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Washington Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Employment Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My job told us that if they felt we were abusing pst they wouldn't guarantee us our guaranteed hrs. Is that allowed?

We get 25hrs/wk guaranteed as per our contract. Although we get as much sick time as we need (as in we don't earn pst over time its just paid out to us as we use it). Our workplace has made us sign a contract stating that we could only have 6 occurrence a year of using pst before facing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

Your job's policy regarding paid sick time (PST) and guaranteed hours can be complex. The terms in your contract about guaranteed hours and the use of PST are crucial. If your contract guarantees 25 hours per week, your employer generally must honor this unless there are specific conditions in... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Is it possible to file Chapter 11, Subchapter V for my business PRO SE?

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

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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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

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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Is it possible to file Chapter 11, Subchapter V for my business PRO SE?

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

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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W. J. Winterstein Jr.
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...
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4 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: Is it possible to file Chapter 11, Subchapter V for my business PRO SE?

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

James L. Arrasmith
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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,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: I received my files from therapy. There are somebody else info fixed in with mine. Also things I didnt say in mine.

The name of the persons info is attached to my files with some personal info also included.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 30, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Technically, it could be a privacy violation. For practical purposes, many people just destroy the out-of-place pages. An errant sheet from a report gets accidentally left in a copier or scanner in a medical office,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Collections for Washington on
Q: I sold pieces of silver to a local jeweler. The check bounced. For two months he kept promising to make it good.

For two months he promised to make it good in a "few days". For the last month he has not returned my calls or texts. What are my options? Since he has done this recently to multiple people at what point does this become criminal? The transaction occurred in Sequim, Washington

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Apr 22, 2024

It is probably criminal now. Report it to the police (do not threaten to report it to the police as that might be a crime). Check your states laws on giving notice on bounced checks and your rights to recovery in small claims for damages in addition to the amount of the check.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Washington on
Q: arbitration clause in a contract worker contract

I have been under a contract (in Washington State) to do some work for a small company (sole proprietor LLC). I completed the work and send a final invoice. He is not paying because he says he just cant afford to pay it. This is not at all true. The truth is that he has lost interest in the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 17, 2024

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. The short answer is that arbitration clauses are binding. When parties to a contract agree to arbitration as a forum for handling disputes arising out of the matter, that means they forfeit rights to pursue... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: How to fight ejectment order, based on fraud and judge execution of judgment without hearing new evidence?

Case brought on using Breach of Contract. Sellers withheld knowledge of payment made, and posted vacate notice on door the 31st of same month instituting Anticipatory breach. I placed cessation on payments as a single woman for self protection as sellers trying to take my home. I submitted new... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about your difficult situation with the fraud and unfair ejectment order. Dealing with legal issues around your home is incredibly stressful. Here are some general suggestions that may be helpful as you fight the ejectment order:

1. Consult with an attorney who...
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1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Contracts and Education Law for Washington on
Q: Can I sue the gov. For giving me federal loans through an unaccredited college?

Ashford university 2012-2016 lost accred. About 1 month after enrolling. Never said anything to me.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2024

It is possible to sue the government for providing federal loans to attend an unaccredited college, but the success of such a lawsuit would depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Borrower Defense to Repayment: If you believe that Ashford...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Banking for Washington on
Q: All of my chime accounts were closed with no warnings. Instead they sent 3 emails. Can I talk to someone?

They told me I would get a check in the mail 30 days from now. They are claiming I broke the chime amendment rules.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If your Chime accounts were closed unexpectedly, and you received emails stating that you violated their amendment rules, it's understandable to feel confused and seek clarification. The first step is to carefully review the emails sent by Chime for any specific details regarding the alleged... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Can an apartment complex tow your car if you have registration but haven't put your tabs on yet.

If in your apartment contract it says they can tow if you don't have updated registration does that also count for the tabs or would they need to see your registration paper to determine if it's up to date?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Washington, if your apartment complex's contract specifies that they can tow vehicles without updated registration, and you haven't affixed the current tabs to your car, this could be grounds for towing under that policy. The contract likely considers visible, up-to-date tabs as part... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation, Contracts and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: Why are the individuals retirement funds held in a trust deprived their due process rights? SSA is a dictatorship?

