Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Responding to a summons and appropriate time allowed

I received a summons/petition for a custody hearing with my ex for my daughter. it says I have 20 days from the date of service to respond with my attorney, but a court date is already arranged for 11 days after the service date?? shouldnt I at least have the full 20 days before the court date to get my attorney hired and information in order since this was a complete bobmshell?? I had no idea this was going to happen. as far as I knew everything was fine and has been for the 3 1/2 years we have had our same custody agreement. I guess what Im asking is? if so....how do I go about getting an extension on the court hearing since they are not allowing me the 20 days needed to respond and retain councel??? Any help will be very very much appreciated!


Asked on 3/22/07, 3:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Responding to a summons and appropriate time allowed

The 20 days is to respond to the summons, the shorter period relates to a motion for temporary orders. You should not delay in contacting an attorney. You actually have less than 11 days to file a response to the motion for temporary orders, generally due 4 court days before the hearing.

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Answered on 3/22/07, 9:40 pm


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