This morning, I filed a second petition with Snohomish county court system. This petition was for an Emergency Guardianship/Conservatorship for Patrick. This petition, if successful, would make Mary and I Patrick’s guardians and custodians to ensure two primary goals:
Ensure appropriate medical treatment after the involuntary commitment that we were forced to take with Patrick and was executed this past Tuesday evening, and
Avoid any further debt being accrued on Patrick’s behalf as a result of his inability to manage his finances at this time.
It would also prevent him from entering into contracts, obtaining a driver’s license, etc. until he was himself again.
While I was there, I spoke with one of the clerks. I was looking for answers to two questions:
Did they have any record of where Patrick was transported?
When/how would we be informed of the hearing that would take place at the end of his 5-day treatment?
The clerk could answer neither question. For the first, they recommended that we contact the crisis line for an answer. But, as I reported yesterday they claim to have no record of even where Patrick was first sent for medical clearance. Fortunately, we were able to confirm that he was admitted and discharged from the ER at the Everett Medical Center. Still, we have no idea where he is being treated—or even if he is being treated. (Brief correction: his treatment was ordered to last 5 business days. So, assuming that the clock starts Wednesday, it means that it will continue through Tuesday of next week.)
As for the second question, the clerk directed me to inquire with the judge’s clerk instead. Here is my question to her:
“How will my wife and I be informed of the hearing held at the end of the detention period and consult with the prosecuting attorney about testimony and evidence that we might have?”
Her response was “Unfortunately, the question you have raised is a legal question, and I cannot give legal advice in my capacity.”
Does that sound bizarre to you? Me, too. It doesn’t look like a legal question to me. Granted, I don’t have any formal legal training, but it sounds to me like a factual matter as part of the proceeding that our petition set in motion.
Anyway, with encouragement from one of the relatives, Mary and I decided that we would have to obtain representation in this matter and assistance in properly following through with his guardianship. I reached out to 10 law firms this afternoon and we are waiting to hear back from one of them. It is critical that we meet with one or more of them Monday.
What’s worse is that after a few hours, I was able to identify an answer to the second question. Hearings are a matter of public record and the public records portal for the court can be searched using the case number assigned.
Deno Millikan Law in Everett are good people. I don’t know if this is up their alley, but you might contact them as well.