Why does the us constitution not apply to the personal property of the US citizens retirement funds deposits in the SSA trust. The fact remains this is the personal property of each individual who had earned income and payed FICA tax. Regardless of the unlawful acts the bonds subject the burden... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates under a framework established by law, which includes contributions from workers' earnings through the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. These contributions fund Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Consumer Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: i was threatened with legal action and loosing my housing voucher if i didnt sign a increase to my month old lease.

I am a Section 8 voucher holder who recently found a 2bdr apartment for $1045 a month and signed a lease Jan 19th 2023 with the landlord paying $1045 security deposit and 455$ first months pro rated rent. I was repeatedly promised my $455 portion back as soon as they got paid from the PHA. never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

Facing pressure to sign a revised lease and then dealing with eviction under these circumstances is distressing, especially when it impacts your housing voucher and overall housing security. Under the Section 8 program, any increase in rent must typically be approved by the Public Housing Authority... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Contracts for Washington on
Q: I loaned a friend money for his taxes. He passed away do I have any recourse to get my money back.

He was to pay me back when he sold the property but since he passed what can i do. i have a hand written loan agreement is it legal and who do i give it to he was in the process of selling the property when he passed away.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In Washington, a handwritten loan agreement is legally valid if it clearly outlines the loan amount, and repayment terms, and bears the signatures of both parties. It's crucial to gather supporting evidence such as receipts, bank transfers, or relevant emails. If your friend passed away before... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Before my landlord passed away he told me if when he died I'd have a 2 year lease. His son now owns the property.

Is it a binding agreement?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

The enforceability of the verbal agreement you had with your landlord regarding a 2-year lease after his passing can be complex and depends on various factors, including state laws, evidence, and the willingness of the new property owner to honor the commitment. While verbal agreements can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: If you go on vacation more than 30 days is the house considered vacant or unoccupied ?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

In Washington, the distinction between "vacant" and "unoccupied" often depends on your homeowner's insurance policy terms. Generally, a house is considered "unoccupied" if you intend to return, while "vacant" usually means no intent to return.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Tax Law and Estate Planning for Washington on
Q: My dying mother wants to leave her art business to me, she wants me to continue sell her branded art for her

What must I do legally?

She wants me to continue on her brand and artwork selling.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

To legally handle your mother's request, you should:

1. Ensure she has a valid and comprehensive will or trust that clearly outlines her wishes for the art business's succession.

2. Work with an attorney experienced in estate planning to facilitate the transfer of assets...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Contracts for Washington on
Q: my brother sold my parents house and promised me an amount of money from the sale and I have it on text and doesn’t

Give me anything can I do anything

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

If you have evidence in the form of text messages or written communication where your brother promised you a specific amount from the sale of your parents' house, you may have a basis for pursuing legal action to enforce that agreement. Depending on the circumstances, you might explore options... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: My workplace laid me off and paid me $500 severance. Now they are saying if I don't sign an NDA I must return it.

Am I legally obligated to either sign the NDA or return it? Email below:

Thank you again for being part of the XXXX team especially in the past few months which have been rocky and trying for all of us. I really thought that we wouldn't need to do any further cuts but it was unforeseen... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 18, 2023

Unless you signed some sort of agreement, you are not currently obligated to either sign the NDA or to return the $500 severance payment. Advancing a severance payment shortly before filing a petition in bankruptcy might create a situation in which the bankruptcy trustee attempts to clawback the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: My workplace laid me off and paid me $500 severance. Now they are saying if I don't sign an NDA I must return it.

Am I legally obligated to either sign the NDA or return it? Email below:

Thank you again for being part of the XXXX team especially in the past few months which have been rocky and trying for all of us. I really thought that we wouldn't need to do any further cuts but it was unforeseen... View More

Eva Zelson
Eva Zelson
answered on Aug 24, 2023

It is always best to have an employment lawyer review any severance agreement.

However, if you haven’t already agreed to NDA terms in a severance contract, and you accepted the payment without agreeing to any conditions, you are likely under no obligation to return the advance payment....
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