Separation and/or divorce has tremendous legal and financial consequences. The resources presented below are to educate parents on the common issues regarding child custody and child support and are not meant as a substitute for competent legal counsel. The legal process in Washington State can be complex including local court rules that differ for each county. Mistakes can have extremely long lasting and expensive consequences. Bottom line is that if you can afford an attorney, it is most likely in your best interest to retain one. The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) has a legal directory that can be filtered by ‘family’ for practice type and by county to find local attorneys throughout Washington State.
For those pro se litigants that can’t afford or choose not to pay an attorney, it is important to understand which parts of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) will guide judicial decisions that lead to temporary and final orders for child custody and child support. It is also important to understand the basics of parenting plans, child support orders, the Washington State Child Support Schedule (WSCSS) worksheets, and various family law forms that are on Washington Court’s web site. Depending on circumstances, having a knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and important U.S. Supreme Court family law rulings may also be required to support your arguments and protect your rights if you choose to appeal a Superior Court ruling. If in doubt, seek competent legal advice.
There are a number of legal resources such as Legal Zoom or employer offered legal plans that allow limited free consultations to family law, estate planning, and other specialized attorneys for a base monthly or annual subscription fee.