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Washington Family Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: I recently got divorced in Costa Rica. I live in the United States and hired a lawyer in Costa Rica to represent me.

My lawyer is asking me if I want an official English translation of my divorce decree from the “Casa Amarilla” that would include an apostille. He said in order for the decree to be used or recognized in the United States, it must have the apostille. I called a lawyers office here in Washington... View More

Stanislav Kshevitskii
Stanislav Kshevitskii
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Both the U.S. and Costa Rica are signatories of the 1961 Hague Convention which abolished the requirement that U.S. consular officers authenticate Costa Rican civil documents for use in the United States. The Convention became effective in Costa Rica in 2011.

The Government of Costa Rica...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Domestic Violence and Legal Malpractice for Washington on
Q: The original attorney of the opposing party died, and with her went case records.

The original attorney of the opposing party died. The opposing party told the court that they could not get the original records with her death and her office having shuttered. Access to these records are critical. What are my options?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 13, 2024

It could depend on tech-savvy the office was and what arrangements the attorney may have made for back-up records. If the records only existed in original paper form, and they're gone, it could be difficult. When you say "original" attorney, does that suggest a succeeding attorney?... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: I would like the process of filing an Ancillary Probate/TERDA in Washington State and possible scenarios.

I am trying to find out what COULD happen if I file in Washington. Thank you for your time.

Janta Steele
Janta Steele
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Good morning!

An ancillary probate in Washington is usually needed if the deceased lived in another state and owned property in his or her name in Washington state. A TEDRA action allows you enforce your rights when it comes to a Washington trust, estate, or probate.

Can you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support, Gov & Administrative Law and Social Security for Washington on
Q: What the procedure for obtaining a copy of a court order issued from washington state child support agency I'm my child

I'm trying to find the process to obtain a copy of the court order that was given to garnish my social security for child support arrears.

What forms do I need.

I'm retired and on social security how do I and what forms do I need to file to stop the garnishment of my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 27, 2024

To obtain a copy of the court order issued by the Washington State Child Support Agency, you should contact the Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS). You can request the court order and your complete financial history from them. It's best to do this in writing, providing your case... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Support and Social Security for Washington on
Q: Hello, I'm a 62 on social security and being garnished $600 out of $1001for child support arrears need stopped

My ex is remarried my girls are grown 33 and 31 and the youngest is married I can't live in $400 per month it's my only income this case is out of Washington State child support Pierce county is there someone that anyone can recommend to look at my case that does probono I have paperwork... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 17, 2024

I'm so sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're in with the child support arrears and garnishment leaving you with very little to live on each month. It sounds extremely stressful and frustrating, especially since your children are now adults.

Here are a few suggestions...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: Attorney and social worker are keeping all positive I do from judge for CPS case(safetyplan, visit note..) what to do?

Social worker & my attorney have lied to me. For three years I ask for all documents to CPS case (discovery, visit notes, everything) they kept all from me for three years with me asking over over so I can defend my self and know what's going on. My lawyer gave me a USB drive in them mail... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Washington on
Q: When serving a notice of revocation of Power of Attorney for Finances is it necessary to have it notarized??

It is my sister and niece.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

In most cases, a notice of revocation of Power of Attorney for Finances does not need to be notarized. However, it is generally a good idea to have the revocation notarized to add an extra layer of authenticity and to avoid potential challenges to the validity of the revocation.

When...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Non-custodial parent will not pay court ordered child support. She has been held in contepmt twice. What else can i do?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 15, 2024

In Washington, if the non-custodial parent has been held in contempt of court twice for not paying court-ordered child support and continues to not comply, you have several options. You can request the court to enforce the child support order through additional measures such as wage garnishment,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I’m in the process of filing for divorce in Snohomish County, nothing is final yet. I have to move back to Minnesota

We have a minor child and it was agreed that I would have custody. But now my ex is saying she doesn’t want me to just up and leave. She is now stationed in San Diego, Ca. Are we legally required to stay here in Washington?

T. Augustus Claus
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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

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights, Military Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I have gone through 2 referral services and researched on my own. I've tried to contact about 6 attorneys & got 0 help.

I live in WA state. I just want a Divorce/Legal Separation attorney. Why is it so hard to do? Does anyone know who I can contact? Near Snohomish county?? Is there a reason I am brushed off?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 23, 2024

If you are only looking for a divorce lawyer, I wonder why you have included unrelated areas of practice in your question (Civil Rights, Medical Malpractice, and Military Law).

Finding a divorce lawyer should not be that difficult, particularly in a high demand area. There tend to be a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Civil Rights, Military Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I have gone through 2 referral services and researched on my own. I've tried to contact about 6 attorneys & got 0 help.

I live in WA state. I just want a Divorce/Legal Separation attorney. Why is it so hard to do? Does anyone know who I can contact? Near Snohomish county?? Is there a reason I am brushed off?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Finding an attorney can sometimes be challenging, especially in high-demand areas like family law. If you've had difficulty securing a lawyer through referral services, consider reaching out to your local bar association in Snohomish County or the Washington State Bar Association. They often... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: If someone serves papers to your grandma that are for you, have you been served?

You’re in a custody battle and a person serves your grandma your custody paperwork but you’re not there, does that still count as being served?

James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: Single mother trying to get sole custody

I’m a single mother to a 4 year old boy, I’ve been his primary caregiver since he was born, I take care of everything, his dad does pay child support but has subsistence abuse issues. He has 2 DUIs and has jail time coming up, his mom also has substance abuse issues and I’m concerned for the... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My ex just got remarried. Now she thinks she can get full custody of our daughter and have a family. Is that true?
James L. Arrasmith
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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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Washington on
Q: If I am 17 and I live with my sister, and neither of my parents have a permanent residence, can I choose where I live?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 12, 2023

In Washington State, if you are 17 and living with your sister because neither of your parents have a permanent residence, your ability to choose where you live may depend on several factors. Generally, until you turn 18, your parents or legal guardians have the authority to decide where you live.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Lawyer won't respond to questions I asked takes a really long time to communicate like not until Court day okay or not?

So he States that my constitutional right to Due Process was violated and that the judge was extremely biased against me and he put in a motion to dismiss and suppress all evidence so it seems like he's doing a good job my lawyers before him lied to me about everything the part where he said... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2023

If your attorney is not responding promptly and you feel this is impacting your right to a fair legal process, it's important to address the issue directly. Effective communication is a critical component of legal representation, and your attorney should keep you informed and involved in your... View More

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

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Washington on
Q: How can I get a temporary order to stop the mother of my son from taking him from me and moving across the state?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

If you're concerned about the mother of your son taking him across the state and want to prevent this, you can take legal action in Washington. You might consider filing for a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction to temporarily prevent her from relocating with the child.

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Military Law for Washington on
Q: How far from base can you live? My ex is stationed at JBLM WA and "moved" to Michigan.

Is this legal for him to be active duty and live across the country?

LTC (Ret) Sean F. Mangan
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answered on Aug 17, 2023

Several things govern where a service member may reside. Local policies will dictate how far from the installation an individual can be. These "local pass" rules effectively set a distance limit that service members must stay within and must seek approval (a "mileage pass") if... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law and Military Law for Washington on
Q: How far from base can you live? My ex is stationed at JBLM WA and "moved" to Michigan.

Is this legal for him to be active duty and live across the country?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

Whether or not an active-duty service member can live a considerable distance away from their assigned base can depend on various factors including the specific orders they are under, their job responsibilities, and their command's policies. Generally, service members are expected to live... View More

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