RCW 26.26A.315 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 315
RCW 26.26A.315: Requirements for genetic testing.
Status: in_force

(1) Genetic testing must be of a type reasonably relied on by experts in the field of genetic testing and performed in a testing laboratory accredited by: (a) The AABB, formerly known as the American association of blood banks, or a successor to its functions; or (b) An accrediting body designated by the secretary of the United States department of health and human services. (2) A specimen used in genetic testing may consist of a sample or a combination of samples of blood, buccal cells, bone, hair, or other body tissue or fluid. The specimen used in the testing need not be of the same kind for each individual undergoing genetic testing. (3) Based on the ethnic or racial group of an individual undergoing genetic testing, a testing laboratory shall determine the databases from which to select frequencies for use in calculating a relationship index. If an individual or a child support agency objects to the laboratory's choice, the following rules apply: (a) Not later than thirty days after receipt of the report of the test, the objecting individual or child support agency may request the court to require the laboratory to recalculate the relationship index using an ethnic or racial group different from that used by the laboratory. (b) The individual or the child support agency objecting to the laboratory's choice under this subsection shall: (i) If the requested frequencies are not available to the laboratory for the ethnic or racial group requested, provide the requested frequencies compiled in a manner recognized by accrediting bodies; or (ii) Engage another laboratory to perform the calculations. (c) The laboratory may use its own statistical estimate if there is a question which ethnic or racial group is appropriate. The laboratory shall calculate the frequencies using statistics, if available, for any other ethnic or racial group requested. (4) If, after recalculation of the relationship index under subsection (3) of this section using a different ethnic or racial group, genetic testing under RCW 26.26A.325 does not identify an individual as a genetic parent of a child, the court may require an individual who has been tested to submit to additional genetic testing to identify a genetic parent.
RCW 26.21A.613 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 613
RCW 26.21A.613: Registration of convention support order.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a party who is an individual or a support enforcement agency seeking recognition of a convention support order shall register the order in this state as provided in Article 6 of this chapter. (2) Notwithstanding RCW 26.21A.250 and 26.21A.505 (1), a request for registration of a convention support order must be accompanied by: (a) A complete text of the support order, or an abstract or extract of the support order drawn up by the issuing foreign tribunal, which may be in the form recommended by the Hague conference on private international law; (b) A record stating that the support order is enforceable in the issuing country; (c) If the respondent did not appear and was not represented in the proceedings in the issuing country, a record attesting, as appropriate, either that the respondent had proper notice of the proceedings and an opportunity to be heard or that the respondent had proper notice of the support order and an opportunity to be heard in a challenge or appeal on fact or law before a tribunal; (d) A record showing the amount of arrears, if any, and the date the amount was calculated; (e) A record showing a requirement for automatic adjustment of the amount of support, if any, and the information necessary to make the appropriate calculations; and (f) If necessary, a record showing the extent to which the applicant received free legal assistance in the issuing country. (3) A request for registration of a convention support order may seek recognition and partial enforcement of the order. (4) A tribunal of this state may vacate the registration of a convention support order without the filing of a contest under RCW 26.21A.615 , only if, acting on its own motion, the tribunal finds that recognition and enforcement of the order would be manifestly incompatible with public policy. (5) The tribunal shall promptly notify the parties of the registration or the order vacating the registration of a convention support order.
RCW 26.04.190 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 190
RCW 26.04.190: Refusal of license—Appeal.
Status: in_force

Any county auditor is hereby authorized to refuse to issue a license to marry if, in his or her discretion, the applications executed by the parties or information coming to his or her knowledge as a result of the execution of said applications, justifies said refusal: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, The denied parties may appeal to the superior court of said county for an order to show cause, directed to said county auditor to appear before said court to show why said court should not grant an order to issue a license to said denied parties and, after due hearing, or if the auditor fails to appear, said court may in its discretion, issue an order to said auditor directing him or her to issue said license; any hearings held by a superior court under RCW 26.04.140 through 26.04.200 may, in the discretion of said court, be held in chambers.
RCW 26.19.065 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 19 / Section 065
RCW 26.19.065: Standards for establishing lower and upper limits on child support amounts.
Status: in_force

(1) Limit at forty-five percent of a parent's net income. Neither parent's child support obligation owed for all his or her biological or legal children may exceed forty-five percent of net income except for good cause shown. (a) Each child is entitled to a pro rata share of the income available for support, but the court only applies the pro rata share to the children in the case before the court. (b) Before determining whether to apply the forty-five percent limitation, the court must consider whether it would be unjust to apply the limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and any involuntary limits on either parent's earning capacity including incarceration, disabilities, or incapacity. (c) Good cause includes, but is not limited to, possession of substantial wealth, children with day care expenses, special medical need, educational need, psychological need, and larger families. (2) Presumptive minimum support obligation. (a) When a parent's monthly net income is below one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty guideline for a one-person family, a support order of not less than fifty dollars per child per month shall be entered unless the obligor parent establishes that it would be unjust to do so in that particular case. The decision whether there is a sufficient basis to deviate below the presumptive minimum payment must take into consideration the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances can include leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and earning capacity. (b) The basic support obligation of the parent making the transfer payment, excluding health care, day care, and special child-rearing expenses, shall not reduce his or her net income below the self-support reserve of one hundred twenty-five percent of the federal poverty level for a one-person family, except for the presumptive minimum payment of fifty dollars per child per month or when it would be unjust to apply the self-support reserve limitation after considering the best interests of the child and the circumstances of each parent. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, leaving insufficient funds in the custodial parent's household to meet the basic needs of the child, comparative hardship to the affected households, assets or liabilities, and earning capacity. This section shall not be construed to require monthly substantiation of income. (3) Income above twelve thousand dollars. The economic table is presumptive for combined monthly net incomes up to and including twelve thousand dollars. When combined monthly net income exceeds twelve thousand dollars, the court may exceed the presumptive amount of support set for combined monthly net incomes of twelve thousand dollars upon written findings of fact.
RCW 26.12.177 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 177
RCW 26.12.177: Guardians ad litem—Training—Registry—Subregistry—Selection—Substitution—Exceptions.
Status: in_force

(1) All guardians ad litem appointed under this title must comply with the training requirements established under RCW 2.56.030 (15), prior to their appointment in cases under Title 26 RCW, except that volunteer guardians ad litem or court-appointed special advocates may comply with alternative training requirements approved by the administrative office of the courts that meet or exceed the statewide requirements. In cases involving allegations of limiting factors under RCW 26.09.191 or 26.09.192 , the guardians ad litem appointed under this title must have additional relevant training under RCW 2.56.030 (15) when it is available. (2)(a) Each guardian ad litem program for compensated guardians ad litem shall establish a rotational registry system for the appointment of guardians ad litem under this title. If a judicial district does not have a program the court shall establish the rotational registry system. Guardians ad litem under this title shall be selected from the registry except in exceptional circumstances as determined and documented by the court. The parties may make a joint recommendation for the appointment of a guardian ad litem from the registry. (b) In judicial districts with a population over one hundred thousand, a list of three names shall be selected from the registry and given to the parties along with the background information record as specified in RCW 26.12.175 (3), including their hourly rate for services. Each party may, within three judicial days, strike one name from the list. If more than one name remains on the list, the court shall make the appointment from the names on the list. In the event all three names are stricken the person whose name appears next on the registry shall be appointed. (c) If a party reasonably believes that the appointed guardian ad litem is inappropriate or unqualified, charges an hourly rate higher than what is reasonable for the particular proceeding, or has a conflict of interest, the party may, within three judicial days from the appointment, move for substitution of the appointed guardian ad litem by filing a motion with the court. (d) Under this section, within either registry referred to in (a) of this subsection, a subregistry may be created that consists of guardians ad litem under contract with the department of social and health services' division of child support. Guardians ad litem on such a subregistry shall be selected and appointed in state-initiated paternity cases only. (e) The superior court shall remove any person from the guardian ad litem registry who has been found to have misrepresented his or her qualifications. (3) The rotational registry system shall not apply to court-appointed special advocate programs.
RCW 26.26A.710 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 710
RCW 26.26A.710: Requirements of gestational or genetic surrogacy agreement—Process.
Status: in_force

A surrogacy agreement must be executed in compliance with the following rules: (1) At least one party must be a resident of this state or, if no party is a resident of this state, at least one medical evaluation or procedure or mental health consultation under the agreement must occur in this state. (2) A woman acting as a surrogate and each intended parent must meet the requirements of RCW 26.26A.705 . (3) Each intended parent, the woman acting as a surrogate, and the spouse of the woman acting as a surrogate, if any, must be parties to the agreement. (4) The agreement must be in a record signed by each party listed in subsection (3) of this section. (5) The woman acting as a surrogate and each intended parent must acknowledge in a record receipt of a copy of the agreement. (6) The signature of each party to the agreement must be attested by a notarial officer or witnessed. (7) The woman acting as a surrogate and the intended parent or parents must have independent legal representation throughout the surrogacy arrangement regarding the terms of the surrogacy agreement and the potential legal consequences of the agreement, and each counsel must be identified in the surrogacy agreement. (8) The intended parent or parents must pay for independent legal representation for the woman acting as a surrogate. (9) The agreement must be executed before a medical procedure occurs related to the surrogacy agreement, other than the medical evaluation and mental health consultation required by RCW 26.26A.705 .
RCW 26.33.020 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 33 / Section 020
RCW 26.33.020: Definitions.
Status: in_force

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Adoptee" means a person who is to be adopted or who has been adopted. (2) "Adoptive parent" means the person or persons who seek to adopt or have adopted an adoptee. (3) "Agency" means any public or private association, corporation, or individual licensed or certified by the department as a child-placing agency under chapter 74.15 RCW or as an adoption agency. (4) "Alleged genetic parent" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 26.26A.010 . (5) "Birth parent" means the woman who gave birth to the child or alleged genetic parent of the child, including a presumed parent under chapter 26.26A RCW, whether or not any such person's parent-child relationship has been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction. "Birth parent" does not include a woman who gave birth to the child or alleged genetic parent of the child, including a presumed parent under chapter 26.26A RCW, if the parent-child relationship was terminated because of an act for which the person was found guilty under chapter 9A.42 or 9A.44 RCW. (6) "Child" means a person under eighteen years of age. (7) "Court" means the superior court. (8) "Department" means the department of children, youth, and families. (9) "Guardian ad litem" means a person, not related to a party to the action, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a party who is under a legal disability. (10) "Individual approved by the court" or "qualified salaried court employee" means a person who has a master's degree in social work or a related field and one year of experience in social work, or a bachelor's degree and two years of experience in social work, and includes a person not having such qualifications only if the court makes specific findings of fact that are entered of record establishing that the person has reasonably equivalent experience. (11) "Legal guardian" means the department, an agency, or a person, other than a parent or stepparent, appointed by the court to promote the child's general welfare, with the authority and duty to make decisions affecting the child's development. (12) "Nonidentifying information" includes, but is not limited to, the following information about the birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptee: (a) Age in years at the time of adoption; (b) Heritage, including nationality, ethnic background, and race; (c) Education, including number of years of school completed at the time of adoption, but not name or location of school; (d) General physical appearance, including height, weight, color of hair, eyes, and skin, or other information of a similar nature; (e) Religion; (f) Occupation, but not specific titles or places of employment; (g) Talents, hobbies, and special interests; (h) Circumstances leading to the adoption; (i) Medical and genetic history of birth parents; (j) First names; (k) Other children of birth parents by age, sex, and medical history; (l) Extended family of birth parents by age, sex, and medical history; (m) The fact of the death, and age and cause, if known; (n) Photographs; (o) Name of agency or individual that facilitated the adoption. (13) "Parent" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 26.26A.010 . (14) "Relinquish or relinquishment" means the voluntary surrender of custody of a child to the department, an agency, or prospective adoptive parents.
RCW 26.09.020 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 020
RCW 26.09.020: Petition—Dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning validity of marriage or domestic partnership—Contents—Parties—Certificate.
Status: in_force

(1) A petition in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership shall allege: (a) The last known state of residence of each party, and if a party's last known state of residence is Washington, the last known county of residence; (b) The date and place of the marriage or, for domestic partnerships, the date of registration, and place of residence when the domestic partnership was registered; (c) If the parties are separated the date on which the separation occurred; (d) The names and ages of any child dependent upon either or both spouses or either or both domestic partners and whether the wife or domestic partner is pregnant; (e) Any arrangements as to the residential schedule of, decision making for, dispute resolution for, and support of the children and the maintenance of a spouse or domestic partner; (f) A statement specifying whether there is community or separate property owned by the parties to be disposed of; (g) If the county has established a program under RCW 26.12.260 , a statement affirming that the moving party met and conferred with the program prior to filing the petition; (h) The relief sought. (2) Either or both parties to the marriage or to the domestic partnership may initiate the proceeding. (3) The petitioner shall complete and file with the petition a certificate under RCW 43.70.150 on the form provided by the department of health and the confidential information form under RCW 26.23.050 . (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or prohibit the ability of parties to obtain appropriate emergency orders.
RCW 26.16.050 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 050
RCW 26.16.050: Conveyances between spouses or domestic partners.
Status: in_force

A spouse or domestic partner may give, grant, sell or convey directly to the other spouse or other domestic partner his or her community right, title, interest or estate in all or any portion of their community real property: And every deed made from one spouse to the other or one domestic partner to the other, shall operate to divest the real estate therein recited from any or every claim or demand as community property and shall vest the same in the grantee as separate property. The grantor in all such deeds, or the party releasing such community interest or estate shall sign, seal, execute and acknowledge the deed as a single person without the joinder therein of the married party or party to a state registered domestic partnership therein named as grantee: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That the conveyances or transfers hereby authorized shall not affect any existing equity in favor of creditors of the grantor at the time of such transfer, gift or conveyance. AND PROVIDED FURTHER, That any deeds of gift conveyances or releases of community estate by or between spouses or between domestic partners heretofore made but in which both spouses or both domestic partners have not joined as grantors, said deeds, where made in good faith and without intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors, shall be and the same are hereby fully legalized as valid and binding.
RCW 26.21A.415 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 415
RCW 26.21A.415: Immunity from civil liability.
Status: in_force

An employer that complies with an income-withholding order issued in another state in accordance with this article is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency with regard to the employer's withholding of child support from the obligor's income.
RCW 26.21A.225 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 225
RCW 26.21A.225: Inappropriate tribunal.
Status: in_force

If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state and notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.
RCW 26.26B.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26B / Section 060
RCW 26.26B.060: Costs.
Status: in_force

The court may order reasonable fees of experts and the child's guardian ad litem, and other costs of the action, including blood or genetic test costs, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court. The court may order that all or a portion of a party's reasonable attorney's fees be paid by another party, except that an award of attorney's fees assessed against the state or any of its agencies or representatives shall be under RCW 4.84.185 .
RCW 26.09.225 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 225
RCW 26.09.225: Access to child's education and health care records.
Status: in_force

