Smith v. Stillwell-Smith

(concurring/dissenting) — While I agree with the majority’s holding that the plain language of RCW 26.10.160(3) and former RCW 26.09.240 provides the petitioners standing to seek visitation with the respective children in these consolidated cases, I disagree with the majority’s view that such visitation intrudes unconstitutionally into the realm of parents’ protected interests. By eliminating the limited right these statutes provides for nonparents to seek visitation with children, the majority opinion will have cruel and far-reaching effects on loving relatives, particularly grandparents of…