Northwest Justice Project - Everett

Earlier this year, the Everett office of NJP represented a Russian woman involved in a custody dispute with her estranged husband. The husband, who was violent and engaged in other troubling behaviors during the marriage, had never been the primary caretaker of their child. 

The husband revoked his sponsorship of his wife’s U.S. citizenship once the parties separated. He then attempted to convince the family court that he should be given primary custody of the young child, arguing erroneously that his wife was in imminent risk of deportation. 

As a result of NJP’s efforts, the court awarded temporary custody to the mother pending the dissolution. They also helped her petition for legal permanent residency status under the Violence Against Women Act.

NJP receives federal funds from Legal Services Corporation to provide free civil legal services to low-income people in Washington, and ensure their access to the justice system.