I was wondering if I can represent my fiancee in court, here are the facts that are relevant:
1.) She chokes up in a court room and can't speak properly for herself because of this, even when she's not truly involved, she still get choked up.
2.) The matter in question is not a criminal case, but a civil one.
3.) She is currently a pro se litigant in the case at hand.
4.) She is willing to assign me power of attorney if it would allow me to speak on her behalf.
5.) We are in Washington state.
6.) I have a personal interest in the case, but not in a legal sense.
To elaborate on #6 a bit, she is currently fighting for custody of her eldest two children against her "husband's" (Seperated, and in the process of a divorce.) parents. Now, I have been with these children for a greater portion of their lives than even their biological father, let alone his parents, and although I'm not legally related to the children, I do love and care for them as my own. I only mention this to show why I want to help so that nobody asks me why I'm interested.
If anyone can help me out here, I would appreciate it. I've been going through the state laws trying to find the answer for about 6 hours, and I can't get a straight answer one way or the other.
Please cite specific souces if available.
To elaborate a little more, no I'm not a lawyer. However it's my understanding that in regards to power of attorney the agent has all of the powers and abilities of the principal.(If so designated) And if they can represent themselves in court, then would it not follow that any person who has their power of attorney could also represent them?
to Ranger44: Why would I need an attorney?
In response to Leorita: Her soon-to-be-ex-husband is not fighting at all. He signed a statement claiming that he is an unfit parent already. And it doesn't always take two to ruin a marriage. I saw some of the stuff he did, and everyone's better off without him, trust me EVERYONE.
As for the rest, we can't afford an attorney, and so far have had no success finding a probono (or however you say that) lawyer in our area. If anyone knows of any pro bono groups in the Vancouver, WA area, please let me know.
1.) She chokes up in a court room and can't speak properly for herself because of this, even when she's not truly involved, she still get choked up.
2.) The matter in question is not a criminal case, but a civil one.
3.) She is currently a pro se litigant in the case at hand.
4.) She is willing to assign me power of attorney if it would allow me to speak on her behalf.
5.) We are in Washington state.
6.) I have a personal interest in the case, but not in a legal sense.
To elaborate on #6 a bit, she is currently fighting for custody of her eldest two children against her "husband's" (Seperated, and in the process of a divorce.) parents. Now, I have been with these children for a greater portion of their lives than even their biological father, let alone his parents, and although I'm not legally related to the children, I do love and care for them as my own. I only mention this to show why I want to help so that nobody asks me why I'm interested.
If anyone can help me out here, I would appreciate it. I've been going through the state laws trying to find the answer for about 6 hours, and I can't get a straight answer one way or the other.
Please cite specific souces if available.
To elaborate a little more, no I'm not a lawyer. However it's my understanding that in regards to power of attorney the agent has all of the powers and abilities of the principal.(If so designated) And if they can represent themselves in court, then would it not follow that any person who has their power of attorney could also represent them?
to Ranger44: Why would I need an attorney?
In response to Leorita: Her soon-to-be-ex-husband is not fighting at all. He signed a statement claiming that he is an unfit parent already. And it doesn't always take two to ruin a marriage. I saw some of the stuff he did, and everyone's better off without him, trust me EVERYONE.
As for the rest, we can't afford an attorney, and so far have had no success finding a probono (or however you say that) lawyer in our area. If anyone knows of any pro bono groups in the Vancouver, WA area, please let me know.