Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: Court dates

You have your attorney contact the other party's attorney and ask for a continuance on the basis of your absence. If you are acting as your own attorney, you are held to the same standard as a licensed, practicing attorney.

If you had filed a notice of absence from office indicating that you were unavailable for a hearing at that time at that time on that date, then you would send another copy to the attorney who noted the motion and ask firmly for a continuance. If you had not filed a notice of absence, you would attend if at all possible.

In civil matters, you don't have to be there, your attorney has to be there. Your personal presence is not necessary when you are represented.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell