<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"
"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd">
<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<title></title>
</head>
<body style="font-family:Arial;font-size:14px">
<p><br>
Law Office of<br>
<strong>F.ANDREKITA SILVA </strong><br>
<strong>________________________________________________________________________</strong><br>
<br>
. April 23, 2020 <br>
<br>
Dalynne,<br>
<br>
In my experience, orders to show cause require personal service. It doesn’t matter if the person being ordered to appear is a lawyer. Whoever is being ask to appear personally before the court is who must be personally served. It also doesn’t matter if they received personal service of the initial summons and petition/ complaint. That is a separate matter.<br>
<br>
It is common in family law to have a divorce pending and someone violates temporary orders. If you want to find them in contempt, you MUST secure an order to show cause and that order to show cause must be served on the LITIGANT personally. <br>
<br>
<br>
Despite this, like any service of process, a person can accept service. In family law, we commonly call the lawyer and ask if lawyer will accept service of order to show cause on behalf of client. A lawyer must then call their client and ask “can I accept service?”, and they should get that approval to accept in writing so that client can fail to show and then say “I never authorized.” Some lawyers say “no, serve them personally.”<br>
<br>
There are procedures in the probate code that require service of a show cause order or citation, but failure to show at a hearing isn’t exactly one of them.<br>
<br>
Nevertheless, RCW 7.21, the court can sanction a party for disobeying its orders. It can do this on its own motion. Although that statute doesn’t say that “personal service” of a notice of a hearing is required. Case law says that the constitution requires “due process”. So, you can’t sanction someone or find them in contempt unless they have notice and the opportunity to be heard. So, the order to show cause is just a couple sentences I believe the procedure of issuing an order to show cause is based on the requirement of “due process”.<br>
<br>
Many years ago I actually found the family law case that said “personal service” of a show cause was required. I believe I since then saw one unpublished case that said personal service wasn’t necessary. However, since if have <strong><em>many times</em></strong> seen Commissioner’s refuse to proceed with a show cause hearing where the litigant was not personally served.<br>
<br>
This Commisisoner appeared to have pretty strong feelings about being stood up by atty/PR, so, I wouldn’t put the issue to a test. It’s easy enough to serve the person personally or to get them to accept. I’m sure the lawyer/ PR would accept service. However, you must have them sign an acceptance of service.<br>
<br>
andrekita<br>
Law Office of F. Andrekita Silva<br>
1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000<br>
Seattle, Washington 98101<br>
206-224-8288<br>
www.seattle-silvalaw.com<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
Quoting Paul Neumiller <<a href="mailto:pneumiller@hotmail.com">pneumiller@hotmail.com</a>>:</p>
<blockquote style="border-left:2px solid blue;margin-left:2px;padding-left:12px;" type="cite">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>Without absolutely any legal research or experience, it is my understanding that once a party is properly served by a process server (or other proper means), following pleadings may be served by mail, personal service, or fax/email, if the parties agree. So, if the PR/attorney is already a proper party involved in an action, then you do not need personal service because it would not be the first pleading in the case. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="Paul_A__Neumiller"><img height="150" id="_x0000_i1028" src="cid:5oTVZJgE6NalW9H2SHEsc3o@biz251.inmotionhosting.com" style="width:2.6in;height:1.5583in" width="250"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail message is intended to be received only by persons entitled to receive the confidential information it may contain. E-mail messages to clients of Paul A. Neumiller presumptively contain information that is confidential and legally privileged; e-mail messages to non-clients are normally confidential and may also be legally privileged. Please do not read, copy, forward or store this message unless you are the intended recipient of it. If you have received this message in error, please forward it back to the sender and delete it completely from your computer system.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'>E-mail communication on the Internet may NOT be secure. There is a risk that this confidential communication may be intercepted illegally. There may also be a risk of waiving attorney-client and/or work-product privileges that may attach to this communication. DO NOT forward this message to a third party. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the sender.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif'> </span></p>
