State v. Casey

The State of Washington, on the complaint of Karen Stinehart, brought a filiation proceeding against the defendant, Everett Dale Casey, to establish the paternity of her child born out of wedlock. At the conclusion of the evidence, the trial court ruled against the defendant who appeared pro se. Thereafter, before findings of fact, conclusions of law and judgment were entered, the defendant obtained counsel who successfully secured an order granting a new trial. This is an appeal from that order.

Two questions are presented: (1) Can an unwed mother appeal in a filiation proceeding initiated by…