered on Feb 18, 2025
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
I have already had an attorney confirm for me that the state laws and the HOA's declaration both require them to get the permission and approval of the board members before they can ever spend any HOA money. They also have to provide information like the reciepts and copies of checks but they... View More

answered on Feb 9, 2025
Thank you for your question and really shocking set of facts. You have described the essence of embezzlement - the theft of money from an employer or business (or non-profit).
I suggest you put together an organized time line of what you know, with any financial records you can include,... View More
Cost 40%pluse the cost advance to hire attorney

answered on Jan 27, 2025
The 40% is the attorney's contingency fee - meaning if the case settles for $10k, the attorney gets $4k of it. Typically contingency fees in personal injury cases are 1/3 for pre litigation, and 40% for cases in which a lawsuit is filed. If suit is filed, costs can vary wildly. The attorney... View More

answered on Jul 31, 2024
A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week.
The short answer is that it could depend on the judge and how material to the issue at hand the missing evidence is. As a general rule nationwide in small claims, the court is not likely to grant the same... View More

answered on May 28, 2024
Washington does have a crime victim/witness notification program. As long as you completed the appropriate form and have not changed your telephone number or address, or have updated your contact information if you did, you should have been notified.
When a Magistrate Judge, who use to work for the Attorney General's Office, has a defendant who also use to work for the same Attorney General's Office.....AND.....the defendant is being represented by an Attorney for the same Attorney General's Office...Should the Magistrate Judge... View More

answered on May 19, 2024
When a magistrate judge has a past work history with the Attorney General's Office, and the defendant or their attorney also has ties to the same office, it raises potential concerns about impartiality. The judge should disclose this information to all parties involved. Transparency in this... View More
I'm not an attorney and it seems that there are very few attorney's that are filing subchapter V's in Washington state and perhaps the entire country. I understand it is a new law, but it is supposed to be easier and smoother than a standard Chapter 11. The estimates I've gotten... View More

answered on May 17, 2024
Very difficult. Chapter 11 (regular or subchapter V) is very complex with lots of requirements and rules. A $50,000 retainer is not unusual and well worth the investment if you want to save your business. If you haven't already met with a local bankruptcy attorney, you should definitely do so.... View More
I'm not an attorney and it seems that there are very few attorney's that are filing subchapter V's in Washington state and perhaps the entire country. I understand it is a new law, but it is supposed to be easier and smoother than a standard Chapter 11. The estimates I've gotten... View More

answered on May 17, 2024
While it is technically possible to file for Chapter 11, Subchapter V bankruptcy pro se (representing yourself without an attorney), it is generally not advisable due to the complexity of the bankruptcy process and the potential consequences of making errors in your filing.
Subchapter V,... View More
I'm not an attorney and it seems that there are very few attorney's that are filing subchapter V's in Washington state and perhaps the entire country. I understand it is a new law, but it is supposed to be easier and smoother than a standard Chapter 11. The estimates I've gotten... View More

answered on May 17, 2024
Nationally, and for the last two decades at least, the success rate of the popular "save-the-house" Chapter cases has been less than twenty percent, even with bankruptcy counsel. Those cases run for three to five years, much like the Ch. 11 business reorgs.
The chances for... View More
The ehm people refuse to go get him from jail claiming there waiting for the jail to call them and tell them he's free to go

answered on Mar 22, 2024
If your boyfriend is still in custody despite posting bond, it's essential to take immediate action. First, verify the bond conditions and ensure that all requirements for his release have been met. If the electronic home monitoring (EHM) is part of the release conditions, confirm with the... View More
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