Parenting Plans/Custody

Court Forms & Procedure

Other Family Problems

For court forms, choose the Court Forms & Procedures tab below

Amend (change) your Petition

For use if you've already filed your family law case and want to change something in your Petition. #3212EN

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.

Child Support Worksheets and Order

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to calculate child support. Completes a proposed Child Support Order, Worksheets, and a Financial Declaration if needed.

Child Support Worksheets and Order | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our do-it-yourself interview program, Washington Forms Online, to complete the forms. Packet #3213EN

File a Motion for a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule: Parentage Has Been Established in the Past Two Years

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if the parentage of your child has already been established by court order in the past two years, you want a Washington court to enter a parenting plan or child support court order, and your proposed parenting plan does not change custody. #3610EN

File an Agreed Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you are not married to or in a domestic partnership with your child’s other parent, your child’s parentage has already been established by parentage affidavit or acknowledgment, and you both want to ask the court to enter an agreed parenting plan and/or child support court order. Packet #3603EN

File a Notice of Appearance

If you are served with a lawsuit, file a Notice of Appearance (NOA) to tell the other party and the court that you want to defend yourself in the case, and you want to get notice if anything else happens in the case. #9931EN

File a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you are not married to your child’s other parent, your child’s parentage was established by court order more than two years ago, and you want a Washington court to issue a parenting plan. If you are in agreement with the other parties, use our File an Agreed Petition for Parenting Plan packet. #3602EN

File a petition to change a parenting plan, residential schedule, or custody order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Do not use this to change a temporary parenting plan or custody order. Use this only if you and the other parent already have a final parenting plan issued by a Washington State Court. Packet #3260EN.

File for a Protection Order

This is a Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to file for a protection order. Completes forms for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, anti-harassment, and vulnerable adult protection orders. (Available in English and Spanish.) #3701EN

Filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

Read our resource The Other Parent has Taken My Child before using this. Use this if you have a court order giving you custody of your child and the other parent has taken your child away from you. #3119EN

Following Washington's Relocation Law

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you have legal custody of your child, and you wish to move (“relocate”) and take the child with you. #3132EN

Give financial information in a family law case

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to complete a Financial Declaration and provide other financial information.

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

Make a Parenting Plan

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to create a Parenting Plan proposal or order in a family law case.

Make a Parenting Plan | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our Washington Forms Online interview to fill out forms online. Use this packet if you are a party in one of these: a.) divorce or petition to end domestic partnership OR b.) a case to change a parenting/custody order OR c.) a Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support, Petition to Decide Parentage, or another type of parentage case. Packet #3209EN

Name Change Guide

This guide explains how to change your name by court order. In most situations, it is a simple process you can do by yourself, without a lawyer. #3400EN

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

Washington Forms Online - DIY Family Law Forms

To do anything in a family law case, you need the right form. The guided interviews on Washington Forms Online help you fill out the forms you need, with clear instructions on what to do next. 3290EN

Ask for Immediate Restraining Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Forms and instructions for using them if you need a court order to take effect immediately, with little or no notice to the other party, in a petition to change parenting plan case. #3263EN

Ask for Temporary Family Law Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Instructions and forms to ask for a court order giving you certain rights and/or protections after your Petition to Change Parenting Plan case has started, but before it is final. #3264EN

What is a Declaration?

Find out how you can get your written testimony, or the written testimony of someone who has information important to your case, before a judge.

Serve the other party in a family law case

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. When filing your case, make sure a copy of the petition, summons, and other papers you are filing are delivered to the person you are filing the case against "the other party" in a legally correct way. #3201EN

Service by Certified Mail or Publication

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this when you have tried to serve the other party in person but cannot. #3220EN

Video - 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.

Child Support Worksheets and Order

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to calculate child support. Completes a proposed Child Support Order, Worksheets, and a Financial Declaration if needed.

Default the other party if they do not respond

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this if the other party to your family law case does not respond to your petition by the legal deadline.

Finalize a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3606EN

Finalize a Petition to Change Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule or Custody Order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3262EN

Make a Parenting Plan

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to create a Parenting Plan proposal or order in a family law case.

Amend (change) your Petition

For use if you've already filed your family law case and want to change something in your Petition. #3212EN

Ask for Immediate Restraining Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Forms and instructions for using them if you need a court order to take effect immediately, with little or no notice to the other party, in a petition to change parenting plan case. #3263EN

Ask for Temporary Family Law Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Instructions and forms to ask for a court order giving you certain rights and/or protections after your Petition to Change Parenting Plan case has started, but before it is final. #3264EN

File a petition to change a parenting plan, residential schedule, or custody order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Do not use this to change a temporary parenting plan or custody order. Use this only if you and the other parent already have a final parenting plan issued by a Washington State Court. Packet #3260EN.