(1) Each parent shall have full and equal access to the education and health care records of the child absent a court order to the contrary. Neither parent may veto the access requested by the other parent. (2) Educational records are limited to academic, attendance, and disciplinary records of public and private schools in all grades kindergarten through twelve and any form of alternative school for all periods for which child support is paid or the child is the dependent in fact of the parent requesting access to the records. (3) Educational records of postsecondary educational institutions are limited to enrollment and academic records necessary to determine, establish, or continue support ordered pursuant to RCW 26.19.090 .
RCW 26.26A.300 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 300
RCW 26.26A.300: Definitions—Genetic testing—RCW 26.26A.300 through 26.26A.355.
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 26.26A.300 through 26.26A.355 unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Combined relationship index" means the product of all tested relationship indices. (2) "Ethnic or racial group" means, for the purpose of genetic testing, a recognized group that an individual identifies as the individual's ancestry or part of the ancestry or that is identified by other information. (3) "Hypothesized genetic relationship" means an asserted genetic relationship between an individual and a child. (4) "Probability of parentage" means, for the ethnic or racial group to which an individual alleged to be a parent belongs, the probability that a hypothesized genetic relationship is supported, compared to the probability that a genetic relationship is supported between the child and a random individual of the ethnic or racial group used in the hypothesized genetic relationship, expressed as a percentage incorporating the combined relationship index and a prior probability. (5) "Relationship index" means a likelihood ratio that compares the probability of a genetic marker given a hypothesized genetic relationship and the probability of the genetic marker given a genetic relationship between the child and a random individual of the ethnic or racial group used in the hypothesized genetic relationship.
RCW 26.23.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 23 / Section 060
RCW 26.23.060: Income withholding order—Answer—Processing fee.
Status: in_force

(1) The division of child support may issue an income withholding order: (a) As authorized by a support order that contains a notice clearly stating that child support may be collected by withholding from earnings, wages, or benefits without further notice to the obligated parent; or (b) After service of a notice containing an income-withholding provision under this chapter or chapter 74.20A RCW. (2) The division of child support shall serve an income withholding order upon a responsible parent's employer or upon the employment security department for the state in possession of or owing any benefits from the unemployment compensation fund to the responsible parent pursuant to Title 50 RCW or from the paid family and medical leave program under Title 50A RCW: (a) In the manner prescribed for the service of a summons in a civil action; (b) By certified mail, return receipt requested; (c) By electronic means if there is an agreement between the secretary and the person, firm, corporation, association, political subdivision, department of the state, or agency, subdivision, or instrumentality of the United States to accept service by electronic means; or (d) By regular mail to a responsible parent's employer unless the division of child support reasonably believes that service of process in the manner prescribed in (a) or (b) of this subsection is required for initiating an action to ensure employer compliance with the withholding requirement. (3) Service of an income withholding order upon an employer or employment security department requires the employer or employment security department to immediately make a mandatory payroll deduction from the responsible parent's unpaid disposable earnings or benefits paid by the employment security department. The amount to be withheld stated in the income withholding order is as follows: (a) If the income withholding order is not for a lump sum payment under RCW 26.23.063 , the employer or employment security department shall thereafter deduct each pay period the amount stated in the order divided by the number of pay periods per month. The payroll deduction each pay period shall not exceed 50 percent of the responsible parent's disposable earnings; or (b) If the income withholding order is for a lump sum payment under RCW 26.23.063 , the employer shall withhold the lump sum payment or the amount stated in the order, whichever is less, unless a portion of the lump sum payment is disposable earnings. If a portion of the lump sum payment is comprised of disposable earnings, 50 percent of the portion considered disposable earnings is not subject to the income withholding order. (4) An income withholding order for support shall have priority over any wage assignment, garnishment, attachment, or other legal process. (5) The income withholding order shall be in writing and include: (a) The name and social security number of the responsible parent; (b) The amount to be deducted from the responsible parent's disposable earnings each month, or alternate amounts and frequencies as may be necessary to facilitate processing of the payroll deduction; (c) A statement that the total amount withheld shall not exceed 50 percent of the responsible parent's disposable earnings; (d) The address to which the payments are to be mailed or delivered; and (e) A notice to the responsible parent warning the responsible parent that, despite the payroll deduction, the responsible parent's privileges to obtain and maintain a license, as defined in RCW 74.20A.320 , may not be renewed, or may be suspended if the parent is not in compliance with a support order as defined in RCW 74.20A.320 . (6) An informational copy of the income withholding order shall be mailed to the last known address of the responsible parent by regular mail. (7) An employer or employment security department that receives an income withholding order shall make immediate deductions from the responsible parent's unpaid disposable earnings and remit proper amounts to the Washington state support registry within seven working days of the date the earnings are payable to the responsible parent. (8) An employer, or the employment security department, upon whom an income withholding order is served, shall make an answer to the division of child support within 20 days after the date of service. The answer shall confirm compliance and institution of the payroll deduction or explain the circumstances if no payroll deduction is in effect. The answer shall also state whether the responsible parent is employed by or receives earnings from the employer or receives benefit payments from the employment security department, whether the employer or employment security department anticipates paying earnings or benefits and the amount of earnings or benefit payments. If the responsible parent is no longer employed, or receiving earnings from the employer, the answer shall state the present employer's name and address, if known. If the responsible parent is no longer receiving benefit payments from the employment security department, the answer shall state the present employer's name and address, if known. The returned answer or a payment remitted to the division of child support by the employer constitutes proof of service of the income withholding order in the case where the order was served by regular mail. (9) The employer may deduct a processing fee from the remainder of the responsible parent's earnings after withholding under the income withholding order, even if the remainder is exempt under RCW 26.18.090 . The processing fee may not exceed: (a) Ten dollars for the first disbursement made to the Washington state support registry; and (b) one dollar for each subsequent disbursement to the registry. (10) The income withholding order shall remain in effect until released by the division of child support, the court enters an order terminating the income withholding order and approving an alternate arrangement under RCW 26.23.050 , or until the employer no longer employs the responsible parent and is no longer in possession of or owing any earnings to the responsible parent. The employer shall promptly notify the office of support enforcement when the employer no longer employs the parent subject to the income withholding order. For the employment security department, the income withholding order shall remain in effect until released by the division of child support or until the court enters an order terminating the income withholding order. (11) The division of child support must use income withholding forms adopted and required by the United States department of health and human services to take withholding actions under this section whether the responsible parent is receiving earnings or unemployment compensation in this state or in another state.
RCW 26.51.901 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 51 / Section 901
RCW 26.51.901: Effective date—2020 c 311.
Status: in_force

This act takes effect January 1, 2021.
RCW 26.27.221 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 221
RCW 26.27.221: Jurisdiction to modify determination.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.231 , a court of this state may not modify a child custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under RCW 26.27.201 (1) (a) or (b) and: (1) The court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.211 or that a court of this state would be a more convenient forum under RCW 26.27.261 ; or (2) A court of this state or a court of the other state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in the other state.
RCW 26.14.190 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 190
RCW 26.14.190: Clarification of confirmed award.
Status: in_force

If the meaning or effect of an award confirmed under RCW 26.14.150 is in dispute, the parties may: (1) Agree to arbitrate the dispute before the original arbitrator or another arbitrator; or (2) Proceed in court under law of this state other than this chapter governing clarification of a judgment in a family law proceeding.
RCW 26.60.901 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 60 / Section 901
RCW 26.60.901: Severability—2008 c 6.
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
RCW 26.14.180 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 180
RCW 26.14.180: Vacation or amendment by court of unconfirmed award.
Status: in_force

(1) On motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award if the moving party establishes that: (a) The award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means; (b) There was: (i) Evident partiality by the arbitrator; (ii) Corruption by the arbitrator; or (iii) Misconduct by the arbitrator substantially prejudicing the rights of a party; (c) The arbitrator refused to postpone a hearing on showing of sufficient cause for postponement, refused to consider evidence material to the controversy, or otherwise conducted the hearing contrary to RCW 26.14.120 , so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party; (d) The arbitrator exceeded the arbitrator's powers; (e) No arbitration agreement exists, unless the moving party participated in the arbitration without making a motion under RCW 26.14.060 not later than the beginning of the first arbitration hearing; or (f) The arbitration was conducted without proper notice under RCW 26.14.050 of the initiation of arbitration, so as to prejudice substantially the rights of a party. (2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section, on motion of a party, the court shall vacate an unconfirmed award that determines a child-related dispute if the moving party establishes that: (a) The award does not comply with RCW 26.14.140 or law of this state other than this chapter governing a child-related dispute or is contrary to the best interests of the child; (b) The record of the hearing or the statement of reasons in the award is inadequate for the court to review the award; or (c) A ground for vacating the award under subsection (1) of this section exists. (3) If an award is subject to vacation under subsection (2)(a) of this section, on motion of a party, the court may amend the award if amending rather than vacating is in the best interests of the child. (4) The court may determine a motion under subsection (2) or (3) of this section based on the record of the arbitration hearing and facts occurring after the hearing or may exercise de novo review. (5) A motion under this section to vacate or amend an award must be filed not later than ninety days: (a) After an arbitrator gives the party filing the motion notice of the award or a corrected award; or (b) For a motion under subsection (1)(a) of this section, after the ground of corruption, fraud, or other undue means is known or by the exercise of reasonable care should have been known to the party filing the motion. (6) If the court under this section vacates an award for a reason other than the absence of an enforceable arbitration agreement, the court may order a rehearing before an arbitrator. If the reason for vacating the award is that the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or other undue means or there was evident partiality, corruption, or misconduct by the arbitrator, the rehearing must be before another arbitrator. (7) If the court under this section denies a motion to vacate or amend an award, the court may confirm the award under RCW 26.14.150 unless a motion is pending under RCW 26.14.170 .
RCW 26.26A.325 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 325
RCW 26.26A.325: Genetic testing results—Challenge to results.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to a challenge under subsection (2) of this section, an individual is identified under this chapter as a genetic parent of a child if genetic testing complies with RCW 26.26A.300 through 26.26A.355 and the results of the testing disclose: (a) The individual has at least a ninety-nine percent probability of parentage, using a prior probability of 0.50, as calculated by using the combined relationship index obtained in the testing; and (b) A combined relationship index of at least one hundred to one. (2) An individual identified under subsection (1) of this section as a genetic parent of the child may challenge the genetic testing results only by other genetic testing satisfying the requirements of RCW 26.26A.300 through 26.26A.355 which: (a) Excludes the individual as a genetic parent of the child; or (b) Identifies another individual as a possible genetic parent of the child other than: (i) The woman who gave birth to the child; or (ii) The individual identified under subsection (1) of this section. (3) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.350 , if more than one individual other than the woman who gave birth is identified by genetic testing as a possible genetic parent of the child, the court shall order each individual to submit to further genetic testing to identify a genetic parent.
RCW 26.26A.100 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 100
RCW 26.26A.100: Establishment of parent-child relationship.
Status: in_force

A parent-child relationship is established between an individual and a child if: (1) The individual gives birth to the child, except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 ; (2) There is a presumption under RCW 26.26A.115 of the individual's parentage of the child, unless the presumption is overcome in a judicial proceeding or a valid denial of parentage is made under RCW 26.26A.200 through 26.26A.265 ; (3) The individual is adjudicated a parent of the child under RCW 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 ; (4) The individual adopts the child; (5) The individual acknowledges parentage of the child under RCW 26.26A.200 through 26.26A.265 , unless the acknowledgment is rescinded under RCW 26.26A.235 or successfully challenged under RCW 26.26A.200 through 26.26A.265 or 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 ; (6) The individual's parentage of the child is established under RCW 26.26A.600 through 26.26A.635 ; or (7) The individual's parentage of the child is established under RCW 26.26A.705 through 26.26A.730 .
RCW 26.09.912 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 912
RCW 26.09.912: Effective date—1987 c 460.
Status: in_force

This act shall take effect on January 1, 1988.
RCW 26.21A.545 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 545
RCW 26.21A.545: Effect of registration for modification.
Status: in_force

A tribunal of this state may enforce a child support order of another state registered for purposes of modification, in the same manner as if the order had been issued by a tribunal of this state, but the registered support order may be modified only if the requirements of RCW 26.21A.550 or 26.21A.560 have been met.
RCW 26.27.441 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 441
RCW 26.27.441: Registration of child custody determination.
Status: in_force

(1) A child custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to the appropriate court in this state: (a) A letter or other document requesting registration; (b) Two copies, including one certified copy, of the determination sought to be registered, and a statement under penalty of perjury that to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person seeking registration, the determination has not been modified; and (c) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.281 , the name and address of the person seeking registration and any parent or person acting as a parent who has been awarded custody or visitation in the child custody determination sought to be registered. (2) On receipt of the documents required by subsection (1) of this section, the registering court shall: (a) Cause the determination to be filed as a foreign judgment, together with one copy of any accompanying documents and information, regardless of their form; and (b) Serve notice upon the persons named pursuant to subsection (1)(c) of this section and provide them with an opportunity to contest the registration in accordance with this section. (3) The notice required by subsection (2)(b) of this section must state that: (a) A registered determination is enforceable as of the date of the registration in the same manner as a determination issued by a court of this state; (b) A hearing to contest the validity of the registered determination must be requested within twenty days after service of notice; and (c) Failure to contest the registration will result in confirmation of the child custody determination and preclude further contest of that determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted. (4) A person seeking to contest the validity of a registered determination must request a hearing within twenty days after service of the notice. At that hearing, the court shall confirm the registered determination unless the person contesting registration establishes that: (a) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article 2; (b) The child custody determination sought to be registered has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2; or (c) The person contesting registration was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of RCW 26.27.081 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the determination for which registration is sought. (5) If a timely request for a hearing to contest the validity of the registration is not made, the registration is confirmed as a matter of law and the person requesting registration and all persons served must be notified of the confirmation. (6) Confirmation of a registered determination, whether by operation of law or after notice and hearing, precludes further contest of the determination with respect to any matter that could have been asserted at the time of registration.
RCW 26.09.210 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 210
RCW 26.09.210: Parenting plans—Interview with child by court—Advice of professional personnel.
Status: in_force

The court may interview the child in chambers to ascertain the child's wishes as to the child's residential schedule in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, or declaration of invalidity. The court may permit counsel to be present at the interview. The court shall cause a record of the interview to be made and to be made part of the record in the case. The court may seek the advice of professional personnel whether or not they are employed on a regular basis by the court. The advice given shall be in writing and shall be made available by the court to counsel upon request. Counsel may call for cross-examination any professional personnel consulted by the court.
RCW 26.26A.805 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 805
RCW 26.26A.805: Applicability—RCW 26.26A.800 through 26.26A.825.
Status: in_force

RCW 26.26A.800 through 26.26A.825 apply only to gametes collected on or after January 1, 2019.
RCW 26.23.030 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 23 / Section 030
RCW 26.23.030: Registry—Creation—Duties—Interest on unpaid child support—Record retention.
Status: in_force

(1) There is created a Washington state support registry within the division of child support as the agency designated in Washington state to administer the child support program under Title IV-D of the federal social security act. The registry shall: (a) Provide a central unit for collection of support payments made to the registry; (b) Account for and disburse all support payments received by the registry; (c) Maintain the necessary records including, but not limited to, information on support orders, support debts, the date and amount of support due; the date and amount of payments; and the names, social security numbers, and addresses of the parties; (d) Develop procedures for providing information to the parties regarding action taken by, and support payments collected and distributed by the registry; and (e) Maintain a state child support case registry to compile and maintain records on all child support orders entered in the state of Washington. (2) The division of child support may assess and collect interest at the rate of twelve percent per year on unpaid child support that has accrued under any support order entered into the registry. This interest rate shall not apply to those support orders already specifying an interest assessment at a different rate. (3) The secretary of social and health services shall adopt rules for the maintenance and retention of records of support payments and for the archiving and destruction of such records when the support obligation terminates or is satisfied. When a support obligation established under court order entered in a superior court of this state has been satisfied, a satisfaction of judgment form shall be prepared by the registry and filed with the clerk of the court in which the order was entered.
RCW 26.34.070 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 34 / Section 070
RCW 26.34.070: "Executive head" defined—Compact administrator.
Status: in_force

