Washington Divorce Laws: Residency, Waiting Period, Custody and Support
Washington divorce rules: residency requirement, grounds, waiting period, filing fee, property division, alimony, custody, child support and uncontested divorce.
Quick answers for Washington
- Residency requirement
- There is no minimum length of residence in the divorce statute. A divorce (dissolution) can be filed by a person who is a Washington resident, a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington, or a person married to a Washington resident or to a service member stationed in Washington. RCW 26.09.030
- Waiting period
- The court cannot proceed to enter a divorce until 90 days have passed since both the petition was filed and the summons was served on the respondent (or first published). The decree is final when entered, subject to appeal. RCW 26.09.030, 26.09.150
- Dividing property
- Washington is a community property state. In a divorce, the court divides both community and separate property and debts in a way that is just and equitable, without regard to misconduct, considering the nature and extent of the community property, the nature and extent of the separate… RCW 26.09.080
- Filing fee
- State law sets a $200 filing fee for the first document in a civil case, plus statutory surcharges of $40 and $50 on that fee, for $290 in statewide charges. A respondent who files a counterclaim also pays the filing fee. RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6)
- When child support ends
- Unless the parents agreed otherwise in writing or the decree says otherwise, child support ends when the child is emancipated. An order may be modified to extend support past age 18 for a child who is still in high school. RCW 26.09.170(3), (8)(b); RCW 26.19.090
Last verified: 2026-10-27
Filing for divorce
| Residency requirement | There is no minimum length of residence in the divorce statute. A divorce (dissolution) can be filed by a person who is a Washington resident, a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington, or a person married to a Washington resident or to a service member stationed in Washington. Court jurisdiction over the other spouse, property and children can depend on other rules. Source: RCW 26.09.030 |
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| Grounds for divorce | Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If the other spouse denies this, the court considers the circumstances and prospects for reconciliation and may refer the couple to counseling or continue the case up to 60 days before deciding. Property, debts and maintenance are decided without regard to misconduct. |
| Waiting period | The court cannot proceed to enter a divorce until 90 days have passed since both the petition was filed and the summons was served on the respondent (or first published). The decree is final when entered, subject to appeal. Source: RCW 26.09.030, 26.09.150 |
| Filing fee | State law sets a $200 filing fee for the first document in a civil case, plus statutory surcharges of $40 and $50 on that fee, for $290 in statewide charges. A respondent who files a counterclaim also pays the filing fee. Check with your county superior court clerk for the total, which may include other charges. Source: RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6) |
| Uncontested or simplified divorce | Washington has no separate summary divorce. If the other spouse joins the petition or does not deny that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court enters the decree after the 90-day period. A spouse can sign the Agreement to Join Petition or Service Accepted form (or the agreement on the last page of the petition), in which case formal service is not necessary. Spouses can also make a written separation contract on property, maintenance, and children, which binds the court (except for the parenting plan) unless the court finds it was unfair when signed. |
| Divorce forms | Washington State Courts publish mandatory statewide divorce (dissolution) forms in Word and PDF, organized by stage. To start the case: Summons (FL Divorce 200), Petition for Divorce (Dissolution) (FL Divorce 201), Confidential Information (FL All Family 001), the Department of Health Certificate of Dissolution (DOH 422-027), proof or acceptance of service forms, and the Response to Petition (FL Divorce 211). To finish: Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage (FL Divorce 231) and Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree) (FL Divorce 241), plus a Child Support Order (FL All Family 130), worksheets and Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140) when there are children. Forms for temporary orders and immediate restraining orders are also provided. Local county superior court rules may require additional documents. |
Property and alimony
| Dividing property | Washington is a community property state. In a divorce, the court divides both community and separate property and debts in a way that is just and equitable, without regard to misconduct, considering the nature and extent of the community property, the nature and extent of the separate property, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's economic circumstances when the division takes effect, including the desirability of awarding the family home to the spouse with whom the children live most of the time. Source: RCW 26.09.080 |
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| Alimony (spousal support) | The court may order maintenance for either spouse in amounts and for periods it considers just, without regard to misconduct. Factors include the requesting spouse's financial resources and ability to meet needs independently, the time needed for education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the requesting spouse's age, physical and emotional condition and financial obligations, and the paying spouse's ability to meet their own needs while paying. There is no statutory formula. Source: RCW 26.09.090 |
