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- English (21)
- Spanish / Español (8)
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- Chinese (Traditional) / 中文 (1)
Format
The Basics (15)
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Parentage and Parenting Plans
Learn the laws that apply when you have a child and you are not married to or in a registered domestic partnership with the child’s other parent. #3601EN Read More
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Parenting Plans: General Info
What a parenting plan is and how to get one. Learn how to enforce or change a permanent parenting plan. #3230EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Changing a Parenting Plan/Child Custody Order
Read this if you want to change a final court order that sets out where your child lives and with whom they visit. This order might be a Custody Decree or Order, Residential Schedule, or Parenting Plan. #3104EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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Parenting Plans, Visitation & COVID-19 in Washington State
Common questions and answers about visitation and parenting plans during the pandemic. #3280EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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I Was Served with Parentage (or Petition for Parenting Plan or Child Support) Papers
If you were served with parentage, petition for parenting plan or child support papers, you must respond promptly. If you do not respond on time, the other party may automatically win. You may have as few as four business days to file a response. This will help you figure out what to do. #3614EN 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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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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Questions and Answers about Washington's Relocation Law
If you have legal custody of your child, and you wish to move (relocate) and take the child with you, Washington State law may require you to do certain things first. Read this to learn what to do. #3135EN Read More
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Service of Process
This short video will introduce you to the basics of what is known as "service of process" - the court-mandated requirements for delivering your initial court papers to the defendant/respondent in a civil case. Read More
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Services for Family Court Cases in WA
Some superior courts have family law facilitator programs to help you represent yourself in court and parenting seminars you might have to attend. If you do not get help from a lawyer, you may be able to from a facilitator. #3246EN Read More
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Should You File for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?
If you are being hurt, threatened or stalked, try to talk with a domestic violence program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE. This explains things to think about before filing a DVPO. #3703EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
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The Other Parent has Taken My Child
Read this if the other parent or person claiming the right to legal custody has taken your children away from you (with or without a court order). #3118EN Read More
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Washington Parenting Law for Unmarried Couples
Basic information about Washington State law that applies to parenting when unmarried couples separate. #3912EN Read More
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Webinar: Protective Parenting Plans
A webinar to discuss creating a protective parenting plan when there are concerns of domestic violence or parenting deficits that are detrimental to the children. This webinar will discuss parenting plans and provide a general overview for self-represented people of some important court rules to help you understand how to get a temporary motion for a parenting plan before the court. Read More
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- Spanish / Español
- American Sign Language
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What Happens to My Kids if I am Sick or Die?
If you are a single parent, you may worry who will care for your kids if something happens to you. This explains your options. You should also talk to a lawyer. #3115EN Read More
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- Spanish / Español
Divorce with Children (3)
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Video - Family Law Live: Breaking up when you have kids
This video is the first in a series about important issues in family law matters like divorce, custody and parenting plans. Learn more about breaking up when you have children and get tips that can help make dealing with these issues easier for your family. Read More
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Video - Family Law Live: Celebrating holidays
This video is the second in a series about important issues in family law matters like divorce, custody and parenting plans. Learn how to schedule and plan for holidays when you have a parenting plan and get tips that can help make dealing with these issues easier for your family. Read More
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Webinar: Protective Parenting Plans
A webinar to discuss creating a protective parenting plan when there are concerns of domestic violence or parenting deficits that are detrimental to the children. This webinar will discuss parenting plans and provide a general overview for self-represented people of some important court rules to help you understand how to get a temporary motion for a parenting plan before the court. Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- American Sign Language
Guardians ad litem / evaluators (3)
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Guardians ad Litem in Family Law 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
Planning for Death (1)
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What Happens to My Kids if I am Sick or Die?
If you are a single parent, you may worry who will care for your kids if something happens to you. This explains your options. You should also talk to a lawyer. #3115EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
Relocation (1)
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Questions and Answers about Washington's Relocation Law
If you have legal custody of your child, and you wish to move (relocate) and take the child with you, Washington State law may require you to do certain things first. Read this to learn what to do. #3135EN Read More
Writ of Habeas Corpus (2)
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Filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you have a court order giving you custody of your child and the other parent or person claiming the right to legal custody has taken your child away from you. Read our resource The Other Parent has Taken My Child before using this. #3119EN Read More
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The Other Parent has Taken My Child
Read this if the other parent or person claiming the right to legal custody has taken your children away from you (with or without a court order). #3118EN Read More
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