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Orientation Program for Pro Se Parties Required in King County

10 Feb

Effective January 1, 2011, the King County Superior Court passed an emergency rule that requires all self-represented parties to attend an Orientation Program.

The goal of the orientation is to effectively explain the court process to pro se parties in person instead of just handing out forms with instructions.

Attendance is mandatory and the rule is as follows:

LFLR 20. ORIENTATION PROGRAM IN FAMILY LAW MATTERS
Adopted on an Emergency Basis; effective January 1, 2011

(a) Description and Applicability. To assist self-represented parties involved in family law matters and improve the efficiency of the court, King County Superior Court Family Court shall conduct an Orientation Program for parties in all cases filed under Chapter 26.09 RCW, including dissolutions of marriage, legal separations and major parenting plan modifications.

(b) Mandatory Attendance. In all cases referred to in Section (a) above, all self-represented parties shall successfully complete the Orientation Program within thirty (30) days of filing or service of the summons and petition. Successful completion shall be evidenced by a certificate of attendance filed with the court by Family Court Operations staff. Any party attending the Orientation Program prior to obtaining a King County Superior Court cause number shall be responsible for filing his or her certificate of attendance in the court file when the cause number is obtained.

You can read details about the rule here, on the King County Superior Court website. The orientation will require a small fee that the pro se party is responsible for.

What does this rule mean for me, a pro se party?

We all know that the legal process can be confusing – which is why Pro Se University offers a number of workshops and services to help you navigate the process. So it’s a good sign that the King County Court is starting this program. What the orientation will look like in implementation is still to be seen.

The details about this program and how Family Court Services will notify pro se parties that file after January 1, 2011 are yet to be determined. If you are one of these people, you can contact Family Court Services for more information.

Related: LFLR 20. ORIENTATION PROGRAM IN FAMILY LAW MATTERS (http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/Clerk/Rules/EmergencyLocalRules.aspx )

 
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Posted in family court, Family Law Court Services, King County, King County Superior Court, pro se law

 

What is My Landlord Required to Repair?

11 Dec

It’s December and the mercury in the thermometer is rapidly falling. What if your landlord hasn’t fixed that furnace that hasn’t been working properly?

Often, residential renters complain that their landlord is not repairing various defects on the premesis. Obligations for the Landlord are found in the Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04. Basicly, the landlord is required as follows:

  1. Repairs required to make the premesis livable;
  2. Ensure that the electric, plumbing, heating, and ventilation is functioning properly;
  3. Supply heat (both hot water and to regulate the temperature within;
  4. Keep common areas clean (such as hallways and stairways used by multiple tenants);
  5. Provide garbage cans/dumpster for waste disposal (if there are more than 4 tenants);
  6. Give at least 24 hrs notice before entering the home, unless there is an emergency (tenant may otherwise deny entrance); and
  7. Make sure the premesis is up to code.

If your landlord is not meeting these requirement, there are recourses. However, whatever you do, do not simply withhold rent. You must go through the proper channels. This will be the subject of a post in the near future. Cheers fom Freeforlaw.com!!!

A free resource!!!

And for landlords who want to make sure you’re in conformity with the law, some products form Nolo would be a wise investment. Click below for details.

 
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Posted in Housing, Landlord/Tenant