Supervised visitation at the Thurston County Superior Court
In Thurston County, Washington courts generally use parenting plan, residential schedule and decision-making authority instead of custody and visitation. cases go to the Thurston 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
- In Thurston County, parents in a parenting plan case must take part in mediation before trial, except in cases involving domestic violence.
- The court advises that mediation may not be right if a parent fears for personal safety.
- Parents must complete a parenting seminar, and the court does not currently accept online classes.
- 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
- Thurston County Superior Court, Family and Juvenile Court: 3000 Pacific Avenue SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Free help without a lawyer
- Court Facilitator Clerk's Office help for self represented parties with local procedures and mandatory forms.
Court programs and resources
- Family Law Mediation Sliding scale mediation at the Dispute Resolution Center or a private mediator from the court panel.
- Parenting Seminar and FAQ Seminar provider is Family Education and Support Services. The court does not accept online classes.
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.
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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 Laws change, and this information may be incomplete, out of date or wrong.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.