In many family law cases, the parties choose to use a dispute resolution method other than going to court. In some family law cases, parties are actually required to participate in the alternative dispute resolution process before they will be permitted access to the courts. No matter what the reason…
The Walk and Turn, Heel toe test one of the most common SFST’s administered in Washington State. A person will first listen to instructions, then walk in a straight line to show divided attention between mental tasks and physical tasks. The mental tasks include comprehension of verbal instructions, processing of…
Horizontal Nystagmus is one of three common field sobriety tests currently administered by law enforcement officers across Washington State. Nystagmus is an involuntary rapid movement of the eyeball, which may he horizontal, vertical, or rotatory. An inability of the eyes to maintain visual fixation as they are turned from side…
In State v. Baity, the Washington Supreme Court found the basis for HGN testing, that intoxicated people will exhibit nystagmus, to be generally accepted under Frye. Baity also addressed the admissibility of the 12-step DRE examination, of which HGN was one step, employed by police officers to detect behavior associated…
If children are involved in a family law case, there is sometimes a need for temporary child support. Fortunately, Washington State has a procedure for obtaining temporary child support. Temporary child support is child support that the court orders to be paid by one parent to the other for the…
For decades, Washington State law enforcement agencies have administered certain physical tests to individuals suspected of intoxication. Nowadays, almost everyone who has consumed alcohol, or driven a car is aware of the Standard Field Sobriety Test’s, otherwise known as FST’s. Perhaps the most widely and best known test being, Walk…
Sometimes people wait to consult with a family law attorney until after their case has progressed too far and there are less options for an attorney to use to help them. Obviously it is best that you speak with a family law attorney whenever you have questions about how the…
Retirement assets can be a substantial part of a couple’s financial portfolio. This is especially true for couple’s that have worked a long time in their careers and those nearing retirement age. In many cases, the division of these assets is necessary to effectuate a just and equitable division of…
The discovery process is one of the most important parts of many Washington family law cases. The discovery process is the process by which both parties in a family law case obtain information and/or documentation from the other party or third parties. During the process many different types of information may…
Most people that hire attorneys to represent them are concerned about how much they will be spending on their attorney and other court fees. While good representation is invaluable when so much is at stake, there are ways that you can reduce your legal costs without sacrificing having the best…