The Basics (11)
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Non-Parent Custody: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Find out when and how under Washington law someone can get legal custody of a child who is not theirs. #3100EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Non-Parent Custody Cases of Native American Children
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a special federal law. It applies to cases where someone other than a parent wants to get custody of an “Indian Child.” This is for people who want to file for custody of an Indian child in Washington State. #3150EN Read More
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Change a Nonparent Custody Order to Get Your Children Back
Read this if you are a parent who lost custody of your child in a Nonparent Custody case filed in Washington State before July 1, 2019. #3151EN Read More
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): The Stimulus Payment in Family Law Cases
Read this if you are involved in a family law court case and are not sure what to do about or what will happen to your family's stimulus check. #3980EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tips for Phone and Video Hearings
How to get ready for and conduct yourself during a remote hearing (conducted over the phone or by video-conference). #9961EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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COVID-19 and Family Law Cases: General Information
Read this if you have a pending family law case or are considering filing a new family law case. #3282EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Immigration Status and Court Hearings in Washington State
Questions and answers about when and how the court can ask about your immigration status. #8110EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Instructions for Filing to End a Nonparent Custody Order to Get Your Children Back
You can file a Petition to Terminate or Change Non-Parent Custody Order case to ask the court to return custody of your child to you. #3127EN Read More
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Non-Parent Custody is Changing to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law is ending in 2021 and a new court procedure will be taking its place. Read a brief overview here. Read More
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Power of Attorney (POA) for Parents
Parents: you can now give someone power of attorney to take care of your children for up to two years. Learn more. #3105EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Washington’s Non-Parent Visitation Rights
Learn how and when certain non-parent relatives can file for non-parent visitation with a child. #3152EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
Guardians ad litem / evaluators (3)
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Guardians ad Litem in Family Law Cases Cases
A judge may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) in a court case about custody or visitation rights. Any party to the case may ask for appointment of a GAL, or the judge can decide to appoint one. This packet has the necessary forms and instructions. #3103EN Read More
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How to Work with GALs and Parenting Evaluators
If you are involved in a divorce, paternity or non-parent custody case where the other parent does not agree with you, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) or Parenting Evaluator. Here are some tips to help you work successfully with the GAL. #3106EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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When you Disagree with a Guardian Ad Litem Report
In a family law case where the parties disagree about the parenting plan, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), or an Evaluator. A GAL or Evaluator’s job is to investigate both households to recommend to the court a residential plan in the child’s best interest. #3111EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
Non-Parent Custody Self-Help Packets (7)
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File a Non-Parent Custody Case
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3112EN. Read More
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Ask for Temporary Orders: Non-Parent Custody Cases
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Either petitioner or respondent may file this motion. It can cover issues temporary child support, temporary custody, temporary visitation, safety restraints, or custody investigations while the non-parent custody case is pending. Packet #3123EN. Read More
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Residential Schedules and Child Support: Non-Parent Custody Cases
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Petitioners and Respondents can use this. Do not use this packet alone. See our Filing, Responding and Finalizing Non-Parent Custody Case packets for more info. Packet #3116EN Read More
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Ask for Immediate Restraining Orders: Non-Parent Custody Cases
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this packet in an emergency to ask for this court order to take effect immediately, usually with little or no advance notice to the other party. Packet #3124EN. Read More
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Respond to a Non-Parent Custody Petition
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3113EN Read More
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Finalize a Non-Parent Custody Case
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Note: most of the instructions are from Petitioner’s point of view. Respondent might use some of the forms in this packet if they win at trial or the judge dismisses the case before trial. Packet #3114EN Read More
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Respond to Motions for Temporary or Immediate Restraining Orders: Non-Parent Custody
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3125EN Read More
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