Pasco, Washington Family Court Guide

Pasco sits in Franklin County, Washington, so family court is handled at the county level. How and where to file family court papers from Pasco: the right clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.

The most time-sensitive thing for any Pasco parent is the response clock. In Washington you generally have 20 days to file a written response after you are served (Wash. CR 4, 12(a); RCW 4.28.180). 60 days if you were served outside Washington; add 3 days for mail service. Miss that window and the other side can ask the Franklin county court that serves Pasco to move ahead without you, so put the deadline on your calendar the day you are served and confirm the exact date with the clerk.

Child support for Pasco families is set under Washington's Income Shares guideline. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. The judge applies the same statewide formula whether you file in Pasco or anywhere else in Washington, so an honest income picture and the official worksheet matter more than where in the state you live.

When Pasco parents split parenting time, Washington courts call the schedule "Residential Schedule", and that is the language to use in your paperwork. If safety is the issue, the order to ask the Franklin county court that serves Pasco about is the Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO).

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file family court papers if I live in Pasco, Washington?

Pasco sits in Franklin County, Washington. Family court matters for Pasco residents are filed with the clerk of court for the Franklin county. Start with the Franklin county court resources linked on this page to confirm the family division, courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.

Can I e-file my Pasco family court case online?

Washington uses eFileWA (participating counties) plus county systems for electronic court filings. Whether self-represented filers in Pasco can e-file depends on the court and case type, so confirm with the clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.

How much does it cost to file for divorce or custody in Pasco?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$314. The exact amount is set by the clerk and changes over time, so verify the current schedule before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, Washington courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.

Is there free self-help for self-represented parents near Pasco?

Yes. Washington maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.

Which county court covers Pasco?

Pasco is served by the Franklin county court in Washington. Divorce, custody, child support, and parenting-plan cases for Pasco residents are heard in that court's family division.

How long do I have to respond to a family court case in Pasco, Washington?

In Washington you generally have 20 days to file a written response after you are served (Wash. CR 4, 12(a); RCW 4.28.180). 60 days if you were served outside Washington; add 3 days for mail service. The summons you were served lists your own deadline, and service method or case type can change it, so confirm the exact date with the clerk that serves Pasco before you rely on it.

How is child support calculated for Pasco families?

Washington uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes combined; obligation split proportionally by income share. Run the numbers on the Washington child-support worksheet for an estimate; the judge sets the final amount and can adjust it for the facts of your case.

What is a restraining order called in Washington?

In Washington it is generally called a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO). You request it through the same court system that serves Pasco. If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911 first, then ask the clerk how to file for emergency protection the same day.