At the hearing, you and a representative for DSHS will give the ALJ information about your case. The ALJ will consider the facts and the law and will send you a written decision after the hearing. Administrative hearings are designed to be informal and are usually held in conference rooms. You will be scheduled to appear for the hearing either in person or by telephone.
Many people represent themselves at the hearing.
You may represent yourself or be represented by an attorney, paralegal, friend, relative, or other person. The state cannot pay for your attorney or representative. Northwest Justice Project, Columbia Legal Services, the Northwest Women's Law Center, some law schools, mental health regional support networks, and other non-profit legal organizations may be able to provide assistance. You or your representative may contact the DSHS representative if you would like to try to settle your case before the hearing, or if you have questions about DSHS rules and policies. The DSHS representative will review the case, explain DSHS policies, rules, and regulations and if they find an errorin the case they will correct the error.