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Knowledge Is Power
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...
Am I the victim of immigration status or citizenship discrimination?
Am I the victim of immigration status or citizenship discrimination? Can I sue my employer for discriminating against me because of my immigration status or citizenship? Yes, an employee can sue an employer for discriminating against them because of their immigration...
USDA Approves Oregon’s Plan on Regulating the Production of Hemp
Did you know the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently approved Oregon’s hemp regulatory structure? Although Oregon had already been regulating its own hemp market, in January of 2022, hemp production must comply with federal regulations....
Is My Self-Prepared Will Valid in Washington?
It is a fairly common occurrence to hear that an individual has attempted to write their own will. One common scenario is that someone will be traveling soon and wants to write down their wishes “just in case something happens”. They download a will form from the...
What are your options for getting legal help with a divorce or family law matter?
Typically, when you are going through a divorce or other family law matter, you have four primary options for getting help from an attorney: (1) a free community/legal aid clinic, (2) a single consultation, (3) limited scope advisement, or (4) full scope...
Is my non-compete enforceable in Oregon State?
On May 21, 2021, the Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 169 which substantially limits covenants not-to-compete (“non-competes”) in Oregon starting Januaury 1, 2022. 1 Although it is not clear how the courts will treat the law and interpret its...
Minor Guardianship versus Emergency Minor Guardianship in Washington State: What’s the Difference?
What are the main differences between Minor Guardianship and Emergency Minor Guardianship?The short answer is there are two main differences between minor guardianship and emergency minor guardianship. 1. The first is the length of time each can last. Minor...
How do I know if I am in an abusive relationship? Is it Domestic Violence?
Does your partner often say, “you aren’t good enough” or “you don’t do anything?” Does she call you lazy, crazy, or other names to belittle you? Does this behavior occur regularly? In public, around others to embarrass you? Does the harassment occur at home constantly...