As used in Article VII of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, the term "executive head" means the governor. The governor is hereby authorized to appoint a compact administrator in accordance with the terms of said Article VII.
RCW 26.21A.540 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 540
RCW 26.21A.540: Procedure to register child support order of another state for modification.
Status: in_force

A party or support enforcement agency seeking to modify, or to modify and enforce, a child support order issued in another state shall register that order in this state in the same manner provided in RCW 26.21A.500 through 26.21A.535 if the order has not been registered. A petition for modification may be filed at the same time as a request for registration, or later. The pleading must specify the grounds for modification.
RCW 26.44.056 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 056
RCW 26.44.056: Protective detention or custody of abused child—Probable cause—Notice—Time limits—Liability.
Status: in_force

(1) An administrator of a hospital or similar institution or any physician, licensed pursuant to chapters 18.71 or 18.57 RCW, may detain a child without consent of a person legally responsible for the child whether or not medical treatment is required, if there is probable cause to believe that detaining the child is necessary to prevent imminent physical harm to the child due to child abuse or neglect, including that which results from sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, a high-potency synthetic opioid, or a pattern of severe neglect, and the child would be seriously injured or could not be taken into custody if it were necessary to first obtain a court order under RCW 13.34.050 : PROVIDED, That such administrator or physician shall notify or cause to be notified the appropriate law enforcement agency or child protective services pursuant to RCW 26.44.040 . Such notification shall be made as soon as possible and in no case longer than 72 hours. Such temporary protective custody by an administrator or doctor shall not be deemed an arrest. Child protective services may detain the child until the court assumes custody, but in no case longer than 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. (2) A child protective services employee, an administrator, doctor, or law enforcement officer shall not be held liable in any civil action for the decision for taking the child into custody, if done in good faith under this section.
RCW 26.16.220 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 220
RCW 26.16.220: Quasi-community property defined.
Status: in_force

(1) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in RCW 26.16.220 through 26.16.250 "quasi-community property" means all personal property wherever situated and all real property described in subsection (2) of this section that is not community property and that was heretofore or hereafter acquired: (a) By the decedent while domiciled elsewhere and that would have been the community property of the decedent and of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner had the decedent been domiciled in this state at the time of its acquisition; or (b) In derivation or in exchange for real or personal property, wherever situated, that would have been the community property of the decedent and his or her surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner if the decedent had been domiciled in this state at the time the original property was acquired. (2) For purposes of this section, real property includes: (a) Real property situated in this state; (b) Real property situated outside this state if the law of the state where the real property is located provides that the law of the decedent's domicile at death shall govern the rights of the decedent's surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner to a share of such property; and (c) Leasehold interests in real property described in (a) or (b) of this subsection. (3) For purposes of this section, all legal presumptions and principles applicable to the proper characterization of property as community property under the laws and decisions of this state shall apply in determining whether property would have been the community property of the decedent and his or her surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 37.12.010 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 010
RCW 37.12.010: Assumption of criminal and civil jurisdiction by state.
Status: in_force

The state of Washington hereby obligates and binds itself to assume criminal and civil jurisdiction over Indians and Indian territory, reservations, country, and lands within this state in accordance with the consent of the United States given by the act of August 15, 1953 (Public Law 280, 83rd Congress, 1st Session), but such assumption of jurisdiction shall not apply to Indians when on their tribal lands or allotted lands within an established Indian reservation and held in trust by the United States or subject to a restriction against alienation imposed by the United States, unless the provisions of RCW 37.12.021 have been invoked, except for the following: (1) Compulsory school attendance; (2) Public assistance; (3) Domestic relations; (4) Mental illness; (5) Juvenile delinquency; (6) Adoption proceedings; (7) Dependent children; and (8) Operation of motor vehicles upon the public streets, alleys, roads and highways: PROVIDED FURTHER, That Indian tribes that petitioned for, were granted and became subject to state jurisdiction pursuant to this chapter on or before March 13, 1963 shall remain subject to state civil and criminal jurisdiction as if *chapter 36, Laws of 1963 had not been enacted.Each superior court shall exercise the jurisdiction conferred by this chapter and while sitting in the exercise of such jurisdiction shall be known and referred to as the "family court." A family court proceeding under this chapter is: (1) Any proceeding under this title or any proceeding in which the family court is requested to adjudicate or enforce the rights of the parties or their children regarding the determination or modification of parenting plans, child custody, visitation, or support, or the distribution of property or obligations, or (2) concurrent with the juvenile court, any proceeding under Title 13 or chapter 28A.225 RCW.
RCW 26.04.170 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 170
RCW 26.04.170: Inspection of applications.
Status: in_force

Any such application shall be open to public inspection as a part of the records of the office of such county auditor.
RCW 26.27.431 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 431
RCW 26.27.431: Temporary visitation.
Status: in_force

(1) A court of this state that does not have jurisdiction to modify a child custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing: (a) A visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or (b) The visitation provisions of a child custody determination of another state that does not provide for a specific visitation schedule. (2) If a court of this state makes an order under subsection (1)(b) of this section, it shall specify in the order a period that it considers adequate to allow the petitioner to obtain an order from a court having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in Article 2. The order remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other court or the period expires.
RCW 26.14.120 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 120
RCW 26.14.120: Powers and duties of arbitrator.
Status: in_force

(1) An arbitrator shall conduct an arbitration in a manner the arbitrator considers appropriate for a fair and expeditious disposition of the dispute. (2) An arbitrator shall provide each party a right to be heard and to present evidence material to the family law dispute. (3) Unless the parties otherwise agree in a record, an arbitrator's powers include the power to: (a) Select the rules for conducting the arbitration; (b) Hold conferences with the parties before a hearing; (c) Determine the date, time, and place of a hearing; (d) Require a party to provide: (i) A copy of a relevant court order; (ii) Information required to be disclosed in a family law proceeding under law of this state other than this chapter; and (iii) A proposed award that addresses each issue in arbitration; (e) Appoint a private expert at the expense of the parties; (f) Administer an oath or affirmation and issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness or the production of documents and other evidence at a hearing; (g) Compel discovery concerning the family law dispute and determine the date, time, and place of discovery; (h) Determine the admissibility and weight of evidence; (i) Permit deposition of a witness for use as evidence at a hearing; (j) Issue a protective order to prevent the disclosure of privileged information, confidential information, and other information protected from disclosure as if the controversy were the subject of a civil action in this state; (k) Appoint an attorney, guardian ad litem, or other representative for a child at the expense of the parties; (l) Impose a procedure to protect a party or child from risk of harm, harassment, or intimidation; (m) Allocate arbitration fees, attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, and other costs to the parties; and (n) Impose a sanction on a party for bad faith or misconduct during the arbitration according to standards governing imposition of a sanction for litigant misconduct in a family law proceeding. (4) An arbitrator may not allow ex parte communication except to the extent allowed in a family law proceeding for communication with a judge.
RCW 26.28.015 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 28 / Section 015
RCW 26.28.015: Age of majority for enumerated specific purposes.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as provided under RCW 7.105.100 , all persons shall be deemed and taken to be of full age for the specific purposes hereafter enumerated at the age of eighteen years: (1) To enter into any marriage contract without parental consent if otherwise qualified by law; (2) To execute a will for the disposition of both real and personal property if otherwise qualified by law; (3) To vote in any election if authorized by the Constitution and otherwise qualified by law; (4) To enter into any legal contractual obligation and to be legally bound thereby to the full extent as any other adult person; (5) To make decisions in regard to their own body and the body of their lawful issue whether natural born to or adopted by such person to the full extent allowed to any other adult person including but not limited to consent to surgical operations; (6) To sue and be sued on any action to the full extent as any other adult person in any of the courts of this state, without the necessity for a guardian ad litem.
RCW 26.19.090 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 19 / Section 090
RCW 26.19.090: Standards for postsecondary educational support awards.
Status: in_force

(1) The child support schedule shall be advisory and not mandatory for postsecondary educational support. (2) When considering whether to order support for postsecondary educational expenses, the court shall determine whether the child is in fact dependent and is relying upon the parents for the reasonable necessities of life. The court shall exercise its discretion when determining whether and for how long to award postsecondary educational support based upon consideration of factors that include but are not limited to the following: Age of the child; the child's needs; the expectations of the parties for their children when the parents were together; the child's prospects, desires, aptitudes, abilities or disabilities; the nature of the postsecondary education sought; and the parents' level of education, standard of living, and current and future resources. Also to be considered are the amount and type of support that the child would have been afforded if the parents had stayed together. (3) The child must enroll in an accredited academic or vocational school, must be actively pursuing a course of study commensurate with the child's vocational goals, and must be in good academic standing as defined by the institution. The court-ordered postsecondary educational support shall be automatically suspended during the period or periods the child fails to comply with these conditions. (4) The child shall also make available all academic records and grades to both parents as a condition of receiving postsecondary educational support. Each parent shall have full and equal access to the postsecondary education records as provided in RCW 26.09.225 . (5) The court shall not order the payment of postsecondary educational expenses beyond the child's twenty-third birthday, except for exceptional circumstances, such as mental, physical, or emotional disabilities. (6) The court shall direct that either or both parents' payments for postsecondary educational expenses be made directly to the educational institution if feasible. If direct payments are not feasible, then the court in its discretion may order that either or both parents' payments be made directly to the child if the child does not reside with either parent. If the child resides with one of the parents the court may direct that the parent making the support transfer payments make the payments to the child or to the parent who has been receiving the support transfer payments.
RCW 26.09.916 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 916
RCW 26.09.916: Rule-making authority—2020 c 227.
Status: in_force

The department is granted rule-making authority to adopt rules necessary for the implementation of chapter 227, Laws of 2020.
RCW 26.26A.250 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 250
RCW 26.26A.250: Full faith and credit.
Status: in_force

The court shall give full faith and credit to an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage effective in another state if the acknowledgment or denial was in a signed record and otherwise complies with law of the other state.
RCW 26.26A.515 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 515
RCW 26.26A.515: Binding effect of determination of parentage.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section: (a) A signatory to an acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage is bound by the acknowledgment and denial as provided in RCW 26.26A.200 through 26.26A.265 ; and (b) A party to an adjudication of parentage by a court acting under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdiction requirements of RCW 26.21A.100 and any individual who received notice of the proceeding are bound by the adjudication. (2) A child is not bound by a determination of parentage under this chapter unless: (a) The determination was based on an unrescinded acknowledgment of parentage and the acknowledgment is consistent with the results of genetic testing; (b) The determination was based on a finding consistent with the results of genetic testing, and the consistency is declared in the determination or otherwise shown; (c) The determination of parentage was made under RCW 26.26A.600 through 26.26A.635 or 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 ; or (d) The child was a party or was represented by a guardian ad litem in the proceeding. (3) In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, the court is deemed to have made an adjudication of parentage of a child if the court acts under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdiction requirements of RCW 26.21A.100 and the final order: (a) Expressly identifies the child as a "child of the marriage," "issue of the marriage," "child of the domestic partnership," "issue of the domestic partnership," or includes similar words indicating that both spouses in the marriage or domestic partners in the domestic partnership are parents of the child; or (b) Provides for support of the child by a spouse or domestic partner unless that spouse or domestic partner's parentage is disclaimed specifically in the order. (4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section or RCW 26.26A.450 , a determination of parentage may be asserted as a defense in a subsequent proceeding seeking to adjudicate parentage of an individual who was not a party to the earlier proceeding. (5) A party to an adjudication of parentage may challenge the adjudication only under law of this state other than this chapter relating to appeal, vacation of judgment, or other judicial review.
RCW 26.26A.125 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 125
RCW 26.26A.125: Filing fee—Assertion of parentage.
Status: in_force

The secretary of the department of health may charge a fee for filing an assertion of parentage.
RCW 26.28.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 28 / Section 060
RCW 26.28.060: Child labor—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) Every person who shall employ, and every parent, guardian or other person having the care, custody or control of such child, who shall permit to be employed, by another, any child under the age of fourteen years at any labor whatever, in or in connection with any store, shop, factory, mine or any inside employment not connected with farm or house work, without the written permit thereto of a judge of a superior court of the county wherein such child may live, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to children employed as: (a) Actors or performers in film, video, audio, or theatrical productions; or (b) Youth soccer referees who have been certified by a national referee certification program.
RCW 26.21A.135 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 135
RCW 26.21A.135: Child support orders for two or more obligees.
Status: in_force

In responding to registrations or petitions for enforcement of two or more child support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees, at least one of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, a tribunal of this state shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the orders had been issued by a tribunal of this state.
RCW 26.04.175 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 175
RCW 26.04.175: When disclosure of marriage applications and records prohibited.
Status: in_force

If a program participant under chapter 40.24 RCW notifies the appropriate county auditor as required under rules adopted by the secretary of state, the county auditor shall not make available for inspection or copying the name and address of a program participant contained in marriage applications and records filed under chapter 26.04 RCW, except under the following circumstances: (1) If requested by a law enforcement agency, to the law enforcement agency; and (2) If directed by a court order, to a person identified in the order.
RCW 26.26A.030 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 030
RCW 26.26A.030: Authorized courts.
Status: in_force

The superior courts of this state may adjudicate parentage under this chapter.
RCW 26.44.125 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 125
RCW 26.44.125: Alleged perpetrators—Right to review and amendment of finding—Hearing.
Status: in_force

(1) A person who is named as an alleged perpetrator after October 1, 1998, in a founded report of child abuse or neglect has the right to seek review and amendment of the finding as provided in this section. (2) Within thirty calendar days after the department has notified the alleged perpetrator under RCW 26.44.100 that the person is named as an alleged perpetrator in a founded report of child abuse or neglect, he or she may request that the department review the finding. The request must be made in writing. The written notice provided by the department must contain at least the following information in plain language: (a) Information about the department's investigative finding as it relates to the alleged perpetrator; (b) Sufficient factual information to apprise the alleged perpetrator of the date and nature of the founded reports; (c) That the alleged perpetrator has the right to submit to child protective services a written response regarding the child protective services finding which, if received, shall be filed in the department's records; (d) That information in the department's records, including information about this founded report, may be considered in a later investigation or proceeding related to a different allegation of child abuse or neglect or child custody; (e) That founded allegations of child abuse or neglect may be used by the department in determining: (i) If a perpetrator is qualified to be licensed or approved to care for children or vulnerable adults; or (ii) If a perpetrator is qualified to be employed by the department in a position having unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults; (f) That the alleged perpetrator has a right to challenge a founded allegation of child abuse or neglect. (3) If a request for review is not made as provided in this subsection, the alleged perpetrator may not further challenge the finding and shall have no right to agency review or to an adjudicative hearing or judicial review of the finding, unless he or she can show that the department did not comply with the notice requirements of RCW 26.44.100 . (4) Upon receipt of a written request for review, the department shall review and, if appropriate, may amend the finding. Management level staff within the department designated by the secretary shall be responsible for the review. The review must be completed within thirty days after receiving the written request for review. The review must be conducted in accordance with procedures the department establishes by rule. Upon completion of the review, the department shall notify the alleged perpetrator in writing of the agency's determination. The notification must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person's last known address. (5) If, following agency review, the report remains founded, the person named as the alleged perpetrator in the report may request an adjudicative hearing to contest the finding. The adjudicative proceeding is governed by chapter 34.05 RCW and this section. The request for an adjudicative proceeding must be filed within thirty calendar days after receiving notice of the agency review determination. If a request for an adjudicative proceeding is not made as provided in this subsection, the alleged perpetrator may not further challenge the finding and shall have no right to agency review or to an adjudicative hearing or judicial review of the finding. (6) Reviews and hearings conducted under this section are confidential and shall not be open to the public. Information about reports, reviews, and hearings may be disclosed only in accordance with federal and state laws pertaining to child welfare records and child protective services reports. (7) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
RCW 26.21A.275 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 275
RCW 26.21A.275: Special rules of evidence and procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this state is not required for the establishment, enforcement, or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child. (2) An affidavit, a document substantially complying with federally mandated forms, or a document incorporated by reference in any of them, which would not be excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, is admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this state. (3) A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it, and is admissible to show whether payments were made. (4) Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child, and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least ten days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary, and customary. (5) Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this state to a tribunal of this state by telephone, telecopier, or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission. (6) In a proceeding under this chapter, a tribunal of this state shall permit a party or witness residing outside this state to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means, or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this state shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony. (7) If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal. (8) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter. (9) The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this chapter. (10) A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child.
RCW 26.26A.485 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 485
RCW 26.26A.485: Proceeding to adjudicate parentage—Child as party—Representation.
Status: in_force

