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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 or minor guardianship case filed in Washington State. #3151EN
Changing a Parenting Plan or Child Custody Order
Learn more about when and how you can change the final court order awarding custody and visitation of your children. This order might be a Custody Decree or Order, Residential Schedule, or Parenting Plan. #3104EN
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Dependency Actions
Read this if you're involved with CPS in Washington State. If CPS asks you to sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (a VPA), you can get free legal advice from a lawyer right away by calling the VPA hotline at (833) 240-9746, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone interpreter services available.#3120EN
De Facto Parentage: The Basics
Someone who has acted as your child's parent could start a court case to be named a legal parent, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. Read this to learn how could affect your own rights and what to do if you've received these court papers. #3624EN
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
I have experienced domestic violence. Should I file a protection order (PO)?
If you're being hurt, threatened, or stalked, try to talk with a domestic violence program. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE. Read this to learn what you should think about when you decide if you should try to get a protection order. #3703EN
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
Non-Parent Custody has changed to Minor Guardianship
Washington state's non-parent custody law ended in 2021 and a new court procedure called minor guardianship has taken its place. Read a brief overview here. #3128EN
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
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
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
Unmarried Couples: Washington Parenting Law
Basic information about Washington State law that applies to parenting when unmarried couples separate. #3912EN
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
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Dependency Actions
Read this if you're involved with CPS in Washington State. If CPS asks you to sign a Voluntary Placement Agreement (a VPA), you can get free legal advice from a lawyer right away by calling the VPA hotline at (833) 240-9746, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone interpreter services available.#3120EN
Guardian Ad Litem Report: The basics and how to respond
If you're fighting about a parenting plan in a family law case in a Washington court, read this to learn what a guardian ad litem does, why the report matters, and how to respond to a report when its recommendations don't help you. #3111EN
How to work with GALS and parenting evaluators
If you are involved in a divorce, parentage, or petition to change parenting plan 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
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