Children: custody and support
| Child custody | Washington uses parenting plans instead of custody labels. Subject to limits for abuse, domestic violence and similar problems (RCW 26.09.191), the court allocates decision-making and sets a residential schedule. Residential factors include the strength and stability of the child's relationship with each parent (given the greatest weight), the parents' knowing and voluntary agreements, each parent's past and future performance of parenting functions, the child's emotional needs and development, relationships with siblings and others and involvement in school and activities, the wishes of the parents and of a child mature enough to express reasoned and independent preferences, and each parent's work schedule. No fixed age is set for the child's preference. Source: RCW 26.09.187 |
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| Emergency and temporary custody | In a divorce, a parent asking for a temporary parenting order files and serves a proposed temporary parenting plan by motion, supported by a sworn declaration about the child's caregiving history, schedules and any safety concerns; the court may enter a temporary parenting plan on a showing of necessity. A party may also ask for a temporary restraining order, including an order not to remove a child from the court's jurisdiction. The court can issue a temporary restraining order without notice to the other party only if the sworn evidence shows irreparable injury could result before the other party has time to respond. Temporary orders and restraining orders: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.060 |
| Parenting class or mediation | Parenting seminars are set by local court rules, so whether one is required depends on the county. Any such rule must not require opposing parties to attend together, must waive the seminar or offer an alternative when there is domestic violence or abuse or attendance is not in the children's best interests, and may waive it for good cause. Source: RCW 26.12.172 |
| Grandparents' rights | A relative (including a grandparent) who has had an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child, generally for at least two years (or half the life of a child under two), may petition for visitation if the child is likely to suffer harm or a substantial risk of harm without it. A fit parent's decision to deny visitation is presumed to be in the child's best interest; the petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the child would likely suffer harm without visitation and that visitation is in the child's best interest. Visitation does not give the petitioner parental rights. Source: RCW 26.11.020, 26.11.040 |
Child support
| Child support | Washington uses an income shares model, the Washington State Child Support Schedule. The basic support obligation comes from an economic table based on the parents' combined monthly net income and number of children, and is divided according to each parent's share of combined net income. Health care, day care and special expenses are shared in the same proportion. A self-support reserve of 180% of the federal poverty level applies. Worksheets must be filed in every child support case; DSHS's Division of Child Support provides an online worksheet calculator for estimates. Calculator: https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/dcs/SSGen/Home. Amendments under Engrossed House Bill 1014 took effect January 1, 2026. |
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| How to apply for child support | Parents who do not have an open case with the DSHS Division of Child Support (DCS) can enroll by requesting the forms through the online application form or printing them (Forms 18-078 and 14-057, plus 18-433 if a support order already exists), calling 800-442-KIDS (5437), or picking them up at a DCS office. Forms can be emailed, mailed to DCS Central Services (P.O. Box 11520, Tacoma, WA 98411), faxed or hand-delivered. One enrollment form is needed for each noncustodial parent. Families receiving TANF do not need to apply; a case opens automatically. DCS says it sends a letter with a case number within 7 to 10 days. |
| When child support ends | Unless the parents agreed otherwise in writing or the decree says otherwise, child support ends when the child is emancipated. An order may be modified to extend support past age 18 for a child who is still in high school. Separately, a court may order support for postsecondary education for a child who is still dependent on the parents and who attends an accredited school, pursues a course of study and stays in good academic standing; this support cannot be ordered past the child's 23rd birthday except in exceptional circumstances, such as a mental, physical or emotional disability. Postsecondary support: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.19.090 |
| Changing a child support order | A support order can generally be modified only for installments due after the motion is filed and only on a showing of a substantial change of circumstances. One year or more after the order is entered, it may be modified without a substantial change in some situations, such as severe economic hardship or to extend support for a child still in high school. If 24 months have passed since the order or its last adjustment, it may be adjusted based on changes in the parents' incomes or in the economic table, without a substantial change. Parents with an open DCS case can ask DCS to review their order at any time; if the order is a court order, the request goes through the county prosecutor's office. DCS modification page: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/child-support/child-support-modification. RCW 26.09.170 has a new version effective April 1, 2027. |
