Parenting Plans/Custody
Know Your Rights
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
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
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
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Dependency Actions
Read this if you are involved with Child Protective Services, but there is no court case or if the State of Washington (through DSHS, CPS, the Prosecutor, or the Attorney General’s Office) has filed a court case to take your child from you. #3120EN
Name Change
In Washington State, if you are eighteen or older, you can choose and use any name you wish, as long as you are not trying to defraud (cheat) someone. This describes the process. #3400EN
Should I file 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
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.
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
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
Child Protective Services (CPS) and Dependency Actions
Read this if you are involved with Child Protective Services, but there is no court case or if the State of Washington (through DSHS, CPS, the Prosecutor, or the Attorney General’s Office) has filed a court case to take your child from you. #3120EN
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
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
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