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Washington Family Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Military Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I been married for 19yrs and have been a Military stay at home mom and my husband is decided he doesn’t want me anymore

He has been in the military for for almost 19yrs and I have been by his side all these years and he says he only has to pay child support and I get nothing from him. I need help!

LTC (Ret) Sean F. Mangan
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answered on Jul 21, 2023

You are absolutely entitled to more than just child support. Your military spouse is likely going to receive a military pension, which is a considered to visible property, and you will be entitled to a portion of that property in the divorce process as you would any other piece of property such as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Washington on
Q: Does a vulnerable adult with a legal guardian need permission from said legal guardian to relocate to another county?

In Washington State.

Chad Garrett Mann
Chad Garrett Mann
answered on Jul 20, 2023

Under Washington State law, whether a vulnerable adult with a legal guardian can relocate to another county without permission from their guardian generally depends on the specific details of the guardianship arrangement, the degree of the adult's vulnerability, and any court orders that might... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Washington on
Q: How can I establish a relationship with my biological child?

I recently discovered through a DNA test that I am the biological father of my ex-lover's 10-year-old child. Her husband passed away last year. He was listed on the child's birth certificate, and I was told by her that the child was his. Is there any way for me to establish paternity and... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 3, 2023

If you have reason to believe you are the biological father of a child and wish to establish paternity and have a relationship with the child, there are legal steps you can take. If the results show a biological connection, you can seek legal recognition as the child's father through court... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: What constitutes a insolvent estate? My father passed away leaving his property to with a attached mortgage.

He also left a life insurance to me that was to go to pay off mortgage. The Life insurance claim was denied. He has a large amount of money in bank acct he left to another family member. Can that money be used to help payoff mortgage?

Brent Bowden
Brent Bowden
answered on May 4, 2023

An insolvent estate is an estate where the debts exceed the assets. In other words, the estate is not going to have the ability to pay all of its creditors.

The question of whether money left to a specific beneficiary can be used to pay the debts of the estate (like the mortgage) is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and International Law for Washington on
Q: How do you know if your under RCW26.26A.415? Is there a list? WA

Also how does relate to

Family Law for foreign nationals?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 19, 2023

RCW 26.26A.415 is a section of the Washington State family law statutes that deals with parenting plans and child custody agreements. It provides guidelines for the court to consider when creating a parenting plan or child custody agreement, including factors such as the child's age, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Statute of limitations

Hello, If there's a statue of limitations, and it's expired, but there's a lawsuit which was filed in a timely manner BUT dismissed without a prejustice due to client's communication issues (couldn't reach the client), can it be reopened?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 27, 2023

Yikes. You should fight like hell to have the Court reconsider the dismissal. And get a hold of the dang client! Whatever it takes. Pretend discipline from the bar is on the line.

You can re-file after the statute of limitations, but the case would likely be dismissed upon a motion by the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Washington on
Q: In WA State does a beneficiary have the legal right to a copy of the will of the deceased person they’re named in?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Nov 21, 2023

If the will is filed for Probate, then get a copy at the Probate Court. If the will is not filed for Probate then it has no effect.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Washington on
Q: I am in California, responding to a family law case in Whatcom superior court . Trying to have it vacated
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 29, 2023

To have a case vacated, you would typically need to show good cause, such as a lack of jurisdiction or improper service. File a motion to vacate with supporting affidavits detailing your reasons.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Criminal Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: My friend is looking for an attorney regarding child custody (he has a 5 year old daughter) from the mother.

She's into prostitution and the judge today granted him more custody and even called the mother crazy in the courtroom. She's off her rocker and into all sorts of stuff and is using the 5 year old as a weapon against my friend.

We need to know the type of lawyer in Klickitat... View More

Cristine Beckwith
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Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Sorry to hear. You would want to look for a family law attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Appeals / Appellate Law and Native American Law for Washington on
Q: Can I stop an out of state move of MY 2 Children from Washington State to Wyoming?Like an emergency hearing to stop move

MY 2 Children are under ICWA.

