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General Info (12)
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Change a Nonparent Custody Order to Get Your Children Back
You should 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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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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
- Russian / Pусский
- Chinese / 中文
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Getting Your Paperwork Ready So You Can Get Help with Your Family Law Case
Be ready for an appointment with someone who's going to help you with your family law case. That someone might be: an attorney; a family law facilitator; an advocate at your local Domestic Violence shelter; or a CLEAR advocate who is going over forms with you by phone. #3130EN Read More
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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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Parentage and Parenting Plans
This should help you 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
This provides general information about what a parenting plan is and how to get one. It also explains how to enforce or change a permanent parenting plan. #3230EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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 I File for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?
If you are experiencing a family or domestic crisis, this should provide info about the different kinds of civil legal relief that may be available. #3703EN Read More
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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Temporary Parenting Consent Agreements
Read this if you have decided to have someone else (such as a grandparent) temporarily care for your child. Read More
- Read this in:
- 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
This gives basic information about Washington State law that applies to parenting when unmarried couples separate. #3912EN Read More
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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
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 on his her/own to appoint one. A GAL may be a lawyer, mental health professional, or volunteer. This packet has the necessary forms and instructions. #3130EN 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. This contains tips to help you work successfully with the GAL. #3106EN Read More
- Read this in:
- 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
- Read this in:
- 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. This publication explains the law's requirements. #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