Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
Domestic Violence
Washington courts rarely discipline guardians ad litem accused of misconduct in custody cases
Minimal oversight of court investigators makes it difficult for parents to challenge flawed reports without risking damage to their cases
WA crime victim orgs call for state help as falling federal funding has them at a ‘breaking point’
Nonprofits say temporary state dollars haven’t been enough to stave off cuts to sexual abuse and domestic violence programs
Many Washington counties aren’t verifying if accused domestic abusers are turning over their guns
While some counties are devoting money to track down guns, others rely on the honor system to ensure firearms are turned over
Sheriff candidate in small WA county faces claims of domestic violence, dishonesty
State Legislature failed to pass bill last session that would have disqualified him from running
Family law experts push legal framework to guide guardian ad litem reform in Washington
A ‘model code’ would have only licensed mental health professionals making parenting plan recommendations to the court
Why many judges in WA won’t order abusers to turn in guns
State and federal court decisions threaten to override Washington’s firearm surrender law
In Eastern Washington, victims seeking protection steer clear of a judge accused of domestic violence himself
Attorneys say there’s little accountability for judges who may show bias against victims
Low-income domestic violence survivors face uphill battle in obtaining court-ordered protections
Advocates urge more funding for housing, shelters and legal services as well as consistent policy implementation