MY position is that the dept dcyf/cps failed at doing their part and same w the tribe they have both lost the opportunity 2 do their job. The tribe, well the tribe reps failed at representing their tribe member by not supporting MY Children the entire... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 28, 2023

If you wish to stop the out-of-state move of your two children from Washington to Wyoming, you should immediately consult with an attorney in Washington who is familiar with child custody and ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) matters. An attorney can help you assess the situation, determine if an... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Washington on
Q: Where can I find a pro bono lawyer for a power of attorney

I'm the power of attorney for my dad but my mom keeps putting protection orders against me so I'll stop me from seeing my dad and I need legal advice about me being a power of attorney and what can I do my mom's trying to sell his house and put him in a home and he wants to die in... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 7, 2023

The Washington State Bar Association provides the following resources for pro bono and low-cost legal assistance for its indigent population:

https://www.wsba.org/for-the-public/find-legal-help

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Washington on
Q: My daughter and I own home 50/50 it's paid off. She just moved back in, away for 15 yrs.Can she remove all my things?

No notice. I've lived here 30 yrs. She thinks that violating me is her rite. The house needs to be cleaned but we can do it together.What are the laws with sailing a home wear a mentally disabled person has lived their whole life. Does that person have any rights?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 24, 2023

You may want to file an Action for a Sale For Partition.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Adoption, Child Custody and Juvenile Law for Washington on
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
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Mar 3, 2023

I am a criminal defense attorney. From what you are talking about you need a dependancy attorney. Good Luck

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: I am seeking information on how to handle a probate concerning an estate, wills for my family.

I am seeking information on how to handle a probate concerning an estate, wills for my family. This involves a brother who passed on 2/5/2023 leaving without a will, a partner of 20 years and two sisters.

All will need wills and one a will update.

Sincerely

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 2, 2023

Consult with a WA attorney. Determine whether Probate is necessary first, then proceed .

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Washington on
Q: Mother-in-law died a year ago- left me $50,000 I'm having a hard time receiving and I need to know what I need

The executor which is her brother Everett lawyer says the house needs to sell before I receive my money I don't think this is correct it doesn't state that in the will -will currently in Probate

Keith Armstrong
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Keith Armstrong
answered on Sep 22, 2022

Hello estate heir. The probate attorney and executor may be correct. If the estate does not have liquid cash, may have to sell hard assets to fund the inheritance. But more important is the priority of distributions. First, creditors and claims, expenses, legal, accounting fees and bills.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Immigration Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Washington on
Q: Wife keeping son in Philippines against my will, didn't let him return with me, can I stop her from taking son again?

When my wife (with a US green card) eventually returns with my son (Who is a US citizen) to America, can I prevent her from taking him back to the Philippines and keeping him there against my will again?

Alexander Ivakhnenko
Alexander Ivakhnenko
answered on Aug 21, 2022

In some cases a custodial parent has a primary decision making ability with respect to the minor's whereabouts.

For instance, if the second parent lost or never obtained an ability for shared parental responsibilities then one may not prevent a legally custodial parent from traveling...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Washington on
Q: appealing to the court in CA to remove my name on sued list that I reside in WA

someone sued me and 2 brothers (they reside same CA state) about the money matter in the family. I would request to remove my name since I live out of the state.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 17, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You may want to consider discussing this with a Washington attorney. It isn't fully clear if this is an arbitration (which is your posted category) or a formal legal action, possibly based on a long-arm... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Family Law for Washington on
Q: I have a detective and adult services checking on my mom because she took out 50,000 out of her bank America account

My m moved in about 6 months ago and got a settlement and I went to the bank with her about 2 months ago and she withdrawn 50 thousand and now I have a detective and adult services at my door what should I do I haven’t done anything wrong my moms old doctor ordered her to get tests done for some... View More

Jason Powers
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answered on Apr 14, 2022

You need to call a lawyer. APS thinks you had her get the money for your benefit. They might try and remove her from your care and send charges to a prosecutor. I suggest you call a local criminal law attorney and meet with them. This need to be done before you and or mom meet with them. Also,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Tax Law for Washington on
Q: What can you do if your divorce papers say you can claim your child odd years and your ex disregards this and claims her

His ex is saying it’s whoever filed first gets to claim her but the divorce papers state she gets even years and he gets odd years

Laura Helen Fitzgibbon
Laura Helen Fitzgibbon
answered on Mar 6, 2022

You can bring them in for a contempt hearing for violating the child support order. In your declaration, I’d attach the email or text messages where your ex made these statements. Please reach out if you need representation!

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