| If child support isn't paid | Washington law lets DCS collect unpaid support through liens on property, orders to withhold and deliver income or assets, actions against bank accounts (including financial institution data matches), seizure and sale of property under a lien, collection from industrial insurance disability payments and from state income tax refunds. If a parent is about six months (180 days) or more behind, DCS can certify the parent to have driver's, professional and other state licenses, and fish and wildlife licenses, suspended or not renewed. The parent can avoid certification within 20 days of notice by paying in full, asking for a hearing, agreeing to a payment schedule, or filing to modify the order. License suspension: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=74.20A.320 |
| State child support agency | Washington's child support agency is the Division of Child Support (DCS) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DCS enforces child support, establishes parentage, modifies support orders and offers alternative solutions, and works with employers on new hire reporting and income withholding. People without an open case can enroll in child support services or use the Child Support Application. Support can be paid through income withholding or the DCS online payment portal. Contact: 800-442-KIDS (5437). |
| Official child support calculator | The Washington State Child Support Schedule (WSCSS) Worksheet Calculator, run by DSHS's Division of Child Support, helps parties estimate the amount of child support that might be ordered in their own cases. Amounts calculated are advisory only; the superior court judge, court commissioner or administrative law judge has the final authority to set support. The calculator does not save your entries. The page notes that child support schedule laws were amended by Engrossed House Bill 1014, with changes effective January 1, 2026. |
Separation, annulment, records and marriage
| Legal separation | Yes. A spouse can ask the court for a decree of legal separation instead of a divorce, and the court can divide property, set maintenance and enter a parenting plan. No earlier than six months after a legal separation decree is entered, the court must convert it to a divorce on the motion of either spouse. Source: RCW 26.09.030(d), 26.09.150(2) |
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| Annulment | Washington calls annulment a declaration of invalidity. The court can declare a marriage invalid if it should not have been entered because of a party's age, lack of required parental or court approval, a prior undissolved marriage or domestic partnership, close blood relationship, lack of capacity to consent (mental incapacity or the influence of alcohol or other substances), force or duress, or fraud involving the essentials of marriage, if the parties have not ratified the marriage by voluntarily living together after the problem ended. At least one party must be a Washington resident or service member stationed in Washington, and both parties must be living. Source: RCW 26.09.040 |
| Changing your name after divorce | At the request of a party whose marriage is dissolved or declared invalid, the court must order a former name restored, or may, in its discretion, order a change to another name. Source: RCW 26.09.150(3) |
| Divorce records | The Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to the present. Anyone can request one without proving identity or relationship. Fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy, with other fees depending on how it is ordered or shipped; orders can be placed through VitalChek online or by phone, or by mail. The Department of Health does not have divorce decrees; for the decree, contact the superior court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. |
Marriage and name changes
| Getting a marriage license | Apply to the county auditor and pay the license fee set by state law (RCW 36.18.010). Each applicant files a sworn affidavit that both are 18 or older and that any contagious sexually transmitted disease is known to both. The auditor may issue the license at the time of application (and no later than the third full day after), but it cannot be used until three days after the application date. It becomes void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance. An applicant refused a license may appeal to the superior court. The statutory fee is made up of several components in RCW 36.18.010 and related laws; ask the county auditor for the total. |
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| Minimum marriage age | Both parties must be at least 18. Any marriage in which either person is under 18 is void; the statute contains no exception for parental consent or court approval. Source: RCW 26.04.010, 26.04.210 |
| Legal name change | File a petition with the district court of any judicial district in Washington; the court may order the change in its discretion. Petitions by emancipated minors, people with asylum, refugee or special immigrant juvenile status, or for reasons related to gender identity or domestic violence, stalking or harassment may instead be filed in any superior court, which seals the file. The court collects the county recording fees under RCW 36.18.010 and must waive them for financial hardship. Offenders under Department of Corrections jurisdiction and registered sex offenders must follow extra procedures. The statute does not require newspaper publication. Source: RCW 4.24.130 |
