Michael David Coffman's Answers

Does WA state recognize common law marriage, WA enforcement of common law marriage formed outside of WA state

Common law marriages are recognized in Washington, but common law marriages are not established in Washington. This is to say that if you already have a common law marriage from another jurisdiction, it will be recognized, but not if your only place of residence is Washington. That being said, Washington does recognize what are called "meretricious relationships" These relationships deal with the division of property at the time of a break up between two people, gay, straight or otherwise....

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Avoid tax

Depends on the type of company and its ties to the United States. The set up of businesses in HK is fairly straight forward, but maintaining a foreign corporation from US soil usually mandates US taxes being paid on interests relevant to the US. Given the everchanging enviroment, it would be prudent to discuss this with a tax attorney with an international tax background as there are regular changes in the regimes that are relevant. Given that you do business in the USA, one key question...

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Neighbor harassment dispute, rights under WA state law

Because of Landlord-Tenant laws in the State of Washington, most landlords are reticent to do much about anything involving disputes between tenants. A landlord has to respect the rights of all tenants, and if they do not do so they can suffer significant exposure legally. Depending on the lease terms involving the units, the Landlord may have some ability to act. However, being largely a harassment matter, this would be something for the police to be involved in. Your landlord is right...

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Increase child support due to lost job

Your answer depends on a couple of things. First, how long has it been since the court ordered child support has been put in place? Also, what jurisdiction should be the proper venue for deciding this dispute? If both parents have moved to Washington, then WA should be the proper venue. However, if a parent has stayed in California, it may be possible to have a WA court decide, although it could be in California. Also, a WA court might have to apply CA law in looking at a modification....

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Seeking tax attorney in bellevue WA area to help resolve back taxes owed to IRS

You need to consult a tax attorney about this issue, because of the civil, and potentially criminal aspects of the issues involved. Note that on unreported income where a return has not been filed, the statute of limitations imposed by the IRS does not begin to run. It is only upon the submittal of a return by your friend, or by the IRS on her behalf, that the IRS As a US Citizen, she is taxable on her worldwide income. She may have foreign tax deductions or credits available to her,...

WA state civil rights law, personal injury tort lawsuit for police brutality, misconduct lawsuit

The subject needs to consult an attorney. There are a couple of different issues, here; one being the circumstances under which the patrolman thought the subject was violating the law and the amount of force used under those circumstances. The other issue will be the torts committed by the officer, and vicariously the state, if the officer used excessive force. Both of these issues should be brought to an attorneys attention for review.

Gay marriage

It depends on the employer. While not recognized as a right within Nebraska itself, a variety of employers offer insurance to same sex and transgendered couples insurance and other benefits.

Parenting plan

Generally, under parenting plan rules there are provisions agreed to about the removal of a child to a different jurisdiction. It simply depends to what has been agreed to. I would follow up with a family law practitioner (we have some experience in this area) to obtain an opinion of what your options are. Usually this is something that can be worked out, in many cases between attorneys or with a mediator. Your parenting plan should also indicate the methods under which you need to work out...

Water rights

Possibly. The Corps, under federal law, controls navigable waterways of the United States. However, if this lake is not part of the actual waterway the state may also control. In positioning a dam on a river, if that dam takes your property (or its value) on a very significant basis, you may have recourse to compensation under the takings clause. In any case, without more specifics I would recommend discussing the matter in full with an attorney who can properly analyze the case and...

Internation Law Student Needs Advice.

You should find groups within the law school community, as well as consult with international lawyers in South Florida. They are going to be a great resource for you to use and make entry into the international legal world. I would also suggest that work and internships are part of the networking and experience process that assists all law students in their field of study and what they really want to pursue. Realize that as a non-US citizen, some internships/externships may be closed off...

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