Can an affidavit to be sealed if the affidavit contain health/physical/mental information in a family court?

Attorney answers (3)

1. Licensed in WA

   

   Dave HawkinsPro

   Seattle Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 19

   

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   Answered November 05, 2012 15:16. You can have the documents sealed fron public view, but the opposing party has an absolute right to see all documents you have filed with the court. To allow the court to make a ruling on documents he has not seen would be a fundamental violation of due process. You are not required t file the documents and protect your privacy in that way. But if you want to court to make a ruling, the other side has to be copied n all documents you give tot he court. You cannot litigate by ambush.

   The information is for general information purposes only. Nothing stated above should be taken as legal advice for... moreThe information is for general information purposes only. Nothing stated above should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. less

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2. Licensed in WA

   

   Richard Patrick

   Gig Harbor Business Attorney

   Contributor Level 12

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   Answered November 05, 2012 15:35. You can seal any document that contains personal information like medical information or social security numbers, birthdates, financial information and the such. Simply provide the clerk with a Sealed Cover Page and write the word "sealed" on the top right corner of each page of your document. You can find the cover page online at Washington Courts or at your local Superior Court Law Library. HOWEVER, WARNING WILL ROBINSON!!!! You need to be careful. You say you don't want your X to use the information against you in another case. There are sooooo many red flags when you say something like that I must advise you to seek legal counsel prior to filing anything with a sealed cover page...SEEK LEGAL ADVICE! You may or may not be able to keep the information from your X...You may have a duty to disclose the information to your X...The information may or may not be protected under a separate doctrine. Please seek legal counsel on this issue.

   This is not legal advice.

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3. 

   Daniel WilliamsPro

   Pacific Grove Divorce / Separation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 17

   

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   Answered November 05, 2012 14:36. You can ask the Court do an in camera review of the documents, but this may entitle the other parties to see them too. You should get an attorney to handle this because once the cat is out of the bag, it is out of the bag.

   Attorney Williams practices FAMILY LAW throughout the State of California and may be reached at (831) 233-3558 and... moreAttorney Williams practices FAMILY LAW throughout the State of California and may be reached at (831) 233-3558 and offers free consultations. The response provided in this forum is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. The information offered in this response is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon without further consultation with a legal professional after all relevant facts are disclosed and considered. DANIEL S. WILLIAMS, ESQ. LAW OFFICES OF DANIEL S. WILLIAMS 500 LIGHTHOUSE AVENUE, STE. A MONTEREY, CA 93940 (831) 233-3558 -- OFFICE (831) 233-3560 -- FAX less

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