Protecting Your Rights,
Your Freedom and Your Future
Your Freedom and Your Future
COVID-19 Notice
We are closely tracking the rapidly evolving public health and community concerns related to the new coronavirus or COVID-19. Rest assured that we are taking all available steps to remain accessible to current and future clients as we continue to act in accordance with their best interests during this difficult time.
Please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions, and feel free to reach out to us any time at info@blairkim.com or (206) 622-6562 for assistance with your legal matter.
Is Your Office Currently Open During Normal Business Hours?
Yes, we are open and here to help. We are communicating via phone, text, e-mail and videoconferencing. Our cutting-edge technology allows for remote work and meetings that keeps us highly productive.
When and How Can I Contact You?
You may communicate with the attorney or staff member handling your case via phone, text, e-mail and videoconferencing.
What Video Chat Platforms Do You Offer for Clients?
We offer a wide array of video conferencing, using Microsoft Teams, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and other modalities. Please call our office at (206) 622-6562 to schedule a video conference.
Are You Accepting New Clients?
Yes, we certainly are accepting new clients.
How Can I Get Updates Regarding the Status of My Case or Legal Matter?
Our attorneys and staff will continue to work proactively to keep all clients updated on the status of your case or legal matter, but you may also reach out to the induvial attorney or staff member that has been handling your matter if you have immediate questions or concerns.
Are Courts of Law Still Open in My Area?
Although some Washington courts remain open, the Supreme Court has issued orders that any non-emergency matters not be heard in light of all nonessential businesses being shut down, and to protect the safety of the court personnel, judges and the public Therefore, non-emergency court hearings are being continued to a later date while emergency hearings, such as civil protection orders, are being conducted telephonically. Below is a list of emergency court orders. These are updated often:
- 03/24/2020 Immediately Allowing Telephonic Interpretation for All Case Types
- 03/24/2020 Regarding Dependency Matters
- 03/20/2020 WA Supreme Court Amended Order: Addressing court matters and proceedings through April 24, 2020
- 03/20/2020 Amended Order #11 Regarding Civil Matters
- 03/19/2020 Children and Family Justice Center: (1) Juvenile Offender Operations; (2) At-Risk Youth, Children in Need of Services / Truancy Operations
- 03/19/2020 Regarding Civil Matters
- 03/19/2020 Regarding Presentation of Adult Criminal Defendants
- 03/18/2020 WA Supreme Court Order: Addressing court matters and proceedings between now and through April 24, 2020
- 03/18/2020 Stay of Residential Unlawful Detainer Cases until March 30, 2020
- 03/17/2020 Eviction Enforcement for Nonpayment of Rent Suspended Indefinitely
- 03/17/2020 Unified Family Court General Order Re: (1) Trial Continuances; (2) Post-Secondary Child Support
- 03/17/2020 Regarding ITA Court and Cases
- 03/16/2020 (1) Limiting Motions and Court Appearances in Family Law Matters; (2) Addressing Family Law Operations / Services
- 03/13/2020 Regarding Dependency Proceedings
- 03/13/2020 (1) Civil Pretrial & Motion Hearings to Be Held Telephonically Unless Specific Request Made; (2) Implementing Attached Plan for All Ex Parte Matters; (3) Changing Family Law Procedures in Ex Parte
- 03/13/2020 (1) Suspending Juror Summons; (2) Continuing Jury Trials for All Case Types; (3) Ruling on Speedy Trial for Criminal Cases; (4) Addressing Ongoing Jury Trials
- 03/11/2020 Allowing Telephonic Testimony in All Non-Trial Hearings for All Case Types
Can I Still Petition the Court for a Civil Protection Order?
Yes. If you are a victim of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, cyberstalking, annoyance…we can help you obtain an emergency order so that you can remove the abusive spouse from the family home, prevent any unwanted contacted from the harasser and help you stay safe.
Can I Still File for Legal Separation from my Spouse?
Yes. Legal separation is an alternative to filing for a dissolution. The process is identical to dissolution in that you still have to divide all assets and debts, provide for a final parenting plan, final order of child support—essentially all things you would do in a divorce. You don’t have to wait 90 days to finalize. In theory, if you and your spouse are able to resolve all of these attendant issues, you can finalize on the same day that you file for legal separation. You are, however, not divorced. But if you want to be divorced, you can simply ask the court to convert the legal separation to a divorce at the end of a 6-month waiting period. This process does not require an agreement of the other spouse and is simple and quick.
Can I Still File for an Divorce or Uncontested Dissolution?
Yes. Although the courts are hearing matters that are considered only an emergency, this does not mean you cannot file and get your divorce in the current situation. In fact, your ability to get an uncontested dissolution in WA after the standard 90 day waiting period has not been impacted.
Our office is fully staffed and teleworking to be available to meet your needs. No in person meeting is required—everything can be done via email or phone.
Do you have a case you started but unable to finalize, we can take over and help you get it done.
Again, please feel free to reach out to us with questions at any time, and see the following links below for CDC, state, and/or local updates regarding public health orders, court operations, and other information.