(1) A minor child is a permissive party but not a necessary party to a proceeding under RCW 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 . (2) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, subject to RCW 74.20.310 , to represent a child in a proceeding under RCW 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 , if the court finds that the interests of the child are not adequately represented.
RCW 26.09.010 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 010
RCW 26.09.010: Civil practice to govern—Designation of proceedings—Decrees.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the practice in civil action shall govern all proceedings under this chapter, except that trial by jury is dispensed with. (2) A proceeding for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation or a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership shall be entitled "In re the marriage of . . . . . . and . . . . . ." or "In re the domestic partnership of . . . . . . and . . . . . ." Such proceedings may be filed in the superior court of the county where the petitioner resides. (3) In cases where there has been no prior proceeding in this state involving the marital or domestic partnership status of the parties or support obligations for a minor child, a separate parenting and support proceeding between the parents shall be entitled "In re the parenting and support of . . . . . ." (4) The initial pleading in all proceedings under this chapter shall be denominated a petition. A responsive pleading shall be denominated a response. Other pleadings, and all pleadings in other matters under this chapter shall be denominated as provided in the civil rules for superior court. (5) In this chapter, "decree" includes "judgment". (6) A decree of dissolution, of legal separation, or a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership shall not be awarded to one of the parties, but shall provide that it affects the status previously existing between the parties in the manner decreed. (7) In order to provide a means by which to facilitate a fair, efficient, and swift process to resolve matters regarding custody and visitation when a parent serving in the armed forces receives temporary duty, deployment, activation, or mobilization orders from the military, the court shall, upon motion of such a parent: (a) For good cause shown, hold an expedited hearing in custody and visitation matters instituted under this chapter when the military duties of the parent have a material effect on the parent's ability, or anticipated ability, to appear in person at a regularly scheduled hearing; and (b) Upon reasonable advance notice to the affected parties and for good cause shown, allow the parent to present testimony and evidence by electronic means in custody and visitation matters instituted under this chapter when the military duties of the parent have a material effect on the parent's ability to appear in person at a regularly scheduled hearing. The phrase "electronic means" includes communication by telephone, video teleconference, or the internet.
RCW 26.26A.810 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 810
RCW 26.26A.810: Collection of information about donor.
Status: in_force

(1) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state shall collect from a donor the donor's identifying information and medical history at the time of the donation. (2) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state which receives gametes of a donor collected by another gamete bank or fertility clinic shall collect the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the gamete bank or fertility clinic from which it received the gametes. (3) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state shall disclose the information collected under subsections (1) and (2) of this section as provided under RCW 26.26A.820 .
RCW 26.19.050 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 19 / Section 050
RCW 26.19.050: Worksheets and instructions.
Status: in_force

(1) The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt worksheets and instructions to assist the parties and courts in establishing the appropriate child support level and apportionment of support. The administrative office of the courts shall attempt to the greatest extent possible to make the worksheets and instructions understandable by persons who are not represented by legal counsel. (2) The administrative office of the courts shall develop and adopt standards for the printing of worksheets and shall establish a process for certifying printed worksheets. The administrator may maintain a register of sources for approved worksheets. (3) The administrative office of the courts should explore methods to assist pro se parties and judges in the courtroom to calculate support payments through automated software, equipment, or personal assistance.
RCW 26.44.210 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 210
RCW 26.44.210: Alleged child abuse or neglect at certain facilities and schools—Investigation by department—Investigation report.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The department shall investigate all referrals of alleged child abuse or neglect occurring at the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth, substance use disorder treatment facilities licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW that treat patients on a residential basis, entities that provide behavioral health services as defined in RCW 71.24.025 on a residential basis, host homes as described in RCW 74.15.020 (2)(o), residential private schools as defined in this section, and family home providers located in the surrounding metropolitan area of a federal military reservation as described in RCW 43.216.010 (2)(m). (b) After investigating an allegation of child abuse or neglect under this section, the department shall determine whether there is a finding of abuse or neglect, and determine whether a referral to law enforcement is appropriate under this chapter. (c) The department must adopt rules to implement this section. (d) Any facilities referenced under (a) of this subsection where the department is investigating child abuse or neglect shall share records and any other information that is relevant to the department's investigation. Any records or information shared with the department retains any otherwise existing confidentiality protections under state or federal law. (2) The department must send a copy of the investigation report, including the finding, regarding any incidents of alleged child abuse or neglect to the administration of the facility in which the incident occurred and to the state agency which provides licensure, oversight, or accreditation to the program at the facility in which the incident occurred. (3) "Residential private school" means a nonpublic school or nonpublic school district subject to approval by the state board of education pursuant to RCW 28A.305.130 and chapter 28A.195 RCW that provides sleeping and living facilities or residential accommodations for enrolled students.(1)(a) When any person charged with or arrested for a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 , a violation of RCW 9A.44.096 , a violation of RCW 9.68A.090 , or a gross misdemeanor that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit an offense that is classified as a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030 , is released from custody before arraignment or trial on bail or personal recognizance, the court authorizing the release may prohibit that person from having any contact with the victim. The jurisdiction authorizing the release shall determine whether that person should be prohibited from having any contact with the victim. If there is no outstanding restraining or protective order prohibiting that person from having contact with the victim, the court authorizing release may issue, by telephone, a sexual assault no-contact order prohibiting the person charged or arrested from having contact with the victim or from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location. (b) In issuing the order, the court shall consider the provisions of RCW 9.41.800 . (c) The sexual assault no-contact order shall also be issued in writing as soon as possible. (2)(a) At the time of arraignment or whenever a motion is brought to modify the conditions of the defendant's release, the court shall determine whether a sexual assault no-contact order shall be issued or extended. If a sexual assault no-contact order is issued or extended, the court may also include in the conditions of release a requirement that the defendant submit to electronic monitoring. If electronic monitoring is ordered, the court shall specify who shall provide the monitoring services, and the terms under which the monitoring shall be performed. Upon conviction, the court may require as a condition of the sentence that the defendant reimburse the providing agency for the costs of the electronic monitoring. (b) A sexual assault no-contact order issued by the court in conjunction with criminal charges shall terminate if the defendant is acquitted or the charges are dismissed, unless the victim files an independent action for a sexual assault protection order. If the victim files an independent action for a sexual assault protection order, the order may be continued by the court until a full hearing is conducted pursuant to chapter 7.105 RCW. (3)(a) The written order releasing the person charged or arrested shall contain the court's directives and shall bear the legend: "Violation of this order is a criminal offense under chapter 7.105 RCW and will subject a violator to arrest. You can be arrested even if any person protected by the order invites or allows you to violate the order's prohibitions. You have the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating the order's provisions. Only the court can change the order." (b) A certified copy of the order shall be provided to the victim at no charge. (4) If a sexual assault no-contact order has been issued prior to charging, that order shall expire at arraignment or within seventy-two hours if charges are not filed. Such orders need not be entered into the computer-based criminal intelligence information system in this state which is used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. (5) Whenever an order prohibiting contact is issued pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the clerk of the court shall forward a copy of the order on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order. Upon receipt of the copy of the order, the law enforcement agency shall enter the order for one year or until the expiration date specified on the order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. Entry into the computer-based criminal intelligence information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any jurisdiction in the state. (6)(a) When a defendant is found guilty of a sex offense as defined in RCW 9.94A.030 , any violation of RCW 9A.44.096 , or any violation of RCW 9.68A.090 , or any gross misdemeanor that is, under chapter 9A.28 RCW, a criminal attempt, criminal solicitation, or criminal conspiracy to commit an offense that is classified as a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030 , and a condition of the sentence restricts the defendant's ability to have contact with the victim, the condition shall be recorded as a sexual assault no-contact order. (b) The written order entered as a condition of sentencing shall contain the court's directives and shall bear the legend: "Violation of this order is a criminal offense under chapter 7.105 RCW and will subject a violator to arrest. You can be arrested even if any person protected by the order invites or allows you to violate the order's prohibitions. You have the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating the order's provisions. Only the court can change the order." (c) A final sexual assault no-contact order entered in conjunction with a criminal prosecution shall remain in effect for a period of two years following the expiration of any sentence of imprisonment and subsequent period of community supervision, conditional release, probation, or parole. (d) A certified copy of the order shall be provided to the victim at no charge. (7) A knowing violation of a court order issued under subsection (1), (2), or (6) of this section is punishable under RCW 7.105.450 . (8) Whenever a sexual assault no-contact order is issued, modified, or terminated under subsection (1), (2), or (6) of this section, the clerk of the court shall forward a copy of the order on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order. Upon receipt of the copy of the order, the law enforcement agency shall enter the order for one year or until the expiration date specified on the order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. Entry into the computer-based criminal intelligence information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any jurisdiction in the state. Upon receipt of notice that an order has been terminated under subsection (2) of this section, the law enforcement agency shall remove the order from the computer-based criminal intelligence information system.
RCW 26.26A.725 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 725
RCW 26.26A.725: Surrogacy agreement—Inspection of documents.
Status: in_force

Unless the court orders otherwise, a petition and any other document related to a surrogacy agreement filed with the court under RCW 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 , are not open to inspection by any individual other than the parties to the proceeding, a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement, their attorneys, and the state registrar of vital statistics. A court may not authorize an individual to inspect a document related to the agreement, unless required by exigent circumstances. The individual seeking to inspect the document may be required to pay the expense of preparing a copy of the document to be inspected.
RCW 26.27.291 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 291
RCW 26.27.291: Appearance of parties and child.
Status: in_force

(1) In a child custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child. (2) If a party to a child custody proceeding whose presence is desired by the court is outside this state, the court may order that a notice given pursuant to RCW 26.27.081 include a statement directing the party to appear in person with or without the child and informing the party that failure to appear may result in a decision adverse to the party. (3) The court may enter any orders necessary to ensure the safety of the child and of any person ordered to appear under this section. (4) If a party to a child custody proceeding who is outside this state is directed to appear under subsection (2) of this section or desires to appear personally before the court with or without the child, the court may require another party to pay reasonable and necessary travel and other expenses of the party so appearing and of the child.
RCW 26.14.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 060
RCW 26.14.060: Motion for judicial relief.
Status: in_force

(1) A motion for judicial relief under this chapter must be made to the court in which a proceeding is pending involving a family law dispute subject to arbitration. (2) On motion of a party, the court may compel arbitration if the parties have entered into an arbitration agreement that complies with RCW 26.14.040 unless the court determines under RCW 26.14.110 that the arbitration should not proceed. (3) On motion of a party, the court shall terminate arbitration if it determines that: (a) The agreement to arbitrate is unenforceable; (b) The family law dispute is not subject to arbitration; or (c) Under RCW 26.14.110 , the arbitration should not proceed. (4) Unless prohibited by an arbitration agreement, on motion of a party, the court may order consolidation of separate arbitrations involving the same parties and a common issue of law or fact if necessary for the fair and expeditious resolution of the family law dispute.
RCW 26.40.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 40 / Section 060
RCW 26.40.060: Notice, copies, filing of order of commitment.
Status: in_force

Upon the issuance of an order for the commitment of a child to custody, the court shall transmit copies thereof to the co-custodians named therein. For the state as co-custodian the copy of such order shall be filed with the department of social and health services whose duty it shall be to notify the state superintendent of public instruction, the state department of social and health services, and such other state departments or agencies as may have services for the child, of the filing of such order, which notice shall be given by the department of social and health services at the time commitment to custody becomes effective under the order.
RCW 26.21A.615 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 615
RCW 26.21A.615: Contest of registered convention support order.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this article, RCW 26.21A.520 through 26.21A.535 apply to a contest of a registered convention support order. (2) A party contesting a registered convention support order shall file a contest not later than thirty days after notice of the registration, but if the contesting party does not reside in the United States, the contest must be filed not later than sixty days after notice of the registration. (3) If the nonregistering party fails to contest the registered convention support order by the time specified in subsection (2) of this section, the order is enforceable. (4) A contest of a registered convention support order may be based only on grounds set forth in RCW 26.21A.617 . The contesting party bears the burden of proof. (5) In a contest of a registered convention support order, a tribunal of this state: (a) Is bound by the findings of fact on which the foreign tribunal based its jurisdiction; and (b) May not review the merits of the order. (6) A tribunal of this state deciding a contest of a registered convention support order shall promptly notify the parties of its decision. (7) A challenge or appeal, if any, does not stay the enforcement of a convention support order unless there are exceptional circumstances.
RCW 26.27.551 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 551
RCW 26.27.551: Role of law enforcement.
Status: in_force

At the request of a prosecutor or attorney general acting under RCW 26.27.541 , a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist a prosecutor or attorney general with responsibilities under RCW 26.27.541 .
RCW 26.18.150 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 150
RCW 26.18.150: Bond or other security.
Status: in_force

(1) In any action to enforce a support or maintenance order under Title 26 RCW, the court may, in its discretion, order a parent obligated to pay support for a minor child or person owing a duty of maintenance to post a bond or other security with the court. The bond or other security shall be in the amount of support or maintenance due for a two-year period. The bond or other security is subject to approval by the court. The bond shall include the name and address of the issuer. If the bond is canceled, any person issuing a bond under this section shall notify the court and the person entitled to receive payment under the order. (2) If the obligor fails to make payments as required under the court order, the person entitled to receive payment may recover on the bond or other security in the existing proceeding. The court may, after notice and hearing, increase the amount of the bond or other security. Failure to comply with the court's order to obtain and maintain a bond or other security may be treated as contempt of court.
RCW 26.14.010 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 010
RCW 26.14.010: Definitions.
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Arbitration agreement" means an agreement that subjects a family law dispute to arbitration. (2) "Arbitration organization" means an association, agency, board, commission, or other entity that is neutral and initiates, sponsors, or administers an arbitration or is involved in the selection of an arbitrator. (3) "Arbitrator" means an individual selected, alone or with others, to make an award in a family law dispute that is subject to an arbitration agreement. (4) "Child-related dispute" means a family law dispute regarding legal custody, physical custody, custodial responsibility, parental responsibility or authority, parenting time, right to access, visitation, or financial support regarding a child. (5) "Court" means the family court. (6) "Family law dispute" means a contested issue arising under the domestic relations law of this state. (7) "Party" means an individual who signs an arbitration agreement and whose rights will be determined by an award. (8) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or any other legal entity. (9) "Record," used as a noun, means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. (10) "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record: (a) To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or (b) To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound, or process. (11) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
RCW 26.60.090 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 60 / Section 090
RCW 26.60.090: Reciprocity.
Status: in_force

