The Basics (11)
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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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If you are a parent in a minor guardianship case, you can ask for a lawyer.
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 Read More
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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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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
- Read this in:
- 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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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): 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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Getting Ready for a Settlement Conference
Read this to learn why you should go to your settlement conference, what will happen there, and what happens if you do not settle. #3911EN Read More
- Read this in:
- 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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Minor Guardianship of Native American Children
When someone who isn't a parent wants to get legal custody or guardianship of Indian children, special laws and procedures apply. #4416EN Read More
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New Minor Guardianship Law Effective January 1, 2021 RCW 11.130 FAQs
Read this for an overview of the new minor guardianship (guardianship of a child) law. Content Detail
Guardians ad litem / evaluators (3)
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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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Non-Parent Custody Self-Help Packets (6)
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File a Minor Guardianship Petition
If you need short-term guardianship orders for the child or a guardianship order right away, use our File an Emergency Minor Guardianship Petition packet instead of these instructions. If you want both short- and long-term orders, get both sets of forms. You can file an emergency minor guardianship case and a regular Minor Guardianship at the same time. #4410EN Read More
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File an Emergency Minor Guardianship Petition
Use these forms if you need short-term guardianship orders for the child or a guardianship order right away. If you do not, use our File a Minor Guardianship Petition packet instead. If you want both short-term and long-term orders, get both sets of forms. You can file both cases at the same time. #4412EN Read More
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If you are a parent in a minor guardianship case, you can ask for a lawyer.
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 Read More
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Respond to Minor Guardianship
If you were served with a Minor Guardianship Petition or Emergency Minor Guardianship Petition, this has the forms you need to respond. #4414EN 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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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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