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Children Are Often The Center of Family Law Matters

Posted by David Brown 
· May 16, 2023 

Family law is an area of law that deals with family-related issues and relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and child support. Children are often at the center of family law matters, and their interests and well-being are critical considerations. Here are some ways in which children benefit from family law, and how their rights are protected:

  1. Protection from Abuse and Neglect: One of the most important ways that children benefit from family law is by being protected from abuse and neglect. Family law courts have the power to intervene in cases where children are at risk of harm and to take steps to ensure their safety.
  2. Child Custody and Visitation: In cases of divorce or separation, family law courts determine child custody and visitation arrangements. These decisions are made based on the best interests of the child, and they aim to ensure that children have regular and meaningful contact with both parents.
  3. Child Support: Family law also deals with child support issues. Parents have a legal obligation to support their children financially, and family law courts can order child support payments to ensure that children’s needs are met.
  4. Adoption: Family law also governs the adoption process, which can provide a stable and loving home for children who may not have one. Adoption can provide children with a sense of permanency and security.
  5. Education and Healthcare: Family law also deals with issues related to children’s education and healthcare. For example, family law courts can order parents to provide healthcare insurance for their children or make decisions about the children’s education.
  6. Voice in the Process: Family law also provides children with a voice in the legal process. Children who are old enough and mature enough can express their preferences about custody and visitation arrangements, and their views are taken into consideration by family law courts.
  7. Protection of Privacy: Finally, family law also protects children’s privacy rights. Family law courts can issue orders to protect children’s personal information, such as their names, addresses, and school information, from being disclosed in court proceedings.

In conclusion, family law plays a crucial role in protecting the rights of children. It ensures that children are protected from abuse and neglect, and it provides them with a voice in the legal process. Family law also governs child custody, visitation, and support, as well as adoption and education and healthcare issues. By ensuring that children’s needs are met, family law helps to ensure that they have the opportunity to grow up in safe and nurturing environments.

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What To Know About Reporting Car Accidents in Washington State

Posted by David Brown 
· May 11, 2023 

It is critical for all drivers in the local area to put safety at the top of their priority list when they get behind the wheel of a car. Sadly, even if someone does everything correctly, a car accident can happen at any time. There are a lot of emotions that go through people’s minds in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, but it is important for them to think carefully about the most important steps they need to take.

First, no matter how minor the car accident may seem, it is important for people to call 911 and ask for the authorities to come to the scene of the accident. Individuals should remain at the scene of the accident until police officers tell them it is okay to leave, and everybody should get a copy of the accident report before leaving. If there is no accident report, it would be like the collision never even happened.

Drivers are required to carry a minimum level of car insurance to operate a motor vehicle. If they are blamed for the accident, their insurance policy will be responsible for covering the cost of property damage and any medical expenses. On the other hand, there are some situations where the insurance policy may not have enough coverage to pay for all property damage and medical bills. In this case, drivers may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Washington state, individuals have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies do not necessarily have a statute of limitations, but drivers will have more success if they file an insurance claim as quickly as possible.

Because there are a lot of moving parts following a motor vehicle collision, it is critical for drivers to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible. Drivers should focus all of their attention on their medical recovery, but these legal issues are also important. Drivers will also have a better opportunity for a favorable settlement if they allow a car accident lawyer to negotiate on their behalf. For these reasons, it is important for drivers to not only seek medical care but also contact an auto accident attorney as quickly as possible.

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Lawsuit Filed Against FDA Over Strengthened Restrictions on Access To Mifepristone

Posted by David Brown 
· May 9, 2023 

A woman’s right to an abortion has been under fire during the year, particularly in the wake of the overturning of Roe vs. Wade by the US Supreme Court. Now, many people, including doctors and government officials, are left in purgatory, wondering what will happen next. Now, it appears that the Food and Drug Administration is in the same position, as they have placed significant prescriptions on a drug called mifepristone, which is closely tied to abortions.

In the wake of these regulations, more than a dozen state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against the FDA, and one of those is Bob Ferguson, the Attorney General in the state of Washington. Mifepristone is one of a handful of drugs that have had additional restrictions placed on them during the past few months.

The plaintiffs in the case are also not shy about the fact that it is targeting a case that has gone before a Texas judge. His ruling could effectively cut off access to the drug across the country, and the lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs is intended to be a countermeasure against that.

Because some states are changing their laws to be extremely restrictive when it comes to a woman’s right to get an abortion, these states may also ban medications, such as mifepristone, that make it possible for a woman to abort a pregnancy just a few weeks into it. This could almost entirely cut off women in some states from access to safe measures for an abortion, and it could lead to women engaging in even riskier options in an effort to end an unwanted pregnancy. While women in these states may be able to order mifepristone for now, the goal of some states is to cut them off from this medication entirely.

