Summit Joins Fight for Parental Rights

Summit Joins Fight for Parental Rights

In addition to her current role as President, Summit Partner Molly Terwilliger is serving as Cooperating Counsel for Legal Voice on an amicus brief filed before the Washington Court of Appeals in a case involving parental rights for a victim of domestic violence. As stated on Legal Voice's website:

In a recent published opinion, the Washington Court of Appeals held that one reason for terminating the parental rights of a mother was that her “history as a victim of domestic violence” put her children at risk.  Legal Voice filed an amicus brief in this case supporting the mother’s request that the Court reconsider its decision, which establishes a dangerous precedent for survivors of domestic violence in Washington State.

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Legal Voice has long fought to ensure domestic violence survivors in Washington State know that the law is on their side and is in place to protect them and their families.  We are deeply concerned that the opinion undermines that message by establishing the fear that survivors could lose their children by reporting domestic violence.  We are hopeful that the Court will realize the impact this ruling could have on women throughout Washington and will reconsider its opinion.

To view the entire story and read the brief, please click here.

Legal Voice, a Washington organization that works to protect women’s legal rights in our region, makes substantive, lasting changes through legislation, self-help resources and litigation by fighting to strengthen the law for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; pursuing marriage equality and family recognition rights for lesbians and gay men; battling discrimination in the workplace; advancing access to healthcare and choice; and working to protect women and their families.

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