How to get supervised visitation in Washington

In Washington, supervised visits are set in a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.191. You can ask for them when you file a case, in a temporary order, or in the final parenting plan.

Step by step

1. Check whether you already have a case If a parenting plan or custody order already exists, you ask to change it in that case. If not, you start a case: a Petition for a Parenting Plan and/or Child Support (FL Parentage 331) for unmarried parents, or a family law case such as dissolution.
2. File your papers and a proposed Parenting Plan Fill out the Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140) and check the boxes in the section on limitations to ask for supervised visits. Washington Law Help says to complete the required attachments too.
3. Say who supervises, the schedule, and who pays The form asks for a professional supervisor by name or agency, or a non-professional supervisor. Washington Law Help says professional supervisors are now usually required as of June 2025, with exceptions if a parent cannot find one because of income or where they live. The form also has a line for who pays.
4. Ask for temporary orders if you need help before the final order You can file a motion for temporary orders any time after a case starts. Temporary orders need advance notice and a hearing. An immediate restraining order can take effect right away, with a hearing about two weeks later.
5. Serve the other parent Copies of your papers and proposed plan must be delivered (served) on the other parent. Immediate restraining orders require personal service of the motion and the order.
6. Go to the hearing If parents agree, the judge will usually approve the plan. If not, the judge decides after a hearing or trial based on the best interests of the children. Parents may be required to try mediation or counseling for later disputes.
7. After the order, sign the acknowledgement Under RCW 26.09.191, the supervised parent and the supervisor must sign the Supervised Visitation Acknowledgement (FL All Family 141) before visits begin.
8. Choose a provider and schedule Contact providers for their fee sheets, intake steps, and openings. Many require intake and payment before the first visit.

Forms

• FL Parentage 331 Petition for a Parenting Plan and/or Child Support: Starts a case for unmarried parents. Listed with the related summons and response forms.
• FL All Family 140 Parenting Plan: Where supervised visits, the supervisor, and who pays are set out.
• FL Parentage 323 Motion for Temporary Family Law Order and Restraining Order: For temporary orders in a parentage case.
• FL Modify 623 Motion for Temporary Family Law Order and Restraining Order: For temporary orders when changing an existing parenting plan.
• FL Modify 601 Petition to Change Parenting Plan: To change an existing parenting plan or residential schedule.
• PO 001 Petition for Protection Order: Protection order petition, listed with the temporary and final order forms.

Good to know

• Supervised visits can be requested at any stage: in the first petition or response, through temporary or emergency orders, or in final orders (Washington Law Help).
• If domestic violence is involved, a Protection Order may give faster and stronger protection than other temporary relief, even inside a family law case (Washington Law Help).
• A parent may ask for emergency suspension of residential time if the supervised parent repeatedly violates orders, threatens harm, or commits domestic violence, or if the supervisor cannot protect the child (RCW 26.09.191).
• To change an existing plan you file a Petition to Change Parenting Plan. Filing costs are up to $56 in the same county and up to $260 in a different county, and low income filers can ask for a fee waiver (Washington Law Help).
• The supervisor's role is to step in if something might harm the child or the other parent. Washington Law Help describes them as a neutral monitor, not a parenting evaluator.

Sources

• RCW 26.09.191
• Washington Law Help, Supervised visits
• Washington Law Help, Parenting plan guide
• Washington Law Help, File for and respond to temporary or immediate orders
• Washington Law Help, Change a parenting plan or child custody order
• Washington Courts, Parentage forms
• Washington Courts, Temporary Family Law Order forms
• Washington Courts, Protection Order forms
• Washington Courts, FL All Family 140 Parenting Plan