Adoption, guardianship and paternity
| Adoption requirements | Any legally competent person 18 or older may adopt; a married petitioner's spouse must join the petition. Consent is required from the adoptee if 14 or older, the parents and any alleged father of a minor, and any agency or the Department to which the child was relinquished. A parent's rights may be terminated on clear, cogent and convincing evidence that termination is in the child's best interest and the parent has failed to perform parental duties with a substantial lack of regard for parental obligations and is withholding consent contrary to the child's best interest. A child generally may not be placed with prospective adoptive parents until a preplacement report (a study of the home, family life, health and resources) has been filed with the court, and the court orders a post-placement report when the petition is filed. |
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| Stepparent adoption | A stepparent files the same adoption petition. Unless the court orders otherwise, the preplacement report is not required when the petitioner is adopting the child of the petitioner's spouse; a post-placement report is still ordered. The other parent's consent is required unless parental rights are terminated (for example for failure to perform parental duties while withholding consent contrary to the child's best interest) or consent is dispensed with on limited statutory grounds. |
| Guardianship of a child | A person interested in a minor's welfare, including the minor, may petition. The court may appoint a guardian for a minor if it is in the minor's best interest and each parent consents after being fully informed, all parental rights have been terminated, or there is clear and convincing evidence that no parent is willing or able to exercise parenting functions. Source: RCW 11.130.185, 11.130.190 |
| Guardianship of an adult | Under the Uniform Guardianship Act, the court may appoint a guardian for an adult only on clear and convincing evidence that the person cannot meet essential requirements for health, safety or self-care because they cannot receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that guardianship is needed to prevent significant risk of harm; and that the needs cannot be met by a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative. The guardian gets only the powers the person's needs require, and a full guardianship is not allowed if a limited guardianship or less restrictive alternative would work. The respondent may demand a jury on whether a basis for guardianship exists. |
| Establishing paternity | The woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic father (or an intended or presumed parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, notarized or witnessed, before or after birth; it is filed with the state registrar of vital statistics and is equivalent to a court adjudication. A signer may rescind by filing a notarized or witnessed rescission with the state registrar before the earlier of 60 days after it takes effect or the first court hearing about the child (including support). After that, and no later than four years after it takes effect, a signer may challenge it only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court parentage case, the court must order genetic testing on a supported sworn request. The Department of Health may charge filing fees. |
| Emancipation of a minor | A Washington resident 16 or older may petition the superior court for a declaration of emancipation, with a birth certificate and declarations showing they can manage their financial and their personal, social and educational affairs. Parents, guardian or custodian must be served at least 15 days before the hearing, which is held within 60 days of filing. The court grants the petition if the minor proves these facts by clear and convincing evidence; if a parent or guardian opposes, the court denies it unless it finds by clear and convincing evidence that denial would be detrimental to the minor. An emancipated minor has the power and capacity of an adult in most matters, including support, suing, earnings, residence, contracts and business. |
Where to get help in Washington
Divorce & Family Law FAQ
How long do you have to live in Washington to file for divorce?
There is no minimum length of residence in the divorce statute. A divorce (dissolution) can be filed by a person who is a Washington resident, a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington, or a person married to a Washington resident or to a service member stationed in Washington.
Is Washington a no-fault divorce state?
Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If the other spouse denies this, the court considers the circumstances and prospects for reconciliation and may refer the couple to counseling or continue the case up to 60 days before deciding. Property, debts and maintenance are decided without regard to misconduct.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Washington?
The court cannot proceed to enter a divorce until 90 days have passed since both the petition was filed and the summons was served on the respondent (or first published). The decree is final when entered, subject to appeal.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Washington?
State law sets a $200 filing fee for the first document in a civil case, plus statutory surcharges of $40 and $50 on that fee, for $290 in statewide charges. A respondent who files a counterclaim also pays the filing fee. Check with your county superior court clerk for the total, which may include other charges.
How do you get an uncontested divorce in Washington?