Make a Parenting Plan

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to create a Parenting Plan proposal or order in a family law case.

Filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

Read our resource The Other Parent has Taken My Child before using this. Use this if you have a court order giving you custody of your child and the other parent has taken your child away from you. #3119EN

Registering an Out-of-State Custody Order in Washington

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this to make sure your custody order from another state has full effect in Washington. #3940EN

Child Support Worksheets and Order

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to calculate child support. Completes a proposed Child Support Order, Worksheets, and a Financial Declaration if needed.

Child Support Worksheets and Order | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our do-it-yourself interview program, Washington Forms Online, to complete the forms. Packet #3213EN

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

File to move your family law case to a different county

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this packet to ask the court to move your family law case to a different county (File for Change of Venue in a Family Law Case). The other party may have filed your case in the wrong county (such as a county where neither party lives), or it would be more convenient for you to finalize your case in a different county. #3206EN

Give financial information in a family law case

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to complete a Financial Declaration and provide other financial information.

I received parentage (or petition for parenting plan or child support) papers

If you received these type of court papers, read this to find out what you need to do next. #3614EN

Make a Parenting Plan | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our Washington Forms Online interview to fill out forms online. Use this packet if you are a party in one of these: a.) divorce or petition to end domestic partnership OR b.) a case to change a parenting/custody order OR c.) a Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support, Petition to Decide Parentage, or another type of parentage case. Packet #3209EN

Respond to a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. #3605EN

Respond to a Petition to Change a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Custody Order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. #3261EN

What if I am being sued in Washington State and I live out-of-state?

Provides general info for people who live outside Washington AND have been served with a petition or complaint filed with a court in Washington State. #9928EN

Depositions in Civil Cases

Read this if you are being deposed in a non-criminal case. #9919EN

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

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 Format Court Documents

When you give documents to a Washington state court, it is important to format the documents correctly. This document outlines the rules you must follow. #9938EN

How to use written questions and requests for documents in a family law case

Read this if you are a party in a contested family law case (“contested” means you and the other party disagree about issues) AND you want or need to get more information from the other party about their side of the issues. #3900EN

Reschedule (continue) your court hearing

How to ask that your hearing be rescheduled to a later date. Good for use in all civil cases. Contains sample letters and forms. #3208EN

Serve the other party in a family law case

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. When filing your case, make sure a copy of the petition, summons, and other papers you are filing are delivered to the person you are filing the case against "the other party" in a legally correct way. #3201EN

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

Which court can enter custody orders? Questions and answers about jurisdiction.

When does a Washington court have the authority (called the jurisdiction) to issue a custody order? Determining jurisdiction can be complicated. This publication tries to explain the basics in simple terms. It may still be confusing. Try to speak with a lawyer. #3102EN

Interpreters for People with Limited English Proficiency

Read this if you live in Washington, English is not your first language and you have trouble speaking or understanding English easily. Help may be available. #8902EN

Amend (change) your Petition

For use if you've already filed your family law case and want to change something in your Petition. #3212EN

Ask for Immediate Restraining Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Forms and instructions for using them if you need a court order to take effect immediately, with little or no notice to the other party, in a petition to change parenting plan case. #3263EN

Ask for Temporary Family Law Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases

Instructions and forms to ask for a court order giving you certain rights and/or protections after your Petition to Change Parenting Plan case has started, but before it is final. #3264EN

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.

Child Support Worksheets and Order

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to calculate child support. Completes a proposed Child Support Order, Worksheets, and a Financial Declaration if needed.

Child Support Worksheets and Order | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our do-it-yourself interview program, Washington Forms Online, to complete the forms. Packet #3213EN

Default the other party if they do not respond

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive. Use this if the other party to your family law case does not respond to your petition by the legal deadline.

File a Motion for a Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule: Parentage Has Been Established in the Past Two Years

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if the parentage of your child has already been established by court order in the past two years, you want a Washington court to enter a parenting plan or child support court order, and your proposed parenting plan does not change custody. #3610EN

File a Motion for Revision in a Family Law Case

Use this to ask a judge to change (revise) a court commissioner's order. #3901EN

File an Agreed Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you are not married to or in a domestic partnership with your child’s other parent, your child’s parentage has already been established by parentage affidavit or acknowledgment, and you both want to ask the court to enter an agreed parenting plan and/or child support court order. Packet #3603EN

File a Notice of Appearance

If you are served with a lawsuit, file a Notice of Appearance (NOA) to tell the other party and the court that you want to defend yourself in the case, and you want to get notice if anything else happens in the case. #9931EN

File a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you are not married to your child’s other parent, your child’s parentage was established by court order more than two years ago, and you want a Washington court to issue a parenting plan. If you are in agreement with the other parties, use our File an Agreed Petition for Parenting Plan packet. #3602EN

File a petition to change a parenting plan, residential schedule, or custody order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Do not use this to change a temporary parenting plan or custody order. Use this only if you and the other parent already have a final parenting plan issued by a Washington State Court. Packet #3260EN.

