When people end their romantic relationship with their children’s other parent, they often feel as though they will never want to have a romantic relationship ever again. The reality is, after the emotional pain and adjustment period is over, most people do decide to date. Some choose to date seriously…
Seattle Attorneys Blog
Washington Court Considers Admissibility of Prior Acts of Domestic Violence in Criminal Jury Trial
The Court of Appeals of Washington recently reviewed a jury verdict that found a defendant guilty of second-degree assault against a member of his household. On appeal in State v. Moreno-Valentin (Wash. Ct. App. Sept. 29, 2015), the defendant argued that the trial court erred by admitting evidence of his prior…
Do You Have to Change Your Name When You Get Divorced?
Many things change for a person who gets divorced: marital status, financial situation, and relationships with children to name a few. Another thing that might change is the person’s last name. While in comparison to moving, having less time with kids, and having to divide most of your assets, changing a last…
Divorced for the Holidays: Extended Family
Past blog posts have discussed tips for helping children of two-home families deal with the holiday season and spending holidays away from one of their parents. Today’s post discusses another group of people affected by a two-home family: the extended family. Oftentimes, divorced (or otherwise unmarried) parents hope that all their…
Court Finds Constitutional Violation of Defendant’s Right to Remain Silent in Washington DUI Case
A Washington Court of Appeals recently reviewed a DUI felony conviction in the case of State v. Diaz, No. 46016-5-II (Wash. Ct. App. Oct. 6, 2015), after a jury found the defendant guilty of felony driving under the influence. The defendant’s primary argument on appeal was that his constitutional right…
Holidays in Two-Home Families
Whether it be because of divorce, children being born outside of marriage, or other non-traditional family structures, we have many clients with children whose parents and/or guardians are living in more than one home. This can be difficult for kids and families on typical days, but is especially difficult on…
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law Cases
In family law cases, people are often confused and worried about whether or not they have to have a trial. Many are nervous about testifying, the judge being mean, and/or having to sit across from the opposing party. Trials can be stressful, intimidating, and not conducive to a harmonious co-parenting…
Washington Appeals Court Holds Denny’s Not Liable for Criminal Attack on Patron
In a recent opinion concerning premises liability, the Washington Court of Appeals analyzed the issue of business liability for injuries caused by one customer assaulting another customer. In Crill v. WRBF, Inc., No. 31912-1-III (Wash. Ct. App. Sept. 3, 2015), the plaintiff sued a Denny’s restaurant after she was struck…
Legal Costs and Family Law Cases
We have covered the issue of legal costs during family law cases on this blog before, but we think it is an important enough issue to merit further discussion. Each person has their own priorities and it is important that your family law attorney be willing to adjust their…
Washington Supreme Court Holding Limits Protection of Rule 3.1 in DUI Case
The Washington Supreme Court recently published an opinion in the case of State v. Fedorov, addressing the issue of whether a police officer’s presence in the room where the defendant was speaking with his attorney violated CrR 3.1, the rule-based right to counsel. The defendant moved to suppress the results…