Washington has no separate summary divorce. If the other spouse joins the petition or does not deny that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court enters the decree after the 90-day period. A spouse can sign the Agreement to Join Petition or Service Accepted form (or the agreement on the last page of the petition), in which case formal service is not necessary. Spouses can also make a written separation contract on property, maintenance, and children, which binds the court (except for the parenting plan) unless the court finds it was unfair when signed.
Is Washington a community property state?
Washington is a community property state. In a divorce, the court divides both community and separate property and debts in a way that is just and equitable, without regard to misconduct, considering the nature and extent of the community property, the nature and extent of the separate property, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's economic circumstances when the division takes effect, including the desirability of awarding the family home to the spouse with whom the children live most of the time.
How is alimony decided in Washington?
The court may order maintenance for either spouse in amounts and for periods it considers just, without regard to misconduct. Factors include the requesting spouse's financial resources and ability to meet needs independently, the time needed for education or training, the standard of living during the marriage, the length of the marriage, the requesting spouse's age, physical and emotional condition and financial obligations, and the paying spouse's ability to meet their own needs while paying. There is no statutory formula.
How is child custody decided in Washington?
Washington uses parenting plans instead of custody labels. Subject to limits for abuse, domestic violence and similar problems (RCW 26.09.191), the court allocates decision-making and sets a residential schedule. Residential factors include the strength and stability of the child's relationship with each parent (given the greatest weight), the parents' knowing and voluntary agreements, each parent's past and future performance of parenting functions, the child's emotional needs and development, relationships with siblings and others and involvement in school and activities, the wishes of the parents and of a child mature enough to express reasoned and independent preferences, and each parent's work schedule. No fixed age is set for the child's preference.
How is child support calculated in Washington?
Washington uses an income shares model, the Washington State Child Support Schedule. The basic support obligation comes from an economic table based on the parents' combined monthly net income and number of children, and is divided according to each parent's share of combined net income. Health care, day care and special expenses are shared in the same proportion. A self-support reserve of 180% of the federal poverty level applies. Worksheets must be filed in every child support case; DSHS's Division of Child Support provides an online worksheet calculator for estimates.
Do you have to take a parenting class to divorce in Washington?
Parenting seminars are set by local court rules, so whether one is required depends on the county. Any such rule must not require opposing parties to attend together, must waive the seminar or offer an alternative when there is domestic violence or abuse or attendance is not in the children's best interests, and may waive it for good cause.
Can you get a legal separation in Washington?
Yes. A spouse can ask the court for a decree of legal separation instead of a divorce, and the court can divide property, set maintenance and enter a parenting plan. No earlier than six months after a legal separation decree is entered, the court must convert it to a divorce on the motion of either spouse.
What are the grounds for annulment in Washington?
Washington calls annulment a declaration of invalidity. The court can declare a marriage invalid if it should not have been entered because of a party's age, lack of required parental or court approval, a prior undissolved marriage or domestic partnership, close blood relationship, lack of capacity to consent (mental incapacity or the influence of alcohol or other substances), force or duress, or fraud involving the essentials of marriage, if the parties have not ratified the marriage by voluntarily living together after the problem ended. At least one party must be a Washington resident or service member stationed in Washington, and both parties must be living.
Do grandparents have visitation rights in Washington?
A relative (including a grandparent) who has had an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child, generally for at least two years (or half the life of a child under two), may petition for visitation if the child is likely to suffer harm or a substantial risk of harm without it. A fit parent's decision to deny visitation is presumed to be in the child's best interest; the petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the child would likely suffer harm without visitation and that visitation is in the child's best interest. Visitation does not give the petitioner parental rights.
How do you change your name back after a divorce in Washington?
At the request of a party whose marriage is dissolved or declared invalid, the court must order a former name restored, or may, in its discretion, order a change to another name.
At what age does child support end in Washington?
Unless the parents agreed otherwise in writing or the decree says otherwise, child support ends when the child is emancipated. An order may be modified to extend support past age 18 for a child who is still in high school. Separately, a court may order support for postsecondary education for a child who is still dependent on the parents and who attends an accredited school, pursues a course of study and stays in good academic standing; this support cannot be ordered past the child's 23rd birthday except in exceptional circumstances, such as a mental, physical or emotional disability.