<p> </p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces@lists.wsbarppt.com> <b>On Behalf Of</b> Dalynne Singleton<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, April 23, 2020 9:54 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt@lists.wsbarppt.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [WSBAPT] Show Cause Order Service</p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I have searched RCW 11 and LCR 7(9) for show cause orders in probate matters as Commissioner yesterday at Kent probate hearing ordered me to prepare an Order to Show Cause to a PR/Attorney who failed to appear telephonically for hearing. I prepared Show Cause Order and am confused on service on PR (who is an attorney).</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I could only find juvenile and family law rules and samples of show cause orders which require personal service of show cause order.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">With most law firms closed, how are others handling service on attorneys? Do any of the King county orders re COVID provide for service of pleadings – such as summons/complaint, show cause orders where they are usually by personal service?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">I have not done a show cause hearing/order in quite a few years.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;color:red">If someone has had a show cause hearing and order in a probate matter, can you please advise what was acceptable service by the court?</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Dalynne Singleton</span></i></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Gourley Law Group</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Snohomish Escrow</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>The Exchange Connection</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>1002 10<sup>th</sup> Street / PO Box 1091</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Snohomish, WA 98291</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>360.568.5065</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>360.568.8092 fax</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1'><a href="mailto:dalynne@glgmail.com">dalynne@glgmail.com</a></span></u></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1'>Website: <a href="http://www.glglawgroup.com">www.glglawgroup.com</a></span></u></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"> </p>
<p><b><i> </i></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Due to COVID-19, I am working remotely. As a result, I cannot accept any physical messenger service at this time. Please email all pleadings and agreed upon service documents to <a href="mailto:theresa@glgmail.com"><span style="color:blue">theresa@glgmail.com</span></a>.</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>In-person meetings are not possible at this time. Email is the best way to reach me until further notice. If you would like a telephone conference, please email my paralegal <a href="mailto:theresa@glgmail.com"><span style="color:blue">theresa@glgmail.com</span></a> or <a href="mailto:dara@glgmail.com"><span style="color:blue">dara@glgmail.com</span></a> to set such conference.</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"> </p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Thank you very much and stay safe!</span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"> </p>
<p><b><i> </i></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family:Californian;color:black">LICENSED</span></i> <i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Californian;color:black">IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON</span></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black'>IMPORTANT/CONFIDENTIAL: This e-mail message (and any attachments accompanying it) may contain confidential information, including information protected by attorney-client privilege. The information is intended only for the use of the intended recipient(s). Delivery of this message to anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is not intended to waive any privilege or otherwise detract from the confidentiality of the message. If you are not the intended recipient, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, do not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, disseminate or otherwise use this transmission, rather, please promptly notify the sender by reply e-mail, and then destroy all copies of the message and its attachments, if any.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="color:black"><img border="0" height="120" id="_x0000_i1031" src="cid:WtDF1N-PPsGbbY9_naMol9O@biz251.inmotionhosting.com" style="width:1.6166in;height:1.25in" width="155"></span><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'> </span></b> <span style="color:black"><a href="https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttp-3A__www.superlawyers.com_redir-3Fr-3Dhttp-3A__www.superlawyers.com_washington_lawyer_Gary-2DManca_ca059d21-2D1b6e-2D4fca-2Db396-2D80c253f82402.html-26c-3Demail-5FSmall-5Fbadge-26i-3Dca059d21-2D1b6e-2D4fca-2Db396-2D80c253f82402%26d%3DDwMGaQ%26c%3D4VfW4Y7UDKzr0jHM1Tk29w%26r%3DwJy-5dBh2e8cdp8KTDyWsjq7WPfG_HRNpImWO5yfs2A%26m%3DFCmO2jSMMhwxfYb-8WN5A3L-M6GKeJ_8gc6cS3vECHM%26s%3Dz2j9M4GPJAL7pempIOe0TGAPkMWrzXJSlY1lyMRDlRg%26e%3D&data=02%7C01%7C%7C0d2a2f956cfe4c098ad708d7e7a788d0%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637232579052458499&sdata=HX0eTtJe593mND2KZdzm7EKVGI3JWtj16x2UcuTZWws%3D&reserved=0" title='"Visit the official website of Super Lawyers" '><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none'><img alt="Rated by Super Lawyers" border="0" height="32" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:ChQXBLIejvA8WdmXLi8NrFT@biz251.inmotionhosting.com" style="width:1.0416in;height:.3333in" width="100"></span></a></span><span style="color:#1F497D"> </span> <span style="color:black"><img border="0" height="120" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:ZK2qzuMC2w8Vztch03ai1h3@biz251.inmotionhosting.com" style="width:.875in;height:1.25in" width="84"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<br></p>
<div><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:11px;">andrekita<br>
Law Office of F. Andrekita Silva<br>
1325 Fourth Avenue, Suite 2000<br>
Seattle, Washington 98101<br>
206-224-8288<br>
www.seattle-silvalaw.com</span></span></div>
</body>
</html>