A legal union, other than a marriage, of two persons that was validly formed in another jurisdiction, and that is substantially equivalent to a domestic partnership under this chapter, shall be recognized as a valid domestic partnership in this state and shall be treated the same as a domestic partnership registered in this state regardless of whether it bears the name domestic partnership.
RCW 26.38.100 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 38 / Section 100
RCW 26.38.100: Applicability.
Status: in_force

This section, RCW 26.38.110 , 26.38.120 , and 26.38.130 do not apply to a transfer of custody of a child by a parent or guardian of the child to: (1) A parent of the child; (2) A stepparent of the child; (3) An adult who is related to the child by blood or by law; (4) An adult who, at the time of the transfer, had a close relationship with the child or the parent or guardian of the child for a substantial period, and whom the parent or guardian reasonably believes, at the time of the transfer, to be a fit custodian of the child; (5) An Indian custodian, as defined in the Indian child welfare act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, as amended, of the child; (6) A member of the child's customary family unit recognized by the child's Indian tribe under chapter 13.38 RCW; or (7) A delegation by a parent pursuant to RCW 11.130.145 .
RCW 26.27.211 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 211
RCW 26.27.211: Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.231 , a court of this state that has made a child custody determination consistent with RCW 26.27.201 or 26.27.221 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until: (a) A court of this state determines that neither the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not have a significant connection with this state and that substantial evidence is no longer available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships; or (b) A court of this state or a court of another state determines that the child, the child's parents, and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in this state. (2) A court of this state that has made a child custody determination and does not have exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under this section may modify that determination only if it has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under RCW 26.27.201 .
RCW 26.21A.520 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 520
RCW 26.21A.520: Notice of registration of order.
Status: in_force

(1) When a support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order is registered, the registering tribunal of this state shall notify the nonregistering party. The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the registered order and the documents and relevant information accompanying the order. (2) A notice must inform the nonregistering party: (a) That a registered order is enforceable as of the date of registration in the same manner as an order issued by a tribunal of this state; (b) That a hearing to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order must be requested within twenty days after notice unless the registered order is under RCW 26.21A.615 ; (c) That failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the registered order in a timely manner will result in confirmation of the order and enforcement of the order and the alleged arrearages; and (d) Of the amount of any alleged arrearages. (3) If the registering party asserts that two or more orders are in effect, a notice must also: (a) Identify the two or more orders and the order alleged by the registering party to be the controlling order and the consolidated arrears, if any; (b) Notify the nonregistering party of the right to a determination of which is the controlling order; (c) State that the procedures provided in subsection (2) of this section apply to the determination of which is the controlling order; and (d) State that failure to contest the validity or enforcement of the order alleged to be the controlling order in a timely manner may result in confirmation that the order is the controlling order. (4) Upon registration of an income-withholding order for enforcement, the support enforcement agency or the registering tribunal shall notify the obligor's employer pursuant to the income-withholding law of this state.
RCW 26.26A.255 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 255
RCW 26.26A.255: Forms for acknowledgment or denial of parentage.
Status: in_force

(1) The state registrar of vital statistics shall prescribe forms for an acknowledgment of parentage and denial of parentage. (2) A valid acknowledgment of parentage or denial of parentage is not affected by a later modification of the form under subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 26.09.080 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 080
RCW 26.09.080: Disposition of property and liabilities—Factors.
Status: in_force

In a proceeding for dissolution of the marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, declaration of invalidity, or in a proceeding for disposition of property following dissolution of the marriage or the domestic partnership by a court which lacked personal jurisdiction over the absent spouse or absent domestic partner or lacked jurisdiction to dispose of the property, the court shall, without regard to misconduct, make such disposition of the property and the liabilities of the parties, either community or separate, as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors including, but not limited to: (1) The nature and extent of the community property; (2) The nature and extent of the separate property; (3) The duration of the marriage or domestic partnership; and (4) The economic circumstances of each spouse or domestic partner at the time the division of property is to become effective, including the desirability of awarding the family home or the right to live therein for reasonable periods to a spouse or domestic partner with whom the children reside the majority of the time.
RCW 26.26A.340 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 340
RCW 26.26A.340: Genetic testing when specimen not available.
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, if a genetic testing specimen is not available from an alleged genetic parent of a child, an individual seeking genetic testing demonstrates good cause, and the court finds that the circumstances are just, the court may order any of the following individuals to submit specimens for genetic testing: (a) A parent of the alleged genetic parent; (b) A sibling of the alleged genetic parent; (c) Another child of the alleged genetic parent and the woman who gave birth to the other child; and (d) Another relative of the alleged genetic parent necessary to complete genetic testing. (2) To issue an order under this section, the court must find that a need for genetic testing outweighs the legitimate interests of the individual sought to be tested.
RCW 26.21A.420 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 420
RCW 26.21A.420: Penalties for noncompliance.
Status: in_force

An employer that willfully fails to comply with an income-withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by a tribunal of this state.
RCW 26.26A.715 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 715
RCW 26.26A.715: Requirements of gestational or genetic surrogacy agreement—Content.
Status: in_force

(1) A surrogacy agreement must comply with the following requirements: (a) A woman acting as a surrogate agrees to attempt to become pregnant by means of assisted reproduction. (b) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.750 , 26.26A.765 , and 26.26A.770 , the woman acting as a surrogate and the spouse or former spouse of the woman acting as a surrogate, if any, have no claim to parentage of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement. (c) The spouse of the woman acting as a surrogate, if any, must acknowledge and agree to comply with the obligations imposed on the woman acting as a surrogate by the agreement. (d) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.750 , 26.26A.765 , and 26.26A.770 , the intended parent or, if there are two intended parents, each one jointly and severally, immediately on birth will be the exclusive parent or parents of the child, regardless of number of children born or gender or mental or physical condition of each child. (e) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.750 , 26.26A.765 , and 26.26A.770 , the intended parent or, if there are two intended parents, each parent jointly and severally, immediately on birth will assume responsibility for the financial support of the child, regardless of number of children born or gender or mental or physical condition of each child. (f) The agreement must include information disclosing how each intended parent will cover the surrogacy-related expenses of the surrogate and the medical expenses of the child. If health care coverage is used to cover the medical expenses, the disclosure must include a summary of the health care policy provisions related to coverage for surrogate pregnancy, including any possible liability of the woman acting as a surrogate, third-party liability liens, other insurance coverage, and any notice requirement that could affect coverage or liability of the woman acting as a surrogate. Unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise, the review and disclosure do not constitute legal advice. If the extent of coverage is uncertain, a statement of that fact is sufficient to comply with this subsection (1)(f). (g) The agreement must permit the woman acting as a surrogate to make all health and welfare decisions regarding herself and her pregnancy and, notwithstanding any other provisions in this chapter, provisions in the agreement to the contrary are void and unenforceable. This chapter does not diminish the right of the woman acting as a surrogate to terminate her pregnancy. (h) The agreement must include information about each party's right under RCW 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 to terminate the surrogacy agreement. (2) A surrogacy agreement may provide for: (a) Payment of consideration and reasonable expenses; and (b) Reimbursement of specific expenses if the agreement is terminated under RCW 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 . (3) A right created under a surrogacy agreement is not assignable and there is no third-party beneficiary of the agreement other than the child.
RCW 26.60.080 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 60 / Section 080
RCW 26.60.080: Community property rights—Date of application.
Status: in_force

Any community property rights of domestic partners established by chapter 6, Laws of 2008 shall apply from the date of the initial registration of the domestic partnership or June 12, 2008, whichever is later.
RCW 26.27.421 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 421
RCW 26.27.421: Duty to enforce.
Status: in_force

(1) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with this chapter or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of this chapter and the determination has not been modified in accordance with this chapter. (2) A court of this state may use any remedy available under other law of this state including writs of habeas corpus under chapter 7.36 RCW and enforcement proceedings under Title 26 RCW to enforce a child custody determination made by a court of another state. The remedies provided in this article are cumulative and do not affect the availability of other remedies to enforce a child custody determination.
RCW 26.26A.205 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 205
RCW 26.26A.205: Execution of acknowledgment of parentage.
Status: in_force

(1) An acknowledgment of parentage under RCW 26.26A.200 must: (a) Be in a record signed by the woman who gave birth to the child and by the individual seeking to establish a parent-child relationship, and the signatures must be attested by a notarial officer or witnessed; (b) State that the child whose parentage is being acknowledged: (i) Does not have a presumed parent other than the individual seeking to establish the parent-child relationship or has a presumed parent whose full name is stated; and (ii) Does not have another acknowledged parent, adjudicated parent, or individual who is a parent of the child under RCW 26.26A.600 through 26.26A.635 and 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 , other than the woman who gave birth to the child; and (c) State that the signatories understand that the acknowledgment is the equivalent of an adjudication of parentage of the child and that a challenge to the acknowledgment is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred four years after the effective date of the acknowledgment. (2) An acknowledgment of parentage is void if, at the time of signing: (a) An individual other than the individual seeking to establish parentage is a presumed parent, unless a denial of parentage by the presumed parent in a signed record is filed with the state registrar of vital statistics; or (b) An individual, other than the woman who gave birth to the child or the individual seeking to establish parentage, is an acknowledged or adjudicated parent or a parent under RCW 26.26A.600 through 26.26A.635 and 26.26A.700 through 26.26A.785 .
RCW 26.09.300 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 300
RCW 26.09.300: Restraining orders—Notice—Refusal to comply—Arrest—Penalty—Defense—Peace officers, immunity.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever a restraining order is issued under this chapter, and the person to be restrained knows of the order, a violation of the provisions restricting the person from acts or threats of violence or of a provision restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering the residence, workplace, school, or day care of another, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle, is punishable under RCW 7.105.450 . (2) A person is deemed to have notice of a restraining order if: (a) The person to be restrained or the person's attorney signed the order; (b) The order recites that the person to be restrained or the person's attorney appeared in person before the court; (c) The order was served upon the person to be restrained; or (d) The peace officer gives the person oral or written evidence of the order by reading from it or handing to the person a certified copy of the original order, certified to be an accurate copy of the original by a notary public or by the clerk of the court. (3) A peace officer shall verify the existence of a restraining order by: (a) Obtaining information confirming the existence and terms of the order from a law enforcement agency; or (b) Obtaining a certified copy of the order, certified to be an accurate copy of the original by a notary public or by the clerk of the court. (4) A peace officer shall arrest and take into custody, pending release on bail, personal recognizance, or court order, a person without a warrant when the officer has probable cause to believe that: (a) A restraining order has been issued under this chapter; (b) The respondent or person to be restrained knows of the order; and (c) The person to be arrested has violated the terms of the order restraining the person from acts or threats of violence or restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering the residence, workplace, school, or day care of another, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location. (5) It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (1) of this section that the court order was issued contrary to law or court rule. (6) No peace officer may be held criminally or civilly liable for making an arrest under subsection (4) of this section if the officer acts in good faith and without malice.
RCW 26.21A.530 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 530
RCW 26.21A.530: Contest of registration or enforcement.
Status: in_force

(1) A party contesting the validity or enforcement of a registered support order or seeking to vacate the registration has the burden of proving one or more of the following defenses: (a) The issuing tribunal lacked personal jurisdiction over the contesting party; (b) The order was obtained by fraud; (c) The order has been vacated, suspended, or modified by a later order; (d) The issuing tribunal has stayed the order pending appeal; (e) There is a defense under the law of this state to the remedy sought; (f) Full or partial payment has been made; (g) The statute of limitation under RCW 26.21A.515 precludes enforcement of some or all of the alleged arrearages; or (h) The alleged controlling order is not the controlling order. (2) If a party presents evidence establishing a full or partial defense under subsection (1) of this section, a tribunal may stay enforcement of a registered support order, continue the proceeding to permit production of additional relevant evidence, and issue other appropriate orders. An uncontested portion of the registered support order may be enforced by all remedies available under the law of this state. (3) If the contesting party does not establish a defense under subsection (1) of this section to the validity or enforcement of a registered support order, the registering tribunal shall issue an order confirming the order.
RCW 26.09.911 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 911
RCW 26.09.911: Section captions—1987 c 460.
Status: in_force

Section captions as used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.
RCW 26.26A.815 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 815
RCW 26.26A.815: Information about donor—Declaration regarding identity disclosure to child conceived by assisted reproduction.
Status: in_force

(1) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state which collects gametes from a donor shall: (a) Provide the donor with information in a record about the donor's choice regarding identity disclosure; and (b) Obtain a declaration from the donor regarding identity disclosure. (2) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state shall give a donor the choice to sign a declaration, attested by a notarial officer or witnessed, that either: (a) States that the donor agrees to disclose the donor's identity to a child conceived by assisted reproduction with the donor's gametes on request once the child attains eighteen years of age; or (b) States that the donor does not agree presently to disclose the donor's identity to the child. (3) A gamete bank or fertility clinic licensed in this state shall permit a donor who has signed a declaration under subsection (2)(b) of this section to withdraw the declaration at any time by signing a declaration under subsection (2)(a) of this section.
RCW 26.33.170 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 33 / Section 170
RCW 26.33.170: Consent to adoption—When not required.
Status: in_force

(1) An agency's, the department's, or a legal guardian's consent to adoption may be dispensed with if the court determines by clear, cogent and convincing evidence that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee. (2) An *alleged father's, birth parent's, or parent's consent to adoption shall be dispensed with if the court finds that the proposed adoption is in the best interests of the adoptee and: (a) The *alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020 , where the adoptee was the victim of the rape or incest; or (b) The *alleged father, birth parent, or parent has been found guilty of rape under chapter 9A.44 RCW or incest under RCW 9A.64.020 , or has been found by clear and convincing evidence to have committed a sexual assault, where the other parent of the adoptee was the victim of the rape, incest, or sexual assault and the adoptee was conceived as a result of the rape, incest, or sexual assault, unless the parent who is the victim indicates by affidavit or sworn testimony that consent to adoption by the person who committed the rape, incest, or sexual assault should occur. (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to eliminate the notice provisions of this chapter.
RCW 26.23.055 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 23 / Section 055
RCW 26.23.055: Support proceedings, orders, and registry—Required information—Duty to update—Service.
Status: in_force

(1) Each party to a paternity or child support proceeding must provide the court and the Washington state child support registry with the confidential information form as required under RCW 26.23.050 . (2) Each party to an order entered in a child support or paternity proceeding shall update the information required under subsection (1) of this section promptly after any change in the information. The duty established under this section continues as long as any monthly support or support debt remains due under the support order. (3) In any proceeding to establish, enforce, or modify the child support order between the parties, a party may demonstrate to the presiding officer that he or she has diligently attempted to locate the other party. Upon a showing of diligent efforts to locate, the presiding officer shall deem service of process for the action by delivery of written notice to the address most recently provided by the party under this section to be adequate notice of the action. (4) All support orders shall contain notice to the parties of the obligations established by this section and possibility of service of process according to subsection (3) of this section.
RCW 26.26A.005 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 005
RCW 26.26A.005: Short title—2018 c 6.
Status: in_force

This act may be known and cited as the uniform parentage act.
RCW 26.18.190 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 190
RCW 26.18.190: Compensation paid by agency, self-insurer, social security administration, or veterans' administration on behalf of child.
Status: in_force