How do I file for child support in Washington?
Parents who do not have an open case with the DSHS Division of Child Support (DCS) can enroll by requesting the forms through the online application form or printing them (Forms 18-078 and 14-057, plus 18-433 if a support order already exists), calling 800-442-KIDS (5437), or picking them up at a DCS office. Forms can be emailed, mailed to DCS Central Services (P.O. Box 11520, Tacoma, WA 98411), faxed or hand-delivered. One enrollment form is needed for each noncustodial parent. Families receiving TANF do not need to apply; a case opens automatically. DCS says it sends a letter with a case number within 7 to 10 days.
What happens if you don't pay child support in Washington?
Washington law lets DCS collect unpaid support through liens on property, orders to withhold and deliver income or assets, actions against bank accounts (including financial institution data matches), seizure and sale of property under a lien, collection from industrial insurance disability payments and from state income tax refunds. If a parent is about six months (180 days) or more behind, DCS can certify the parent to have driver's, professional and other state licenses, and fish and wildlife licenses, suspended or not renewed. The parent can avoid certification within 20 days of notice by paying in full, asking for a hearing, agreeing to a payment schedule, or filing to modify the order.
How do you modify child support in Washington?
A support order can generally be modified only for installments due after the motion is filed and only on a showing of a substantial change of circumstances. One year or more after the order is entered, it may be modified without a substantial change in some situations, such as severe economic hardship or to extend support for a child still in high school. If 24 months have passed since the order or its last adjustment, it may be adjusted based on changes in the parents' incomes or in the economic table, without a substantial change. Parents with an open DCS case can ask DCS to review their order at any time; if the order is a court order, the request goes through the county prosecutor's office.
How do you get emergency custody in Washington?
In a divorce, a parent asking for a temporary parenting order files and serves a proposed temporary parenting plan by motion, supported by a sworn declaration about the child's caregiving history, schedules and any safety concerns; the court may enter a temporary parenting plan on a showing of necessity. A party may also ask for a temporary restraining order, including an order not to remove a child from the court's jurisdiction. The court can issue a temporary restraining order without notice to the other party only if the sworn evidence shows irreparable injury could result before the other party has time to respond.
Are divorce records public in Washington, and how do I get a copy?
The Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for divorces from January 1, 1968, to the present. Anyone can request one without proving identity or relationship. Fees start at $25 per certified or noncertified informational copy, with other fees depending on how it is ordered or shipped; orders can be placed through VitalChek online or by phone, or by mail. The Department of Health does not have divorce decrees; for the decree, contact the superior court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized.
How do you get a marriage license in Washington?
Apply to the county auditor and pay the license fee set by state law (RCW 36.18.010). Each applicant files a sworn affidavit that both are 18 or older and that any contagious sexually transmitted disease is known to both. The auditor may issue the license at the time of application (and no later than the third full day after), but it cannot be used until three days after the application date. It becomes void if the marriage is not solemnized within 60 days of issuance. An applicant refused a license may appeal to the superior court.
What is the legal age to get married in Washington?
Both parties must be at least 18. Any marriage in which either person is under 18 is void; the statute contains no exception for parental consent or court approval.
What are the requirements to adopt a child in Washington?
Any legally competent person 18 or older may adopt; a married petitioner's spouse must join the petition. Consent is required from the adoptee if 14 or older, the parents and any alleged father of a minor, and any agency or the Department to which the child was relinquished. A parent's rights may be terminated on clear, cogent and convincing evidence that termination is in the child's best interest and the parent has failed to perform parental duties with a substantial lack of regard for parental obligations and is withholding consent contrary to the child's best interest. A child generally may not be placed with prospective adoptive parents until a preplacement report (a study of the home, family life, health and resources) has been filed with the court, and the court orders a post-placement report when the petition is filed.
How does stepparent adoption work in Washington?
A stepparent files the same adoption petition. Unless the court orders otherwise, the preplacement report is not required when the petitioner is adopting the child of the petitioner's spouse; a post-placement report is still ordered. The other parent's consent is required unless parental rights are terminated (for example for failure to perform parental duties while withholding consent contrary to the child's best interest) or consent is dispensed with on limited statutory grounds.
