Supervised Visitation in Washington

What Washington law says about supervised visits, where the family courts are, and how to find a verified provider or get notified when one joins.

Washington supervised visitation laws

Washington courts may order supervised visitation under RCW 26.09.191 when the court finds domestic violence, child abuse or other safety concerns.

• When supervision is ordered, a professional supervisor is presumed unless the court finds a capable lay supervisor and that professional supervision is not accessible or affordable; the parent and supervisor must sign an acknowledgment before visits begin
• Mandatory limits apply when a parent or household member has been convicted of, or found to have committed, certain sex offenses against a child (RCW 26.09.192)
• Washington uses residential time and parenting plan terminology

Reference: RCW 26.09.191, 26.09.192.

Key rules for supervised visits in Washington

Yes. When supervision is ordered, RCW 26.09.191 presumes a professional supervisor unless the court finds a capable lay supervisor and that professional supervision is not accessible or affordable. Any supervisor must be willing and able to intervene, and the parent and supervisor must sign an acknowledgment before visits begin. Mandatory limits apply when a parent or household member has a sex offense against a child (RCW 26.09.192).

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 Laws change, and this information may be incomplete, out of date or wrong.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.

Counties in Washington

• King County
• Pierce County
• Snohomish County
• Clark County

Frequently asked questions about supervised visitation in Washington

What is supervised visitation?

Supervised visitation (also called monitored visitation) is a court-ordered arrangement where a parent's contact with their child is monitored by a neutral third party. This ensures the child's safety while maintaining the parent-child relationship during custody disputes, divorce proceedings, or child protection cases.

Who can be a supervised visitation monitor?

A supervised visitation monitor can be a professional supervisor trained in child development and family dynamics, a court-approved visitation center, or sometimes a trusted family member or friend approved by the court. Professional supervisors provide detailed court-ready documentation of each visit.

How much does supervised visitation cost?

The cost of supervised visitation varies by location and provider. Rates are set by each provider. Some courts and nonprofit visitation centers offer reduced fees. MyVisitLink shows each provider's rate so you can compare options in your area.

How long does supervised visitation last?

Supervised visitation is typically temporary. Courts review the arrangement periodically and may transition to unsupervised visitation once the concerns that led to the order have been addressed. What is required depends on the court order.

What happens during a supervised visit?

During a supervised visit, a trained monitor observes the parent-child interaction at a safe, neutral location such as a park, community center, or visitation facility. The supervisor ensures the child's safety, documents the visit, and prepares a court-ready report detailing the interactions observed.

Can supervised visitation be ordered in a divorce?

Yes, supervised visitation is commonly ordered during divorce and child custody proceedings when the court has concerns about a parent's ability to provide a safe environment. Reasons may include domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, or a parent being largely absent from the child's life.

How do I find a supervised visitation supervisor in Washington?

You can find verified supervised visitation supervisors in Washington through MyVisitLink. Browse profiles, check availability, compare rates, and book sessions online. Every provider verifies their identity before they can be booked, and many show credentials, insurance and training documents on their profile.

What are the supervised visitation requirements in Washington?

Supervised visitation requirements in Washington are set by the family court based on the child's best interest. Your court order and local court rules set the specific requirements for your case.