(1) When the department of labor and industries or a self-insurer pays compensation under chapter 51.32 RCW on behalf of or on account of the child or children of the injured worker for whom the injured worker owes a duty of child support, the amount of compensation the department or self-insurer pays on behalf of the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the injured worker paid the compensation toward satisfaction of the injured worker's child support obligations. (2) When the social security administration pays social security disability dependency benefits, retirement benefits, or survivors insurance benefits on behalf of or on account of the child or children of a person with disabilities, a retired person, or a deceased person, the amount of benefits paid for the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the person with disabilities, the retired person, or the deceased person paid the benefits toward the satisfaction of that person's child support obligation for that period for which benefits are paid. (3) When the veterans' administration apportions a veteran's benefits to pay child support on behalf of or on account of the child or children of the veteran, the amount paid for the child or children shall be treated for all purposes as if the veteran paid the benefits toward the satisfaction of that person's child support obligation for that period for which benefits are paid. (4) Under no circumstances shall the person who has the obligation to make the transfer payment have a right to reimbursement of any compensation paid under subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section.
RCW 26.21A.605 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 605
RCW 26.21A.605: Relationship of department of social and health services to United States central authority.
Status: in_force

The department of social and health services of this state is recognized as the agency designated by the United States central authority to perform specific functions under the convention.
RCW 26.12.804 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 804
RCW 26.12.804: Family court pilot program—Rules.
Status: in_force

The judges of the superior court judicial districts with unified family court pilot programs shall adopt local court rules directing the program. The local court rules shall comply with the criteria established by the administrative office of the courts and shall include: (1) A requirement that all judicial officers hearing cases in unified family court: (a) Complete an initial training program including the topic areas of childhood development, domestic violence, cultural awareness, child abuse and neglect, chemical dependency, and mental illness; and (b) Subsequent to the training in (a) of this subsection, annually attend a minimum of eight hours of continuing education of pertinence to the unified family court; (2) Case management that is based on the practice of one judge or judicial team handling all matters relating to a family; (3) An emphasis on coordinating or consolidating, to the extent possible, all cases before the unified family court relating to a family; and (4) Programs that provide for record confidentiality to protect the confidentiality of court records in accordance with the law. However law enforcement agencies shall have access to the records to the extent permissible under the law.
RCW 26.28.070 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 28 / Section 070
RCW 26.28.070: Certain types of employment prohibited—Penalty.
Status: in_force

Every person who shall employ, or cause to be employed, exhibit or have in his or her custody for exhibition or employment any minor actually or apparently under the age of eighteen years; and every parent, relative, guardian, employer, or other person having the care, custody, or control of any such minor, who shall in any way procure or consent to the employment of such minor: (1) In begging, receiving alms, or in any mendicant occupation; or, (2) In any indecent or immoral exhibition or practice; or, (3) In any practice or exhibition dangerous or injurious to life, limb, health, or morals; or, (4) As a messenger for delivering letters, telegrams, packages, or bundles, to any known house of prostitution or assignation; Shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
RCW 26.27.081 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 081
RCW 26.27.081: Notice to persons outside state.
Status: in_force

(1) Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed for service of process by the law of the state in which the service is made or given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice, and may be made in any of the following ways: (a) Personal delivery outside this state in the manner prescribed for service of process within this state; (b) By any form of mail addressed to the person to be served and requesting a receipt; or (c) As directed by the court, including publication if other means of notification are ineffective. (2) Proof of service outside this state may be made: (a) By affidavit of the individual who made the service; (b) In the manner prescribed by the law of this state or the law of the state in which the service is made; or (c) As directed by the order under which the service is made. If service is made by mail, proof may be a receipt signed by the addressee or other evidence of delivery to the addressee. (3) Notice is not required for the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to a person who submits to the jurisdiction of the court.
RCW 9A.44.100 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 100
RCW 9A.44.100: Indecent liberties.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of indecent liberties when he or she knowingly causes another person to have sexual contact with him or her or another: (a) By forcible compulsion; (b) When the other person is incapable of consent by reason of being mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless; (c) When the victim is a person with a developmental disability and the perpetrator is a person who: (i) Has supervisory authority over the victim; or (ii) Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense; (d) When the perpetrator is a health care provider, the victim is a client or patient, and the sexual contact occurs during a treatment session, consultation, interview, or examination. It is an affirmative defense that the defendant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the client or patient consented to the sexual contact with the knowledge that the sexual contact was not for the purpose of treatment; (e) When the victim is a resident of a facility for persons with a mental disorder or substance use disorder and the perpetrator is a person who has supervisory authority over the victim; or (f) When the victim is a frail elder or vulnerable adult and the perpetrator is a person who: (i) Has a significant relationship with the victim; or (ii) Was providing transportation, within the course of his or her employment, to the victim at the time of the offense. (2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, indecent liberties is a class B felony. (b) Indecent liberties by forcible compulsion is a class A felony.(1) The legislature finds parents and children often are not aware of their due process rights when agencies are investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect. The legislature reaffirms that all citizens, including parents, shall be afforded due process, that protection of children remains the priority of the legislature, and that this protection includes protecting the family unit from unnecessary disruption. To facilitate this goal, the legislature wishes to ensure that parents and children be advised in writing and orally, if feasible, of their basic rights and other specific information as set forth in this chapter, provided that nothing contained in this chapter shall cause any delay in protective custody action. (2) The department shall notify the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a child of any allegations of child abuse or neglect made against such person at the initial point of contact with such person, in a manner consistent with the laws maintaining the confidentiality of the persons making the complaints or allegations. Investigations of child abuse and neglect should be conducted in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety or protection of the child or the integrity of the investigation process. Whenever the department completes an investigation of a child abuse or neglect report under this chapter, the department shall notify the subject of the report of the department's investigative findings. The notice shall also advise the subject of the report that: (a) A written response to the report may be provided to the department and that such response will be filed in the record following receipt by the department; (b) Information in the department's record may be considered in subsequent investigations or proceedings related to child protection or child custody; (c) Founded reports of child abuse and neglect may be considered in determining whether the person is disqualified from being licensed to provide child care, employed by a licensed child care agency, or authorized by the department to care for children; and (d) A subject named in a founded report of child abuse or neglect has the right to seek review of the finding as provided in this chapter. (3) The founded finding notification required by this section shall be made by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person's last known address. (4) The unfounded finding notification required by this section must be made by regular mail to the person's last known address or by email. (5) The duty of notification created by this section is subject to the ability of the department to ascertain the location of the person to be notified. The department shall exercise reasonable, good faith efforts to ascertain the location of persons entitled to notification under this section. (6) The department shall provide training to all department personnel who conduct investigations under this section that shall include, but is not limited to, training regarding the legal duties of the department from the initial time of contact during investigation through treatment in order to protect children and families.
RCW 26.12.185 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 185
RCW 26.12.185: Guardian ad litem, special advocate, or investigator—Release of information.
Status: in_force

A guardian ad litem, court-appointed special advocate, or investigator under this title appointed under this chapter may release confidential information, records, and reports to the office of the family and children's ombuds for the purposes of carrying out its duties under chapter 43.06A RCW.
RCW 26.38.005 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 38 / Section 005
RCW 26.38.005: Short title—2022 c 88.
Status: in_force

Chapter 88, Laws of 2022 may be known and cited as the uniform unregulated child custody transfer act.
RCW 26.18.140 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 140
RCW 26.18.140: Hearing to quash, modify, or terminate wage assignment order or income withholding order—Grounds—Alternate payment plan.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in a hearing to quash, modify, or terminate the wage assignment order or income withholding order, the court may grant relief only upon a showing that the wage assignment order or income withholding order causes extreme hardship or substantial injustice. Satisfaction by the obligor of all past due payments subsequent to the issuance of the wage assignment order or income withholding order is not grounds to quash, modify, or terminate the wage assignment order or income withholding order. If a wage assignment order or income withholding order has been in operation for twelve consecutive months and the obligor's support or maintenance obligation is current, the court may terminate the order upon motion of the obligor unless the obligee can show good cause as to why the wage assignment order or income withholding order should remain in effect. (2) The court may enter an order delaying, modifying, or terminating the wage assignment order or income withholding order and order the obligor to make payments directly to the obligee as provided in RCW 26.23.050 (2).
RCW 26.21A.607 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 607
RCW 26.21A.607: Initiation by department of social and health services of support proceeding under convention.
Status: in_force

(1) In a support proceeding under this article, the department of social and health services of this state shall: (a) Transmit and receive applications; and (b) Initiate or facilitate the institution of a proceeding regarding an application in a tribunal of this state. (2) The following support proceedings are available to an obligee under the convention: (a) Recognition or recognition and enforcement of a foreign support order; (b) Enforcement of a support order issued or recognized in this state; (c) Establishment of a support order if there is no existing order including, if necessary, determination of parentage of a child; (d) Establishment of a support order if recognition of a foreign support order is refused under RCW 26.21A.617 (2) (b), (d), or (i); (e) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and (f) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country. (3) The following support proceedings are available under the convention to an obligor against which there is an existing support order: (a) Recognition of an order suspending or limiting enforcement of an existing support order of a tribunal of this state; (b) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of this state; and (c) Modification of a support order of a tribunal of another state or a foreign country. (4) A tribunal of this state may not require security, bond, or deposit, however described, to guarantee the payment of costs and expenses in proceedings under the convention.
RCW 26.30.910 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 30 / Section 910
RCW 26.30.910: Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the "Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act."
RCW 26.27.471 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 471
RCW 26.27.471: Expedited enforcement of child custody determination.
Status: in_force

(1) A petition under this article must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original. (2) A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state: (a) Whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was; (b) Whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this chapter and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; (c) Whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights, and adoptions and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the nature of the proceeding; (d) The present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known; (e) Whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorneys' fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials and, if so, the relief sought; and (f) If the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under RCW 26.27.441 , the date and place of registration. (3) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner. (4) An order issued under subsection (3) of this section must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs, and expenses under RCW 26.27.511 , and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate, unless the respondent appears and establishes that: (a) The child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under RCW 26.27.441 and that: (i) The issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Article 2; (ii) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2; (iii) The respondent was entitled to notice, but notice was not given in accordance with the standards of RCW 26.27.081 , in the proceedings before the court that issued the order for which enforcement is sought; or (b) The child custody determination for which enforcement is sought was registered and confirmed under RCW 26.27.431 , but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2.
RCW 26.09.280 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 280
RCW 26.09.280: Parenting plan or child support modification or enforcement—Venue.
Status: in_force

Every action or proceeding to change, modify, or enforce any final order, judgment, or decree entered in any dissolution or legal separation or declaration concerning the validity of a marriage or domestic partnership, whether under this chapter or prior law, regarding the parenting plan or child support for the minor children of the marriage or the domestic partnership may be brought in the county where the minor children are then residing, or in the court in which the final order, judgment, or decree was entered, or in the county where the parent or other person who has the care, custody, or control of the children is then residing.
RCW 26.09.450 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 450
RCW 26.09.450: Notice—Relocation within the same school district.
Status: in_force

(1) When the intended relocation of the child is within the school district in which the child currently resides the majority of the time, the person intending to relocate the child, in lieu of notice prescribed in RCW 26.09.440 , may provide actual notice by any reasonable means to every other person entitled to residential time or visitation with the child under a court order. (2) A person who is entitled to residential time or visitation with the child under a court order may not object to the intended relocation of the child within the school district in which the child currently resides the majority of the time, but he or she retains the right to move for modification under RCW 26.09.260 .
RCW 26.18.070 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 070
RCW 26.18.070: Mandatory wage assignment—Petition or motion.
Status: in_force

(1) A petition or motion seeking a mandatory wage assignment in an action under RCW 26.18.040 may be filed by an obligee if the obligor is: (a) Subject to a support order allowing immediate income withholding; or (b) More than fifteen days past due in child support or maintenance payments in an amount equal to or greater than the obligation payable for one month. (2) The petition or motion shall include a sworn statement by the obligee, stating the facts authorizing the issuance of the wage assignment order, including: (a) That the obligor, stating his or her name and residence, is: (i) Subject to a support order allowing immediate income withholding; or (ii) More than fifteen days past due in child support or maintenance payments in an amount equal to or greater than the obligation payable for one month; (b) A description of the terms of the order requiring payment of support or maintenance, and the amount past due, if any; (c) The name and address of the obligor's employer; (d) That notice by personal service or any form of mail requiring a return receipt, has been provided to the obligor at least fifteen days prior to the obligee seeking a mandatory wage assignment, unless the order for support or maintenance states that the obligee may seek a mandatory wage assignment without notice to the obligor; and (e) In cases not filed by the state, whether the obligee has received public assistance from any source and, if the obligee has received public assistance, that the department of social and health services has been notified in writing of the pending action. (3) If the court in which a mandatory wage assignment is sought does not already have a copy of the support or maintenance order in the court file, then the obligee shall attach a copy of the support or maintenance order to the petition or motion seeking the wage assignment.
RCW 26.04.007 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 007
RCW 26.04.007: Definition—Religious organization.
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, "religious organization" includes, but is not limited to, churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, nondenominational ministries, interdenominational and ecumenical organizations, mission organizations, faith-based social agencies, and other entities whose principal purpose is the study, practice, or advancement of religion.
RCW 26.16.190 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 190
RCW 26.16.190: Liability for acts of other spouse or other domestic partner.
Status: in_force

For all injuries committed by a married person or domestic partner, there shall be no recovery against the separate property of the other spouse or other domestic partner except in cases where there would be joint responsibility if the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership did not exist.
RCW 26.40.020 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 40 / Section 020
RCW 26.40.020: Removal, denial of parental responsibility—Commitment not an admission requirement to any school.
Status: in_force

So long as the parents of a child with a disability are able to assume parental responsibility for such child, their parental responsibility may not be removed or denied, and commitment by the state or any officer or official thereof shall never be a requirement for the admission of such child to any state school, or institution, or to the common schools.
RCW 26.38.120 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 38 / Section 120
RCW 26.38.120: Authority and responsibility of the department.
Status: in_force

(1) If the department has a reasonable basis to believe that a person has transferred or will transfer custody of a child in violation of RCW 26.38.110 (1), the department must respond in accordance with chapter 74.13 RCW. (2) If the department provides a child protective services response in accordance with chapter 26.44 RCW for a child adopted or placed through an intercountry adoption, the department shall: (a) Prepare a report on the welfare and plan for permanent placement of the child; and (b) Provide a copy of the report to the United States department of state. For the purpose of preventing child abuse or neglect, the department of children, youth, and families may disclose to the United States department of state only those confidential child welfare records that may assist the United States department of state in informing the child's country of origin that the custody of the child has been transferred in an unregulated custody transfer and describing the child's welfare and plan for permanent placement of the child. The records retain their confidentiality subject to RCW 13.50.100 and federal law. (3) Chapter 88, Laws of 2022 does not prevent the department from taking any appropriate action to protect the welfare of the child.
RCW 26.14.130 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 130
RCW 26.14.130: Recording of hearing.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section or required by law of this state other than this chapter, an arbitration hearing need not be recorded unless required by the arbitrator, provided by the arbitration agreement, or requested by a party. (2) An arbitrator shall record, electronically or otherwise, any part of an arbitration hearing concerning a child-related dispute.
RCW 26.09.003 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 003
RCW 26.09.003: Policy—Intent—Findings.
Status: in_force

The legislature reaffirms the intent of the current law as expressed in RCW 26.09.002 . However, after review, the legislature finds that there are certain components of the existing law which do not support the original legislative intent. In order to better implement the existing legislative intent the legislature finds that incentives for parties to reduce family conflict and additional alternative dispute resolution options can assist in reducing the number of contested trials. Furthermore, the legislature finds that the identification of domestic violence as defined in RCW 7.105.010 and the treatment needs of the parties to dissolutions are necessary to improve outcomes for children. When judicial officers have the discretion to tailor individualized resolutions, the legislative intent expressed in RCW 26.09.002 can more readily be achieved. Judicial officers should have the discretion and flexibility to assess each case based on the merits of the individual cases before them.
RCW 26.14.230 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 230
RCW 26.14.230: Appeal.
Status: in_force

