The King County Family Law Information Center (FLIC) provides assistance with a variety of family law-related processes including divorce, child support, parenting plans and parenting plan modifications. FLIC is introducing a new service system affecting both the Seattle and Kent courthouses. It will launch in January 2023. In preparation for that launch, FLIC will have reduced hours in December 2022.
Author: Rick Stroup
KC Superior Court Clerk’s Office Launches Website Translation Project
The King County Department of Judicial Administration, also known as the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, is proud to announce the completion of the first phase of its new Website Translation Project. The project’s goal is to translate key content of the Clerk’s Office website into the top 7 languages spoken by King County users. In Phase 1, they have translated information regarding basic Clerk’s Office operations, court calendars, fees & waivers, assistance requesting court records, legal financial obligations, State v. Blake refunds, accommodations, and public disclosure requests.
From the Clerk’s Office homepage, users can click on their preferred language to access a Landing Page written entirely in and containing all translated content in that language. Links to translated content are also included on the English-language web pages for ease of access.
This is only the beginning! As the project moves forward into Phase 2, the Clerk’s Office is looking forward to providing users with additional translated content.
The Clerk’s Office welcomes feedback about this project. Please send your comments and questions to DJATranslations@kingcounty.gov. For assistance with any Clerk’s Office services, please call 206-296-9300.
Click here to view this announcement translated into the top 7 languages spoken by King County users: Amharic, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
New Wa Appellate Court Public Document Portal Launched
The public can access files and documents for cases filed with the Washington Supreme Court and the Washington Courts of Appeal after January 1, 2020 through the Court’s new Appellate Court Public Document Portal. You will need to know the case number you want to research. This system does not provide access to trial court documents, so you will need to contact the specific trial court for those materials. Search for Supreme Court case information here. Search for Appellate Court information here. Learn more about the new portal by reviewing the FAQs here.
NCLC Explains New Student Loan Relief Options
The National Consumer Law Center has published a very useful article describing the twelve most significant changes to the laws and rules governing repaying or canceling student loan debt. You can also access additional digital content from NCLC, including their publication titled Student Loan Law, directly from King County Law Library’s website here
Affordable Connectivity Program — Help for Internet Costs
Washington State’s Health Care Authority administers an FCC program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is designed to make it cheaper for some Washington households to get high-speed Internet access. If your household qualifies, you can get up to $30/month off of Internet connectivity charges and a one-time $100 discount off the purchase price of a laptop, tablet or desktop computer. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per qualifying household. The Biden Administration has also secured commitments from some Internet service providers to offer high-speed plans covered completely by funding from the ACP. To learn if you qualify, simply visit the Affordable Connectivity Program’s site here or go to GetInternet.gov and complete the online application.
ACLU WA’s The Future of Abortion in Washington Discussion Available Again
In May 2022, ACLU of Washington sponsored a pre-Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization discussion about abortion and reproductive rights. The speakers included Dr. Erin Berry, Washington State Medical Director, Kia Guarino, Executive Director of Pro-Choice Washington, Miranda Varags, board member of Northwest Abortion Access Fund, and Leah Rutman, Health Care and Liberty Counsel, ACLU-WA. The program was moderated by ACLU-WA Executive Director, Michele Storms. ACLU-WA has made a recording of this discussion available again and encourages you to watch again or attend for the time.
Protection Order Forms and Process Changes
WashingtonLawHelp.org has a new guide that helps explain the numerous changes made to Washington State’s protection order forms and process in June 2022. For example, you can now use a single petition to file for a protection order if you have encountered domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking. Some types of protection orders, such as Extreme Risk Protection Orders, still require a separate petition. Read the new WaLawHelp protection order guide here. Current forms for all protection order types can be found beneath the Protection Orders drop-down here.
Supreme Court Justices Virtual Memorial Service
The Washington Supreme Court is hosting a virtual memorial service in honor of three retired justices who passed away between December 2019 and December 2021. The service honoring Justices Walter T. McGovern, Roselle Pekelis and Mary E. Fairhurst will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11. Read more details about the contributions of these justices here. Attend the virtual memorial service here.
Help with Evictions from WaLawHelp.org
If you are a low-income tenant in Washington State, you may be eligible for legal assistance if you are facing eviction or looking for rent assistance. For details. follow these links:
Emergency Broadband Benefit
If your household qualifies, the Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service. Qualified households on tribal lands will receive up to $75 per month. Your household can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
To learn more and to apply, visit the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit web site here.