Supervised visitation at the Yakima County Superior Court
In Yakima County, Washington courts generally use parenting plan, residential schedule and decision-making authority instead of custody and visitation. cases go to the Yakima 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 Yakima County, both parents in cases involving children under 18 must complete an approved Impact on Children Seminar within 60 days of service.
- Contested cases go to mandatory mediation, and the court may waive it if domestic violence is shown or a protection order is in effect.
- The court may waive the seminar for good cause, such as intimate partner violence.
- 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
- Yakima County Courthouse: 128 North Second Street, Yakima, WA 98901
Free help without a lawyer
- Family Court Facilitator Room 213. Individual appointments cost $75. Divorce Orientation classes cost $25, with Spanish options. Phone 509-574-2695.
Court programs and resources
- Yakima County Local Family Law Rules Covers the Impact on Children Seminar and mandatory mediation.
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 Laws change, and this information may be incomplete, out of date or wrong.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.