(1) An appeal may be taken under this chapter from: (a) An order denying a motion to compel arbitration; (b) An order granting a motion to stay arbitration; (c) An order confirming or denying confirmation of an award; (d) An order correcting an award; (e) An order vacating an award without directing a rehearing; or (f) A final judgment. (2) An appeal under this section may be taken as from an order or a judgment in a civil action.
RCW 26.09.355 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 355
RCW 26.09.355: Child support obligations—Department duties when no abatement language based on incapacitation and obligor undergoing treatment.
Status: in_force

When a court or administrative order does not contain language regarding abatement based on incapacitation of the person required to pay support and the department receives notice that the person is currently undergoing court-ordered behavioral health treatment, the department must refer the case to the appropriate forum for a determination of whether the order should be modified or amended to: (1) Contain abatement language as provided in RCW 26.09.345 ; and (2) Abate the person's child support obligation due to current incapacitation in accordance with RCW 26.09.345 .
RCW 26.60.900 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 60 / Section 900
RCW 26.60.900: Part headings not law—2008 c 6.
Status: in_force

Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law.
RCW 26.27.231 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 231
RCW 26.27.231: Temporary emergency jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(1) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with abuse. (2) If there is no previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter and a child custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 , a child custody determination made under this section remains in effect until an order is obtained from a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 . If a child custody proceeding has not been or is not commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 , a child custody determination made under this section becomes a final determination, if it so provides and this state becomes the home state of the child. (3) If there is a previous child custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter, or a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 , any order issued by a court of this state under this section must specify in the order a period that the court considers adequate to allow the person seeking an order to obtain an order from the state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 . The order issued in this state remains in effect until an order is obtained from the other state within the period specified or the period expires. (4) A court of this state that has been asked to make a child custody determination under this section, upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child custody determination has been made by, a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 , shall immediately communicate with the other court. A court of this state that is exercising jurisdiction pursuant to RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 , upon being informed that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in, or a child custody determination has been made by, a court of another state under a statute similar to this section shall immediately communicate with the court of that state to resolve the emergency, protect the safety of the parties and the child, and determine a period for the duration of the temporary order.
RCW 26.09.270 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 270
RCW 26.09.270: Child custody—Temporary custody order, temporary parenting plan, or modification of custody decree—Affidavits required.
Status: in_force

A party seeking a temporary custody order or a temporary parenting plan or modification of a custody decree or parenting plan shall submit together with his or her motion, an affidavit setting forth facts supporting the requested order or modification and shall give notice, together with a copy of his or her affidavit, to other parties to the proceedings, who may file opposing affidavits. The court shall deny the motion unless it finds that adequate cause for hearing the motion is established by the affidavits, in which case it shall set a date for hearing on an order to show cause why the requested order or modification should not be granted.
RCW 26.11.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 11 / Section 060
RCW 26.11.060: Modification or termination of orders granting visitation—Substantial change of circumstances.
Status: in_force

(1) A court may not modify or terminate an order granting visitation under RCW 26.11.040 unless it finds, on the basis of facts that have arisen since the entry of the order or were unknown to the court at the time it entered the order, that a substantial change of circumstances has occurred in the circumstances of the child or nonmoving party and that modification or termination of the order is necessary for the best interest of the child. (2)(a) If a court has jurisdiction over the child pursuant to chapter 26.27 RCW, a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed with that court. (b) Except as otherwise provided in (a) of this subsection, if a court has exclusive original jurisdiction over the child under *RCW 13.04.030 (1) (a) through (d), (h), or (j), a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed with that court. (c) Except as otherwise provided in (a) or (b) of this subsection, a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed in the county where the child primarily resides. (3) The petitioner must file with the petition an affidavit alleging that, on the basis of facts that have arisen since the entry of the order or were unknown to the court at the time it entered the order, there is a substantial change of circumstances of the child or nonmoving party and that modification or termination of the order is necessary for the best interest of the child. The petitioner shall set forth facts in the affidavit supporting the petitioner's requested order. (4) The petitioner shall serve notice of the petition to each person having legal custody of, or court-ordered residential time or court-ordered visitation with, the child. A person having legal custody or residential or visitation time with the child may file an opposing affidavit. (5) If, based on the petition and affidavits, the court finds that it is more likely than not that a modification or termination will be granted, the court shall hold a hearing. (6) The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to either party.
RCW 26.33.220 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 33 / Section 220
RCW 26.33.220: Preplacement and post-placement reports—When not required.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the reports required by RCW 26.33.190 are not required if the petitioner seeks to adopt the child of the petitioner's spouse. The reports required by RCW 26.33.190 and 26.33.200 are not required if the adoptee is eighteen years of age or older.
RCW 26.26B.050 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26B / Section 050
RCW 26.26B.050: Restraining order—Knowing violation—Penalty—Law enforcement immunity.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever a restraining order is issued under this chapter or chapter 26.26A RCW, and the person to be restrained knows of the order, a violation of the provisions restricting the person from acts or threats of violence or of a provision restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering the residence, workplace, school, or day care of another, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle, is punishable under RCW 7.105.450 . (2) A person is deemed to have notice of a restraining order if: (a) The person to be restrained or the person's attorney signed the order; (b) The order recites that the person to be restrained or the person's attorney appeared in person before the court; (c) The order was served upon the person to be restrained; or (d) The peace officer gives the person oral or written evidence of the order by reading from it or handing to the person a certified copy of the original order, certified to be an accurate copy of the original by a notary public or by the clerk of the court. (3) A peace officer shall verify the existence of a restraining order by: (a) Obtaining information confirming the existence and terms of the order from a law enforcement agency; or (b) Obtaining a certified copy of the order, certified to be an accurate copy of the original by a notary public or by the clerk of the court. (4) A peace officer shall arrest and take into custody, pending release on bail, personal recognizance, or court order, a person without a warrant when the officer has probable cause to believe that: (a) A restraining order has been issued under this chapter or chapter 26.26A RCW; (b) The respondent or person to be restrained knows of the order; and (c) The person to be arrested has violated the terms of the order restraining the person from acts or threats of violence or restraining the person from going onto the grounds of or entering the residence, workplace, school, or day care of another, or prohibiting the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle. (5) It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (1) of this section that the court order was issued contrary to law or court rule. (6) No peace officer may be held criminally or civilly liable for making an arrest under subsection (4) of this section if the officer acts in good faith and without malice.
RCW 26.16.200 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 200
RCW 26.16.200: Debts incurred before marriage or domestic partnership—Separate debts—Child support obligation—Liability.
Status: in_force

Neither person in a marriage or state registered domestic partnership is liable for the debts or liabilities of the other incurred before marriage or state registered domestic partnership, nor for the separate debts of each other, nor is the rent or income of the separate property of either liable for the separate debts of the other: PROVIDED, That the earnings and accumulations of the spouse or domestic partner shall be available to the legal process of creditors for the satisfaction of debts incurred by such spouse or domestic partner prior to the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership. For the purpose of this section, neither person in the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership shall be construed to have any interest in the earnings of the other: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no separate debt, except a child support or maintenance obligation, may be the basis of a claim against the earnings and accumulations of either spouse or either domestic partner unless the same is reduced to judgment within three years of the marriage or the state registered domestic partnership of the parties. The obligation of a parent or stepparent to support a child may be collected out of the parent's or stepparent's separate property, the parent's or stepparent's earnings and accumulations, and the parent's or stepparent's share of community personal and real property. Funds in a community bank account which can be identified as the earnings of the nonobligated spouse or nonobligated domestic partner are exempt from satisfaction of the child support obligation of the debtor spouse or debtor domestic partner.
RCW 26.26A.755 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 755
RCW 26.26A.755: Gestational surrogacy agreement—Effect.
Status: in_force

(1) A gestational surrogacy agreement that complies with RCW 26.26A.705 , 26.26A.710 , and 26.26A.715 is enforceable. (2) If a child was conceived by assisted reproduction under a gestational surrogacy agreement that does not comply with RCW 26.26A.705 , 26.26A.710 , and 26.26A.715 , the court shall determine the rights and duties of the parties to the agreement consistent with the intent of the parties at the time of execution of the agreement. Each party to the agreement and any individual who at the time of the execution of the agreement was a spouse of a party to the agreement has standing to maintain a proceeding to adjudicate an issue related to the enforcement of the agreement. (3) Except as expressly provided in a gestational surrogacy agreement or subsection (4) or (5) of this section, if the agreement is breached by the woman acting as a gestational surrogate or one or more intended parents, the nonbreaching party is entitled to the remedies available at law or in equity. (4) Specific performance is not a remedy available for breach by a woman acting as a gestational surrogate of a provision in the agreement that the gestational surrogate be impregnated. (5) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (4) of this section, if an intended parent is determined to be a parent of the child, specific performance is a remedy available for: (a) Breach of the agreement by a woman acting as a gestational surrogate which prevents the intended parent from exercising immediately on birth of the child the full rights of parentage; or (b) Breach by the intended parent which prevents the intended parent's acceptance, immediately on birth of the child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement, of the duties of parentage.
RCW 26.26A.903 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 903
RCW 26.26A.903: Effective date—2018 c 6.
Status: in_force

This act takes effect January 1, 2019.
RCW 26.23.075 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 23 / Section 075
RCW 26.23.075: Payments—Dishonored checks—Fees—Rules.
Status: in_force

For any payment made by a check as defined in RCW 62A.3-104 , if the instrument is dishonored under RCW 62A.3-515 , the costs and fees authorized under RCW 62A.3-515 apply. The department may establish procedures and adopt rules to enforce this section.
RCW 26.44.115 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 115
RCW 26.44.115: Child taken into custody under court order—Information to parents.
Status: in_force

If a child is taken into custody by child protective services pursuant to a court order issued under RCW 13.34.062 , the child protective services worker shall take reasonable steps to advise the parents immediately, regardless of the time of day, that the child has been taken into custody, the reasons why the child was taken into custody, and general information about the child's placement. The department shall comply with RCW 13.34.060 when providing notice under this section.(1) As used in this section: (a) "Intimate areas" means any portion of a person's body or undergarments that is covered by clothing and intended to be protected from public view; (b) "Photographs" or "films" means the making of a photograph, motion picture film, videotape, digital image, or any other recording or transmission of the image of a person; (c) "Place where he or she would have a reasonable expectation of privacy" means: (i) A place where a reasonable person would believe that he or she could disrobe in privacy, without being concerned that his or her undressing was being photographed or filmed by another; or (ii) A place where one may reasonably expect to be safe from casual or hostile intrusion or surveillance; (d) "Surveillance" means secret observation of the activities of another person for the purpose of spying upon and invading the privacy of the person; (e) "Views" means the intentional looking upon of another person for more than a brief period of time, in other than a casual or cursory manner, with the unaided eye or with a device designed or intended to improve visual acuity. (2)(a) A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the first degree if, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person, he or she knowingly views, photographs, or films: (i) Another person without that person's knowledge and consent while the person being viewed, photographed, or filmed is in a place where he or she would have a reasonable expectation of privacy; or (ii) The intimate areas of another person without that person's knowledge and consent and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place. (b) Voyeurism in the first degree is a class C felony. (3)(a) A person commits the crime of voyeurism in the second degree if he or she intentionally photographs or films another person for the purpose of photographing or filming the intimate areas of that person with the intent to distribute or disseminate the photograph or film, without that person's knowledge and consent, and under circumstances where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, whether in a public or private place. (b) Voyeurism in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor. (c) Voyeurism in the second degree is not a sex offense for the purposes of sentencing or sex offender registration requirements under this chapter. (4) This section does not apply to viewing, photographing, or filming by personnel of the department of corrections or of a local jail or correctional facility for security purposes or during investigation of alleged misconduct by a person in the custody of the department of corrections or the local jail or correctional facility. (5) If a person is convicted of a violation of this section, the court may order the destruction of any photograph, motion picture film, digital image, videotape, or any other recording of an image that was made by the person in violation of this section.
RCW 26.55.015 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 55 / Section 015
RCW 26.55.015: Enforceability—Evidence—Extent—Filing not required.
Status: in_force

(1) A Canadian domestic violence protection order that identifies both a protected individual and a respondent and appears valid on its face is prima facie evidence of its enforceability under chapter 215, Laws of 2021. (2) A Canadian domestic violence protection order is enforceable only to the extent it prohibits a respondent from the following conduct as ordered by a Canadian court: (a) Being in physical proximity to a protected individual or following a protected individual; (b) Directly or indirectly contacting or communicating with a protected individual or other individual described in the order; (c) Being within a certain distance of a specified place or location associated with a protected individual; or (d) Molesting, annoying, harassing, or engaging in threatening conduct directed at a protected individual. (3) Neither filing with the clerk of the court under RCW 26.55.040 nor obtaining an order granting recognition and enforcement under RCW 26.55.030 is required prior to the enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order by a law enforcement officer.
RCW 26.14.005 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 005
RCW 26.14.005: Short title—2023 c 61.
Status: in_force

This act [chapter] may be known and cited as the uniform family law arbitration act.
RCW 26.26B.090 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26B / Section 090
RCW 26.26B.090: Modification of judgment or order—Continuing jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section the court has continuing jurisdiction to prospectively modify a judgment and order for future education and future support, and with respect to matters listed in *RCW 26.26.130 (3) and (5), and *RCW 26.26.150 (2) upon showing a substantial change of circumstances. The procedures set forth in RCW 26.09.175 shall be used in modification proceedings under this section. (2) A judgment or order entered under **this chapter may be modified without a showing of substantial change of circumstances upon the same grounds as RCW 26.09.170 permits support orders to be modified without a showing of a substantial change of circumstance. (3) The court may modify a parenting plan or residential provisions adopted pursuant to *RCW 26.26.130 (7) in accordance with the provisions of chapter 26.09 RCW. (4) The court shall hear and review petitions for modifications of a parenting plan, custody order, visitation order, or other order governing the residence of a child, and conduct any proceedings concerning a relocation of the residence where the child resides a majority of the time, pursuant to chapter 26.09 RCW.
RCW 26.21A.570 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 570
RCW 26.21A.570: Jurisdiction to modify child support order of foreign country.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.21A.625 , if a foreign country lacks or refuses to exercise jurisdiction to modify its child support order pursuant to its laws, a tribunal of this state may assume jurisdiction to modify the child support order and bind all individuals subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal whether or not the consent to modification of a child support order otherwise required of the individual pursuant to RCW 26.21A.550 has been given or whether the individual seeking modification is a resident of this state or of the foreign country. (2) An order issued by a tribunal of this state modifying a foreign child support order pursuant to this section is the controlling order.
RCW 26.04.180 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 180
RCW 26.04.180: License—Time limitations as to issuance and use—Notification.
Status: in_force

The county auditor may issue the marriage license at the time of application, but shall issue such license no later than the third full day following the date of the application. A marriage license issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may not be used until three days after the date of application and shall become void if the marriage is not solemnized within sixty days of the date of the issuance of the license, and the county auditor shall notify the applicant in writing of this requirement at the time of issuance of the license.
RCW 26.26B.100 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26B / Section 100
RCW 26.26B.100: Health care coverage.
Status: in_force