File for a Protection Order

This is a Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to file for a protection order. Completes forms for domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, anti-harassment, and vulnerable adult protection orders. (Available in English and Spanish.) #3701EN

File to move your family law case to a different county

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this packet to ask the court to move your family law case to a different county (File for Change of Venue in a Family Law Case). The other party may have filed your case in the wrong county (such as a county where neither party lives), or it would be more convenient for you to finalize your case in a different county. #3206EN

Filing a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

Read our resource The Other Parent has Taken My Child before using this. Use this if you have a court order giving you custody of your child and the other parent has taken your child away from you. #3119EN

Finalize a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3606EN

Finalize a Petition to Change Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule or Custody Order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Packet #3262EN

Following Washington's Relocation Law

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this if you have legal custody of your child, and you wish to move (“relocate”) and take the child with you. #3132EN

Give financial information in a family law case

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to complete a Financial Declaration and provide other financial information.

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 File a Motion to Vacate Judgment/Order in a Family Law Case

You can use this packet in certain situations to the court to withdraw a previous order or judgment it entered. Read this to learn more. #3215EN

How to Write a Declaration in a Family Law Case

This packet tells you what should be included in a Declaration and tips on how to write one. There is a family law declaration and other forms attached that you can fill out. #3917EN

Make a Parenting Plan

A Washington Forms Online interview. Self-help court forms and instructions on LawHelp Interactive to create a Parenting Plan proposal or order in a family law case.

Make a Parenting Plan | Printable Packet

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Or use our Washington Forms Online interview to fill out forms online. Use this packet if you are a party in one of these: a.) divorce or petition to end domestic partnership OR b.) a case to change a parenting/custody order OR c.) a Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support, Petition to Decide Parentage, or another type of parentage case. Packet #3209EN

Name Change Guide

This guide explains how to change your name by court order. In most situations, it is a simple process you can do by yourself, without a lawyer. #3400EN

Registering an Out-of-State Custody Order in Washington

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this to make sure your custody order from another state has full effect in Washington. #3940EN

Reschedule (continue) your court hearing

How to ask that your hearing be rescheduled to a later date. Good for use in all civil cases. Contains sample letters and forms. #3208EN

Respond to a Petition for a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support: Parentage Cases

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. #3605EN

Respond to a Petition to Change a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Custody Order

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. #3261EN

Service by Certified Mail or Publication

Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. Use this when you have tried to serve the other party in person but cannot. #3220EN

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

Washington State Court Forms

On this website you can download state mandatory court forms for use in Washington State courts covering many legal issues. Most of the forms found on this website are in MS Word or a PDF format.

Your Family Law Case: If You Cannot Afford the GAL Fee

Before requiring you to pay GAL fees, the court should consider your ability to pay. If believe you cannot afford this fee, you can file a motion with the court asking that the fee get paid another way. You must prove you are unable to pay this fee. This packet provides instructions and forms to help you make this request to the court. Publication #3117EN

File a Notice of Appearance

If you are served with a lawsuit, file a Notice of Appearance (NOA) to tell the other party and the court that you want to defend yourself in the case, and you want to get notice if anything else happens in the case. #9931EN

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

Mediation: Should I use it?

Mediation is an informal way to resolve disputes without going to court. The parties attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement with the help of a neutral mediator. Mediation can be used in many types of disputes. #3226EN

What are working copies?

When you “file” documents with a court, you give the court documents for processing. Often you also need to give a court “working copies” of the same documents. The judge or commissioner will use these extra copies to prepare for your case. That way the court does not need to make copies itself. #9952EN

What if I am being sued in Washington State and I live out-of-state?

Provides general info for people who live outside Washington AND have been served with a petition or complaint filed with a court in Washington State. #9928EN

Getting ready for a trial

Tips on how to prepare for and how to conduct yourself at trial. #3210EN

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

How to Find a Lawyer & Other Legal Resources in Washington State

General information about your right to a lawyer and how to find one. #9948EN

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