Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Drug testing ordered by 2 time conv felon & dom viol conv

Lived with partner 9 years.Convicted felon & domestic

violence offender.I moved out because violent after our child was born. Guardian ad Litem appointed and I

need to attend drug and alcohol treatment by accusations of felon. No evidence of any or prior convictions for myself. Kangaroo court making felon look like he is a hero.9 years I put up with this guy,several times he tried to kill me. Guardian ad Litem was asked to look at his record and never even brought it up. Do I have any rights?


Asked on 2/05/01, 1:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Todd Richardson Law Offices of James W. Grow, PLLC

Re: Drug testing ordered by 2 time conv felon & dom viol conv

Sounds like you are in a bit of a bad situation.

There are lots of facts that would be helpful in this question. Were you represented?

What was the felony the other party was convicted of? How long ago? What Domestic Violence? Against you? Convicted? When?

Do you have an alcohol problem? Are you willing to attend classes to help improve your situation? What, exactly, did the GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) say in his/her report?

Has there been a final hearing?

These begin to flesh the picture out enough to give you a more complete answer. But, generally, you can always challenge what the GAL says in his report. However, in order to win

you will need to be able to point out specifics that are a) relevant, b) recent enough to be of importance, and c) legal reasons why the GAL was wrong and you should win despite what the GAL

says. Sometimes you need to be a little careful of things like this because if you have lots of negative in your past, it can be brought up to show why the GAL was being kind to you ... so be careful

and make sure you know and are honest about _everything_ with your attorney. An attorney can not help you if you hide/shade your past or negatives.

If there has been a final hearing, then your about the only thing you can look for is to challenge it on appeal. This can be expensive, and it is an uphill battle, but they can be won depending on many facts.

Best of luck. If you should want more input, or if I can be of assistance any other way, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Todd Richardson

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Answered on 3/19/01, 3:09 pm


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