Supervised visitation at the King County Superior Court

In King County, Washington courts generally use parenting plan, residential schedule and decision-making authority instead of custody and visitation. cases go to the King County Superior Court (Family law cases are heard in the Superior Court under RCW chapters 26.09 and 26.26.).

How supervised visitation works here

King County local rule LFLR 13 says parties in parenting plan disputes must take part in some form of alternative dispute resolution unless the court waives it for good cause.
Both parents must finish an approved parenting seminar within 60 days after service, and no final parenting plan is entered without proof of it or a waiver.
The rule lets the court waive or change the seminar when domestic violence or safety concerns are raised.
RCW 26.09.191 lets a judge order supervised contact between a parent and child, and it presumes a professional supervisor unless the parent shows a lay supervisor can serve and professional supervision is out of reach.
Before visits start, the judge must set clear written guidelines that the supervisor and the parent both acknowledge in writing.

Where family cases are heard

King County Courthouse: 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Maleng Regional Justice Center: 401 Fourth Avenue North, Kent, WA 98032

Free help without a lawyer

Family Law Facilitators Walk in help and instruction packets for people without a lawyer. They can review forms but not fill them out.

Court programs and resources

Family Court Services Parenting plan mediation, parenting plan evaluations and domestic violence assessments when the court orders or refers.
What About the Children seminar Required by local rule in cases about custody, visitation or parenting of minor children.

Forms and local rules

Parenting Plan (WPF DR 01.0400) Statewide parenting plan form. It has sections for limits on residential time.
Washington Courts family law forms: child custody Statewide list including residential schedule and modification forms.

Find a supervised visitation provider · State supervised visitation laws

General information only, not legal advice. Laws change, and this information may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. Confirm it with a licensed attorney in your state before you rely on it.