This lawsuit could change that. They are claiming that the regulations and restrictions are unnecessary, as there are so plenty of states where women can order this drug and get an abortion legally. It could be a safeguard for women in other states that may not otherwise have any other options that they would like an abortion. It remains to be seen how this case is going to play out.

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Hunting Advocacy Group Files Lawsuit Targeting Wildlife Commissions, Alleging a Violation of the Rules

Posted by David Brown 
· May 4, 2023 

There have been clashes between hunters and wildlife groups over the past few years, and now, it appears that a group that advocates for hunters is trying to kick a wildlife commissioner off the board in the state of Washington. A lawsuit has been filed by the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. The lawsuit alleges that Lorna Smith, who is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, is actually serving in two public roles. The group states that this is a flagrant violation of rules in the state of Washington. The group is claiming that Smith is also serving as a part of the Jefferson County Planning Commission while serving as the Governor of the wildlife commission stated above.

The group states that Smith has an extremist view when it comes to fish and wildlife management, and they say that this view runs counterintuitive to the model of Wildlife Conservation in the country. For example, the group claims that Smith was the main force behind the cancellation of a black bear hunt that was supposed to take place in the spring. The continues to state that Smith’s initiatives have been destabilizing traditional approaches to wildlife management.

On the other hand, the group appears to overlook the fact that another wildlife commissioner, Molly Linville, also serves on two boards. She is a member of a county planning board and is a member of a school board in a rural area. She claims that it is not a conflict of interest, but it could still be construed as a violation of the rules in the jurisdiction.

It remains to be seen how this lawsuit is going to play out, and it appears to be a question of whether the rules have to be adhered to in accordance with the letter of the law or the spirit of the law instead. The group has labeled the government a cabal, but their true interests will be borne out as the case proceeds before the court. The group added that this is only the first of many actions that they plan to take in an effort to protect their rights and what they perceive as traditional wildlife management.

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Baby Formula Foodborne Ilness Outbreak Leads to DOJ Investigation

Posted by David Brown 
· May 2, 2023 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (a.k.a. FDA) has recently issued a Call-to-Action regarding a Cronobacter outbreak from contaminated powdered baby formula. This official government notice was aimed at baby formula distributors, importers/exporters, and retailers. It was designed to create a unified effort to prevent future outbreaks of Cronobacter, which is a naturally occurring germ with the potential to cause distress, sickness, and even death for some infants if ingested.

The Food and Drug Administration has provided baby formula companies with various steps/suggestions to help prevent future Cronobacter illness outbreaks. For example, recommendations include ways to environmentally control water in dry production areas – making it difficult for pathogens to invade sanitary and hygienic manufacturing conditions and environments.

The Backstory

The Food and Drug Administration’s newly revised strategies directly resulted from reported infant illnesses that occurred at the end of 2021 and into the beginning of 2022. At that time, the Food and Drug Administration’s investigative efforts determined that the infant illnesses were sourced from an Abbott Lab manufacturing facility in Sturgis, MI.

Abbott Laboratories, the largest supplier in the U.S. of baby formula, was required to recall several of the company’s popular infant formulas. And the company’s Sturgis facility was temporarily shut down in 2022 after it was discovered that the facility had failed to comply with sanitary protocols and conditions.

Side Effects of the Infant Formula Recall/Plant Shut-down.

As one would expect (and the FDA acknowledges in its Call-to-Action), reducing the production of a popular infant formula eventually led to a nationwide shortage of infant formula in 2022. The FDA also admitted its own shortcomings in response to the entire situation.

Recently, it was disclosed that at the end of 2022, the Western District of Michigan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office had begun a criminal investigation into Abbott’s infant formula manufacturing processes.

The Takeaway

The Food and Drug Administration reminds manufacturers and distributors of powdered infant formula that they continue to face more than Cronobacter risks. They must also identify and control other reasonably foreseeable biological hazards, like Salmonella and Clostridium botulinum.

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Seattle City Attorney Ann Davidson Sued Hyundai and Kia

Posted by David Brown 
· April 27, 2023 

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davidson filed a lawsuit against Hyundai and Kia. In this lawsuit, Davidson alleged that Hyundai’s and Kia’s failed to install anti-theft technology in some of their vehicles. Davidson’s allegation goes on to assert that the failures of these two car manufacturers to do so was a contributing factor in a very significant increase in the number of car thefts. A release from the city of Seattle states that car thefts involving Hyundai and Kia cars increased by a total of 503% for Hyundai cars and 363% for Kia cars.