How do you get guardianship of a child in Washington?
A person interested in a minor's welfare, including the minor, may petition. The court may appoint a guardian for a minor if it is in the minor's best interest and each parent consents after being fully informed, all parental rights have been terminated, or there is clear and convincing evidence that no parent is willing or able to exercise parenting functions.
How do you get guardianship of an adult in Washington?
Under the Uniform Guardianship Act, the court may appoint a guardian for an adult only on clear and convincing evidence that the person cannot meet essential requirements for health, safety or self-care because they cannot receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions, even with supportive services, technology or supported decision making; that guardianship is needed to prevent significant risk of harm; and that the needs cannot be met by a protective arrangement or other less restrictive alternative. The guardian gets only the powers the person's needs require, and a full guardianship is not allowed if a limited guardianship or less restrictive alternative would work. The respondent may demand a jury on whether a basis for guardianship exists.
How do you establish paternity in Washington?
The woman who gave birth and an alleged genetic father (or an intended or presumed parent) may sign an acknowledgment of parentage, notarized or witnessed, before or after birth; it is filed with the state registrar of vital statistics and is equivalent to a court adjudication. A signer may rescind by filing a notarized or witnessed rescission with the state registrar before the earlier of 60 days after it takes effect or the first court hearing about the child (including support). After that, and no later than four years after it takes effect, a signer may challenge it only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court parentage case, the court must order genetic testing on a supported sworn request. The Department of Health may charge filing fees.
How do you legally change your name in Washington?
File a petition with the district court of any judicial district in Washington; the court may order the change in its discretion. Petitions by emancipated minors, people with asylum, refugee or special immigrant juvenile status, or for reasons related to gender identity or domestic violence, stalking or harassment may instead be filed in any superior court, which seals the file. The court collects the county recording fees under RCW 36.18.010 and must waive them for financial hardship. Offenders under Department of Corrections jurisdiction and registered sex offenders must follow extra procedures.
How does a minor get emancipated in Washington?
A Washington resident 16 or older may petition the superior court for a declaration of emancipation, with a birth certificate and declarations showing they can manage their financial and their personal, social and educational affairs. Parents, guardian or custodian must be served at least 15 days before the hearing, which is held within 60 days of filing. The court grants the petition if the minor proves these facts by clear and convincing evidence; if a parent or guardian opposes, the court denies it unless it finds by clear and convincing evidence that denial would be detrimental to the minor. An emancipated minor has the power and capacity of an adult in most matters, including support, suing, earnings, residence, contracts and business.
Where can I get divorce papers and forms in Washington?
Washington State Courts publish mandatory statewide divorce (dissolution) forms in Word and PDF, organized by stage. To start the case: Summons (FL Divorce 200), Petition for Divorce (Dissolution) (FL Divorce 201), Confidential Information (FL All Family 001), the Department of Health Certificate of Dissolution (DOH 422-027), proof or acceptance of service forms, and the Response to Petition (FL Divorce 211). To finish: Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage (FL Divorce 231) and Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree) (FL Divorce 241), plus a Child Support Order (FL All Family 130), worksheets and Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140) when there are children. Forms for temporary orders and immediate restraining orders are also provided. Local county superior court rules may require additional documents.
Who handles child support in Washington, and how do I contact them?
Washington's child support agency is the Division of Child Support (DCS) of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DCS enforces child support, establishes parentage, modifies support orders and offers alternative solutions, and works with employers on new hire reporting and income withholding. People without an open case can enroll in child support services or use the Child Support Application. Support can be paid through income withholding or the DCS online payment portal. Contact: 800-442-KIDS (5437).
Is there an official child support calculator in Washington?
The Washington State Child Support Schedule (WSCSS) Worksheet Calculator, run by DSHS's Division of Child Support, helps parties estimate the amount of child support that might be ordered in their own cases. Amounts calculated are advisory only; the superior court judge, court commissioner or administrative law judge has the final authority to set support. The calculator does not save your entries. The page notes that child support schedule laws were amended by Engrossed House Bill 1014, with changes effective January 1, 2026.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.