Washington Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Washington is decided in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Law. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Washington documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Washington custody resources

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Washington family law forms (official index) (Washington judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Washington family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=31

Washington court self-help resources (Washington courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Washington family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.self_help

Washington mediation and dispute resolution (Washington judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Washington family case without a trial. https://www.courts.wa.gov/programs_orgs/pos_adr

eFileWA (participating counties) plus county systems (Multiple): Washington has no single statewide rule: each county decides whether and how you can e-file. The official eFileWA portal serves a growing list of courts and is open to people without lawyers, while big counties like King run their own systems. https://efilewa.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing

Washington rules of procedure (Washington judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Washington. https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules

Verified official Washington custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140), form FL All Family 140 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/documents/FL%20All%20Family%20140%20Parenting%20Plan.pdf

Official link data for Washington was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Washington?

Family cases in Washington are heard in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Law. Washington's Superior Court hears all divorce and custody cases. There is one Superior Court per county - 39 in all.

Does Washington favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Washington forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Washington mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.