Davidson’s lawsuit makes the allegation that both Hyundai and Kia were aware of public safety risks resulting from increased theft of their vehicles and that neither Hyundai nor Kia took meaningful action to address this issue. According to an insurance group statement in September, these Kia and Hyundai cars are stolen almost twice as often as most other cars because their keys do not have computer chips used in theft ‘immobilizer’ systems. Instructional videos shared on social media spread this information to more people. Simply put, the lack of these computer chips makes it much easier to steal these Hyundai and Kia cars.

Data from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that the theft rate for Kia and Hyundai vehicles without immobilizers was 2.18 per 1,000 insured vehicle years. The theft rate for the remainder of the auto industry was 1.21. An insured vehicle year means one vehicle that is insured for one year. The Institute analyzed 2021 vehicle theft claims and shared its findings on January 21st, 2022.

Two drivers, Mike Engelhart and Phaedra Harmon, say that their vehicles were stolen using the vulnerability that these Kia and Hyundai vehicles have due to a lack of a computer chip for a theft immobilizer system. “…They smashed my screen, they carved in the back of my seat, they took a knife to the roof of my car…,” Harmon said. Engelhart also said that he discovered that the issue was quite common when he reported the vehicle theft. Kia and Hyundai both shared statements in response to the lawsuit filed on January 25th, 2022. These vulnerabilities are something to consider when purchasing vehicles from either Hyundai or Kia.

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Meta Is the Latest Company To Cut Its Workforce

Posted by David Brown 
· April 25, 2023 

With a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the economy, many companies, particularly those in the tech sector, have been trying to reduce their overhead expenses. Now, it appears that Meta, the company that most people know as Facebook, is joining this group. Recently, Meta announced that it was undergoing a restructuring, and it was cutting 10,000 jobs in the process. In addition, the company announced that 5,000 vacancies that had not yet been filled would remain unfilled. This follows a round of cuts that took place in November, where the company laid off approximately 11,000 people. In total, it is believed that these layoffs represent somewhere between 15 and 25 percent of the company.

In filings with the SEC, the company announced that it had lowered its expenses from approximately $92 billion to approximately $86 billion. Shares of the company’s stock rose more than five percent in response to the news. Zuckerberg said that this further proves that the company is dedicated to making 2023 a year of efficiency. The goal is to make the organization stronger and more nimble, even while cutting jobs.

The organization is also finding other ways to cut its resource use to remain more nimble. For example, he announced that the company would be evaluating many of its projects to see which ones aren’t performing in an effort to further cut expenses.

This is not the only company in the sector cutting jobs. Some of the other companies that are cutting their employees include Amazon, Dell, Zoom, and Google. Many other companies have already slashed their workforces in an effort to reduce their overhead expenses.

There are many reasons why these companies are scaling back their workforces, and many of these have to do with advising interest rates. These companies are going to have a difficult time borrowing money to fund new projects, particularly with interest rates as high as they are. In addition, as consumers change their spending habits in response to higher interest rates, these companies may be anticipating reduced sales, so they are trying to reduce their overhead expenses as well by cutting the amount of money they spend on jobs. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

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6 Reasons Why You Need a Family Law Attorney In 2023

Posted by David Brown 
· April 20, 2023 

When it comes to matters of family law, it’s important to have the guidance and representation of an experienced attorney. With the ever-changing legal landscape, it’s more important than ever to have an attorney who is up-to-date on the latest laws and regulations. In this article, we’ll cover six reasons why you need to invest as soon as possible.

Divorce

An attorney can help navigate the legal process of a divorce and ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the proceedings. With the possibility of virtual hearings and mediations, it’s important to have an attorney who is well-versed in navigating these new processes.

Child custody and support

Determining child custody arrangements and negotiating child support agreements are tricky due to several inherent nuances in place. A seasoned attorney can help advocate for your rights as a parent and make sure that the best interests of the child are taken into account.

Property division

In a divorce, it’s important to divide property and assets fairly. A family law attorney can help ensure that your property and assets are divided equitably and that you receive your fair share. Protecting your financial future will be key to safeguarding your mental well-being during this often taxing time.

Adoption

Family law attorneys can help guide couples through the legal process of adopting a child and make sure that everything is done correctly. With ever-changing laws and regulations, it’s important to have an attorney who is well-versed in the latest adoption laws and procedures.

