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Ask for an Emergency Minor Guardianship Order
Use this packet when it is safe to notify the parents that you are asking for an emergency guardianship. If it is not safe to do so, use our Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte - Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order packet instead. #4414EN
Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte: Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order
Use this along with our File a Minor Guardianship Petition packet only if you are trying to get emergency guardianship and you need a temporary court order the same day you file your paperwork. #4416EN
Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fee
A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this if you cannot afford to pay the filing fee to start a new case. A judge will look at your financial information and decide if you qualify for a waiver under Washington Courts' General Rule 34.
File a Minor Guardianship Petition
If you need short-term or emergency orders getting a guardian for the child right away, use this packet plus our Ask for an Emergency Minor Guardianship Packet. #4410EN
File a Petition for Short Term (Emergency) Guardianship
Use this only to file for guardianship lasting 2 months to 4 months (60 – 120 days) of a child under age 18 who is living in Washington State. #4408EN
How do I ask to seal a court record?
Read this to learn how to ask to seal a court record and to get the forms you need. To “seal” a court record means that it becomes private and generally not accessible to the public. The process for sealing a record is sometimes also called “GR-15” or General Rule 15. #9934EN
How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?
You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN
How to ask for a lawyer if you are a parent in a minor guardianship case
If you are served with minor guardianship papers over your child, you can ask the court to appoint you a lawyer at public expense. Learn more and get the forms and instructions for filling them out and filing them. #4404EN
Tips for phone and video hearings
How to get ready for and conduct yourself during a remote hearing (over the phone or by video-conference). #9961EN
FAQ: Someone is trying to get guardianship of my kids
Find out your rights and options if if you've been served with court papers from a Washington court seeking to name someone else guardian of your children. #4405EN
How to ask for a lawyer if you are a parent in a minor guardianship case
If you are served with minor guardianship papers over your child, you can ask the court to appoint you a lawyer at public expense. Learn more and get the forms and instructions for filling them out and filing them. #4404EN
How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?
You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN
Subpoenaing witnesses and documents
Read this if you're going to a hearing or trial where you'll be giving evidence and you need to make sure that a witness shows up or brings documents or other items. #9930EN
Tips for phone and video hearings
How to get ready for and conduct yourself during a remote hearing (over the phone or by video-conference). #9961EN
Ask for an Emergency Minor Guardianship Order
Use this packet when it is safe to notify the parents that you are asking for an emergency guardianship. If it is not safe to do so, use our Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte - Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order packet instead. #4414EN
Ask for an Immediate Order in Ex Parte: Emergency Minor Guardianship and Restraining Order
Use this along with our File a Minor Guardianship Petition packet only if you are trying to get emergency guardianship and you need a temporary court order the same day you file your paperwork. #4416EN
Ask the Court to Waive Your Filing Fee
A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this if you cannot afford to pay the filing fee to start a new case. A judge will look at your financial information and decide if you qualify for a waiver under Washington Courts' General Rule 34.
File a Petition for Short Term (Emergency) Guardianship
Use this only to file for guardianship lasting 2 months to 4 months (60 – 120 days) of a child under age 18 who is living in Washington State. #4408EN
How do I ask to seal a court record?
Read this to learn how to ask to seal a court record and to get the forms you need. To “seal” a court record means that it becomes private and generally not accessible to the public. The process for sealing a record is sometimes also called “GR-15” or General Rule 15. #9934EN
How to ask for a lawyer if you are a parent in a minor guardianship case
If you are served with minor guardianship papers over your child, you can ask the court to appoint you a lawyer at public expense. Learn more and get the forms and instructions for filling them out and filing them. #4404EN
Subpoenaing witnesses and documents
Read this if you're going to a hearing or trial where you'll be giving evidence and you need to make sure that a witness shows up or brings documents or other items. #9930EN
How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?
You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN
Getting Your Paperwork Ready So You Can Get Help with Your Family Law Case
Find out what paperwork and information you can get together for your appointment with the attorney, paralegal, volunteer or domestic violence shelter staff who will help you with your family law case. #3130EN