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Knowledge Is Power
How to Change Your Name to a Mononym and Seal the Record in Washington
This article is for people who want to change their name to a mononym (i.e. having only one name, instead of a first, middle, last name) in Washington state. Having a mononym is pretty unusual in the United States but it is definitely possible to accomplish. There is...
What is a Guardian ad Litem and When Should I Request One?
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in the family law realm is a trained and certified professional who represents the best interests of your child(ren). The type of GAL used in family law matters are oftentimes referred to as a Title 26 GAL. Title 26 refers to the Domestic...
Did Kanye West Sexually Harass Employees at Yeezy and Adidas?
Recently, stories have come out that music artist and fashion designer Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), allegedly used explicit language, sexual behavior, and shared explicit images and media to assert control and fear to his employees at his Adidas subsidiary, Yeezy. If these employees’ assertions are true, could Ye’s behavior be considered sexual harassment?
How to Prevent Your Sexual Abuser from Establishing Paternity in Washington
In short, you fight it because you and your child have rights. There is a law in Washington to protect you and your child from the sexual assault perpetrator being established as a parent to your child. There is a statute that directly addresses this, as well as...
Military FAQ During or After a Divorce or Parentage Action
As a military member, you are doing a great service to our country. Have you ever wondered if you are afforded any protections in a dissolution or other civil proceeding? The answer is yes. Are you a military spouse and are wondering about your health benefits and if...
How to Discharge Student Loan Debts Through Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy Law & Student LoansFor several decades, the answer to whether or not you can use bankruptcy to clear your student loans has not been clear. The presumption of the Bankruptcy Code is that student loan debt is no longer dischargeable in a bankruptcy. ...
What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do? Basics and Costs of an Estate Plan.
An estate planning attorney turns your goals regarding where and how you want to leave your assets after death into state-specific legal documents. The attorney listens to their clients about their specific goals and creates an estate plan so that the client will be...
The Service Members Civil Relief Act Can Help You in a Divorce
As a military member, you are doing a great service to our country. Have you ever wondered if you are afforded any protections in a dissolution or other civil proceeding? The answer is yes. The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act protects an individual during their...
How to Modify A Parenting Plan in Washington?
If you have a child with someone else, whether or not you are married, you will likely need a Parenting Plan in the event that you are no longer together with the child’s other parent. Even if you and the child’s other parent agree to a parenting schedule, it can...
Consumer Bankruptcy Overview: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
Should I file bankruptcy now or wait?Life can throw many curveballs, some of which we can hit and some which we cannot. If life has thrown you a curveball such as job loss, a medical issue or divorce, it can be extremely difficult to remain current on your financial...
What counts as sexual harassment in the workplace?
Blog Outline Short on time? Jump to relevant sections by clicking the links below: I. What “counts” as sexual harassment? II. So what is sexual harassment generally? III. Cases & Examples of what has been found to be evidence of sexual harassment A. Gender...
I am the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace. What should I do?
Responding to sexual harassment can be an extremely stressful task and will take a lot of consideration and planning. I will start off by giving a recent example in Washington of a sexual harassment case, that helps underscore the importance of some of the steps that...
6 Tips to Lower the Cost of Your Divorce
It is no surprise that with the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are filing for divorce and many individuals have been affected financially with job losses or have had their business impacted to some degree. A divorce or family law case can be expensive, however there...
How to File and Prepare for Your Contested Child Custody/Parenting Plan Hearing in Washington State
If you and your partner or spouse have broken up and you have a child together, chances are that you may not agree on the custody arrangement for your child(ren) at some point. If you can’t reach an agreement on how to share the kids, then you can ask the court to...
The Use of Trusts in Estate Planning
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to trusts in Estate Planning is that trusts are only for older or wealthy individuals. That’s simply not true. Trusts in Estate Planning can be for practically everyone, not just the wealthy. Age, wealth, or marital...
What are my rights if my child is the subject of a minor guardianship action?
Anyone concerned with the well-being of a child may petition the court for appointment of a minor guardian. Even the child themself, if they are age 12 or older, may petition the court to appoint a minor guardian. The court will appoint a minor guardian for the...
Can I Clear My Criminal Record?
What is Expungement? To expunge a criminal record is to erase or seal the contents of a criminal record after a showing of compliance with the law over a substantial period of time. An individual can ask (“move”) the court to sign an order setting aside an arrest or...
Can I secretly record conversations with my sexual harasser in Washington State?
Recording conversations can be an important tool to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit against Fox News is an example of the power of recording conversations to fight sexual harassment. Carlson was a famous reporter and her sexual...
Adoption through Foster Care
One of the avenues people have to adopt a child is through a state’s foster care system. Thousands of children are placed in the foster care system each year due to their parents’ inability to parent or care for the child, or not having a parent to do so. Sometimes...
How To Relocate With Children As A Single Parent
Relocating With Children – With or Without a Court Order The laws in Washington State can be complicated when it comes to relocating with children, and it is important you do not relocate without considering the various laws and procedures at play. Please consult an...