Paternity

With advancements in DNA testing, it’s important to have an attorney who is knowledgeable in this area and can ensure that your rights are protected. This is increasingly more important in the areas of child custody and support, where paternity tests are often a deciding factor of the results in many cases.

Domestic violence

If you are a victim of domestic violence, a family law attorney can help you obtain a restraining order and take other legal steps to protect yourself and your children. It is important to have an attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and ensure your safety.

Family law matters can be emotionally charged and complex, which is why it’s crucial to someone experienced on your end. A family will help you figure out your rights and options while advocating for your best interests throughout the legal process. The legal landscape is constantly changing. That means it’s more important than ever to have an attorney who is up-to-date on the latest nuances within the different rules and regulations.

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Washington Lawmakers’ Hard Work Over the Last Legislative Session

Posted by David Brown 
· April 18, 2023 

Lawmakers in Washington are back to working on the legislation that didn’t make it in time for a key cutoff deadline. They’re working in committees and many of the bills that didn’t receive a floor vote aren’t going to be included in this session.

House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (Democrat out of Tacoma) stated that she’s satisfied with the floor action that went on over the last week and a half. Numerous bills passed and many of these had bipartisan support. Some of the bills seeing progress include those that increase supply of housing and support workforce development, especially when it comes to nurses. Jinkins said that she asked her caucus at the start of the session to focus on recognizing common ground. Though this went relatively well, there were some policy losses and wins between the parties on topics such as abortion, public safety, and the environment.

A Split on Public Safety Bills

Lawmakers couldn’t agree when it came to new regulations on gun sales. One bill in particular did advance, which restricts use and sale of semi automatic rifles and other high-capacity firearms. Another bill that makes it mandatory to get safety training and puts into place a 10-day gun sale waiting period also moved forward.

The Senate did approve a bill which makes gun sellers and manufacturers legally liable in the instance that the weapons they make available are used for illegal purposes.

One bill that somewhat eases parameters for police pursuits (including when they are able to chase vehicles) was approved on the last day before the cutoff for the session. This only serves to keep the debate going on this matter. Republicans are in favor of taking the bill farther and hoping that it will be changed more upon going through the House.

Additional Bills Advancing

There are some other bills that are moving forward currently. One of them (Senate Bill 5536) is to enhance drug possession penalties and build upon state infrastructure for stronger addiction treatment. The bill for the use of psilocybin from “magic mushrooms” has passed with important changes from the initial version.

This session is considered to be a crucial one with housing. House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox (Republican for Yelm) claims that this is a solid year for housing and that both parties have been committed to putting forth bills to build livable space. No rent control bills passed before the deadline, but debates on these housing matters will continue in future years.

Other bills in this legislative session and ongoing bills include ones for more environmental protections, healthcare including for gender-affirming care and abortion, state special education oversight and funding, and how the state handles domestic violence.

Follow further news on legislative sessions to find out what bills are being proposes and which will continue to advance.

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Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Norfolk Southern by the State of Ohio

Posted by David Brown 
· April 13, 2023 

The train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio has been devastating for the small town, and the vast majority of people are adamant that Norfolk Southern, the train company responsible for the train, should bear total responsibility for all the consequences following the accident. While there has been a tremendous amount of rhetoric in the media, it appears that legal action is now taking place. The Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost, announced that he had filed a federal lawsuit against the company, stating that the state should not have to bear any of the financial responsibility for the glaring negligence of the train company.

More than a month ago, a Norfolk Southern train was carrying hazardous chemicals, including butyl acrylic and vinyl chloride, when it derailed in the small town. The cars immediately caught fire, residents were exposed to a variety of toxic fumes, and a significant portion of the town was forced to evacuate.

The train crash turned into an environmental disaster, spilling toxins into the surrounding environment, and causing incalculable environmental harm in the process. As of now, Ohio is seeking at least $75,000 in damages, but that amount is likely to climb much higher.

While accidents happen from time to time, they are absolutely tragic when they are preventable. There are numerous regulations in the transportation industry that train companies have to follow, but many of these regulations have been scaled back due to aggressive lobbying and an effort on the part of training companies to cut their overhead expenses. It remains to be seen whether Norfolk Southern overlooked the train regulations that still remain, but the reality is that the town, and its residents, have suffered tremendously as a result of the accident.

In public, Norfolk Southern has stated that they are prioritizing the cleanup process and that their goal is to rectify the situation. At the same time, the company is already facing a tremendous amount of pressure from the Transportation Secretary and the Environmental Protection Agency, as both organizations have said that they are taking control of the cleanup process and that they will hold the train company accountable. In the meantime, the residents continue to fear for their safety.

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