(1) In entering or modifying a support order under this chapter or chapter 26.26A RCW, the court shall require either or both parents to maintain or provide health care coverage for any dependent child as provided under RCW 26.09.105 . (2) This section shall not be construed to limit the authority of the court to enter or modify support orders containing provisions for payment of uninsured health expenses, health costs, or insurance premiums which are in addition to and not inconsistent with this section. (3) A parent ordered to provide health care coverage shall provide proof of such coverage or proof that such coverage is unavailable within twenty days of the entry of the order to: (a) The physical custodian; or (b) The department of social and health services if the parent has been notified or ordered to make support payments to the Washington state support registry. (4) Every order requiring a parent to provide health care coverage shall be entered in compliance with *RCW 26.23.050 and be subject to direct enforcement as provided under chapter 26.18 RCW.
RCW 26.12.240 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 240
RCW 26.12.240: Courthouse facilitator program—Fee or surcharge.
Status: in_force

A county may create a courthouse facilitator program to provide basic services to pro se litigants in family law cases. The legislative authority of any county may impose user fees or may impose a surcharge of up to twenty dollars on only those superior court cases filed under Title 26 RCW, or both, to pay for the expenses of the courthouse facilitator program. Fees collected under this section shall be collected and deposited in the same manner as other county funds are collected and deposited, and shall be maintained in a separate account to be used as provided in this section.
RCW 26.44.110 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 110
RCW 26.44.110: Information about rights—Custody without court order—Written statement required—Contents.
Status: in_force

If a child has been taken into custody by law enforcement pursuant to RCW 26.44.050 , the law enforcement agency shall leave a written statement with a parent or in the residence of the parent if no parent is present. The statement shall give the reasons for the removal of the child from the home and the telephone number of the child protective services office in the parent's jurisdiction.
RCW 26.16.180 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 180
RCW 26.16.180: Spouses or domestic partners may sue each other.
Status: in_force

Should either spouse or either domestic partner obtain possession or control of property belonging to the other, either before or after marriage or before or after entering into a state registered domestic partnership, the owner of the property may maintain an action therefor, or for any right growing out of the same, in the same manner and to the same extent as if they were unmarried or were not in a state registered domestic partnership.
RCW 26.33.130 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 33 / Section 130
RCW 26.33.130: Termination order—Effect.
Status: in_force

(1) If the court determines, after a hearing, that the parent-child relationship should be terminated pursuant to RCW 26.33.090 or 26.33.120 , the court shall enter an appropriate order terminating the parent-child relationship. (2) An order terminating the parent-child relationship divests the parent and the child of all legal rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and obligations with respect to each other except past-due child support obligations owed by the parent. (3) The parent-child relationship may be terminated with respect to one parent without affecting the parent-child relationship between the child and the other parent. (4) The parent or *alleged father whose parent-child relationship with the child has been terminated is not thereafter entitled to notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child by another, nor has the parent or *alleged father any right to contest the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings unless an appeal from the termination order is pending or unless otherwise ordered by the court.
RCW 26.51.040 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 51 / Section 040
RCW 26.51.040: Hearing—Procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) If a party asserts that they are being subjected to abusive litigation, the court shall attempt to verify that the parties have or previously had an intimate partner relationship and that the party raising the claim of abusive litigation has been found to be a victim of domestic violence by the other party. If the court verifies that both elements are true, or is unable to verify that they are not true, the court shall set a hearing to determine whether the litigation meets the definition of abusive litigation. (2) At the time set for the hearing on the alleged abusive civil action, the court shall hear all relevant testimony and may require any affidavits, documentary evidence, or other records the court deems necessary.
RCW 26.09.510 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 510
RCW 26.09.510: Temporary orders.
Status: in_force

(1) The court may grant a temporary order restraining relocation of the child, or ordering return of the child if the child's relocation has occurred, if the court finds: (a) The required notice of an intended relocation of the child was not provided in a timely manner and the nonrelocating party was substantially prejudiced; (b) The relocation of the child has occurred without agreement of the parties, court order, or the notice required by RCW 26.09.405 through 26.09.560 and the chapter 21, Laws of 2000 amendments to RCW 26.09.260 , * 26.10.190 , and 26.26B.090 ; or (c) After examining evidence presented at a hearing for temporary orders in which the parties had adequate opportunity to prepare and be heard, there is a likelihood that on final hearing the court will not approve the intended relocation of the child or no circumstances exist sufficient to warrant a relocation of the child prior to a final determination at trial. (2) The court may grant a temporary order authorizing the intended relocation of the child pending final hearing if the court finds: (a) The required notice of an intended relocation of the child was provided in a timely manner or that the circumstances otherwise warrant issuance of a temporary order in the absence of compliance with the notice requirements and issues an order for a revised schedule for residential time with the child; and (b) After examining the evidence presented at a hearing for temporary orders in which the parties had adequate opportunity to prepare and be heard, there is a likelihood that on final hearing the court will approve the intended relocation of the child.
RCW 26.26A.425 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 425
RCW 26.26A.425: Proceeding to adjudicate parentage—Admissibility of results of genetic testing.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.26A.305 (2), the court shall admit a report of genetic testing ordered by the court under RCW 26.26A.310 as evidence of the truth of the facts asserted in the report. (2) A party may object to the admission of a report described in subsection (1) of this section, not later than fourteen days after the party receives the report. The party shall cite specific grounds for exclusion. (3) A party that objects to the results of genetic testing may call a genetic testing expert to testify in person or by another method approved by the court. Unless the court orders otherwise, the party offering the testimony bears the expense for the expert testifying. (4) Admissibility of a report of genetic testing is not affected by whether the testing was performed: (a) Voluntarily or under an order of the court or a child support agency; or (b) Before, on, or after commencement of the proceeding.
RCW 26.26A.500 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 500
RCW 26.26A.500: Proceeding to adjudicate parentage—Hearing—Inspection of records.
Status: in_force

(1) On request of a party and for good cause, the court may close a proceeding under RCW 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 to the public. (2) A final order in a proceeding under RCW 26.26A.400 through 26.26A.515 is available for public inspection. Except as provided by applicable court rules, records entered after the entry of a final order determining parentage in a proceeding under this chapter are publicly accessible.
RCW 26.26A.020 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 020
RCW 26.26A.020: Scope.
Status: in_force

(1) This chapter applies to an adjudication or determination of parentage. (2) This chapter does not create, affect, enlarge, or diminish parental rights or duties under law of this state other than this chapter.
RCW 26.26A.770 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 770
RCW 26.26A.770: Validated genetic surrogacy agreement—Parentage.
Status: in_force

(1) Unless a woman acting as a genetic surrogate exercises the right under RCW 26.26A.765 to terminate a genetic surrogacy agreement, each intended parent is a parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under an agreement validated under RCW 26.26A.760 . (2) Unless a woman acting as a genetic surrogate exercises the right under RCW 26.26A.765 to terminate the genetic surrogacy agreement, on proof of a court order issued under RCW 26.26A.760 validating the agreement, the court shall make an order: (a) Declaring that each intended parent is a parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement and ordering that parental rights and duties vest exclusively in each intended parent; (b) Declaring that the woman acting as a genetic surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or former spouse, if any, are not parents of the child; (c) Directing the state registrar of vital statistics to list each intended parent as a parent of the child on the birth record; (d) To protect the privacy of the child and the parties, declaring that the court record is not open to inspection except as authorized under RCW 26.26A.725 ; (e) If necessary, that the child be surrendered to the intended parent or parents; and (f) For other relief the court determines necessary and proper. (3) If a woman acting as a genetic surrogate terminates under RCW 26.26A.765 (1)(b) a genetic surrogacy agreement, parentage of the child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement must be determined under RCW 26.26A.005 through 26.26A.515 . (4) If a child born to a woman acting as a genetic surrogate is alleged not to have been conceived by assisted reproduction, the court shall order genetic testing to determine the genetic parentage of the child. If the child was not conceived by assisted reproduction, parentage must be determined under RCW 26.26A.005 through 26.26A.515 . Unless the genetic surrogacy agreement provides otherwise, if the child was not conceived by assisted reproduction the woman acting as a surrogate is not entitled to any nonexpense related compensation paid for serving as a surrogate. (5) Unless a party exercises the right under RCW 26.26A.765 to terminate the genetic surrogacy agreement, the woman acting as a genetic surrogate or the department of social and health services division of child support may file with the court, not later than sixty days after the birth of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement, notice that the child has been born to the woman acting as a genetic surrogate. Unless the woman acting as a genetic surrogate has properly exercised the right under RCW 26.26A.765 to withdraw consent to the agreement, on proof of a court order issued under RCW 26.26A.760 validating the agreement, the court shall order that each intended parent is a parent of the child.
RCW 26.16.010 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 010
RCW 26.16.010: Separate property of spouse.
Status: in_force

Property and pecuniary rights owned by a spouse before marriage and that acquired by him or her afterwards by gift, bequest, devise, descent, or inheritance, with the rents, issues and profits thereof, shall not be subject to the debts or contracts of his or her spouse, and he or she may manage, lease, sell, convey, encumber or devise by will such property without his or her spouse joining in such management, alienation or encumbrance, as fully, and to the same extent or in the same manner as though he or she were unmarried.
RCW 26.16.100 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 100
RCW 26.16.100: Claim of spouse or domestic partner in community realty to be filed.
Status: in_force

A spouse or domestic partner having an interest in real estate, by virtue of the marriage relation or state registered domestic partnership, the legal title of record to which real estate is or shall be held by the other, may protect such interest from sale or disposition by the other spouse or other domestic partner, as the case may be, in whose name the legal title is held, by causing to be filed and recorded in the auditor's office of the county in which such real estate is situated an instrument in writing setting forth that the person filing such instrument is the spouse or domestic partner, as the case may be, of the person holding the legal title to the real estate in question, describing such real estate and the claimant's interest therein; and when thus presented for record such instrument shall be filed and recorded by the auditor of the county in which such real estate is situated, in the same manner and with like effect as regards notice to all the world, as deeds of real estate are filed and recorded. And if either spouse or either domestic partner fails to cause such an instrument to be filed in the auditor's office in the county in which real estate is situated, the legal title to which is held by the other, within a period of ninety days from the date when such legal title has been made a matter of record, any actual bona fide purchaser of such real estate from the person in whose name the legal title stands of record, receiving a deed of such real estate from the person thus holding the legal title, shall be deemed and held to have received the full legal and equitable title to such real estate free and clear of all claim of the other spouse or other domestic partner.
RCW 26.21A.500 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 500
RCW 26.21A.500: Registration of order for enforcement.
Status: in_force

A support order or income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this state for enforcement.
RCW 26.09.901 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 09 / Section 901
RCW 26.09.901: Conversion of pending action to dissolution proceeding.
Status: in_force

Any divorce action which was filed prior to July 15, 1973 and for which a final decree has not been entered on February 11, 1974, may, upon order of the superior court having jurisdiction over such proceeding for good cause shown, be converted to a dissolution proceeding and thereafter be continued under the provisions of this chapter.
RCW 26.26A.060 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 060
RCW 26.26A.060: Provisions applicable to father-child relationship also applicable to mother-child relationship and vice versa.
Status: in_force

To the extent practicable, a provision of this chapter applicable to a father-child relationship applies to a mother-child relationship and a provision of this chapter applicable to a mother-child relationship applies to a father-child relationship.
RCW 26.44.063 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 063
RCW 26.44.063: Temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction—Enforcement—Notice of modification or termination of restraining order.
Status: in_force

(1) It is the intent of the legislature to minimize trauma to a child involved in an allegation of sexual or physical abuse. The legislature declares that removing the child from the home or the care of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian often has the effect of further traumatizing the child. It is, therefore, the legislature's intent that the alleged abuser, rather than the child, shall be removed or restrained from the child's residence and that this should be done at the earliest possible point of intervention in accordance with RCW 10.31.100 , chapter 13.34 RCW, this section, and RCW 26.44.130 . (2) In any judicial proceeding in which it is alleged that a child has been subjected to sexual or physical abuse, if the court finds reasonable grounds to believe that an incident of sexual or physical abuse has occurred, the court may, on its own motion, or the motion of the guardian ad litem or other parties, issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction restraining or enjoining the person accused of committing the abuse from: (a) Molesting or disturbing the peace of the alleged victim; (b) Entering the family home of the alleged victim except as specifically authorized by the court; (c) Having any contact with the alleged victim, except as specifically authorized by the court; (d) Knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a specified location. (3) If the caretaker is willing, and does comply with the duties prescribed in subsection (8) of this section, uncertainty by the caretaker that the alleged abuser has in fact abused the alleged victim shall not, alone, be a basis to remove the alleged victim from the caretaker, nor shall it be considered neglect. (4) In issuing a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction, the court may impose any additional restrictions that the court in its discretion determines are necessary to protect the child from further abuse or emotional trauma pending final resolution of the abuse allegations. (5) The court shall issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting a person from entering the family home if the court finds that the order would eliminate the need for an out-of-home placement to protect the child's right to nurturance, health, and safety and is sufficient to protect the child from further sexual or physical abuse or coercion. (6) The court may issue a temporary restraining order without requiring notice to the party to be restrained or other parties only if it finds on the basis of the moving affidavit or other evidence that irreparable injury could result if an order is not issued until the time for responding has elapsed. (7) A temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction: (a) Does not prejudice the rights of a party or any child which are to be adjudicated at subsequent hearings in the proceeding; and (b) May be revoked or modified. (8) The person having physical custody of the child shall have an affirmative duty to assist in the enforcement of the restraining order including but not limited to a duty to notify the court as soon as practicable of any violation of the order, a duty to request the assistance of law enforcement officers to enforce the order, and a duty to notify the department of any violation of the order as soon as practicable if the department is a party to the action. Failure by the custodial party to discharge these affirmative duties shall be subject to contempt proceedings. (9) Willful violation of a court order entered under this section is a misdemeanor. A written order shall contain the court's directive and shall bear the legend: "Violation of this order with actual notice of its terms is a criminal offense under chapter 26.44 RCW, is also subject to contempt proceedings, and will subject a violator to arrest." (10) If a restraining order issued under this section is modified or terminated, the clerk of the court shall notify the law enforcement agency specified in the order on or before the next judicial day. Upon receipt of notice that an order has been terminated, the law enforcement agency shall remove the order from any computer-based criminal intelligence system.
RCW 26.34.080 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 34 / Section 080
RCW 26.34.080: Violations—Penalty.
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, corporation, association or agency which places a child in the state of Washington without meeting the requirements set forth herein, or any person, firm, corporation, association or agency which receives a child in the state of Washington, where there has been no compliance with the requirements set forth herein, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
RCW 26.21A.120 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 21A / Section 120
RCW 26.21A.120: Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support order.
Status: in_force

(1) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state has and shall exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify its child support order if the order is the controlling order and: (a) At the time of the filing of a request for modification this state is the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued; or (b) Even if this state is not the residence of the obligor, the individual obligee, or the child for whose benefit the support order is issued, the parties consent in a record or in open court that the tribunal of this state may continue to exercise jurisdiction to modify its order. (2) A tribunal of this state that has issued a child support order consistent with the law of this state shall not exercise continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the order if: (a) All of the parties who are individuals file consent in a record with the tribunal of this state that a tribunal of another state that has jurisdiction over at least one of the parties who is an individual or that is located in the state of residence of the child may modify the order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction; or (b) Its order is not the controlling order. (3) If a tribunal of another state has issued a child support order pursuant to the uniform interstate family support act or a law substantially similar to that act which modifies a child support order of a tribunal of this state, tribunals of this state shall recognize the continuing, exclusive jurisdiction of the tribunal of the other state. (4) A tribunal of this state that lacks continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify a child support order may serve as an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to modify a support order issued in that state. (5) A temporary support order issued ex parte or pending resolution of a jurisdictional conflict does not create continuing, exclusive jurisdiction in the issuing tribunal.
RCW 26.14.170 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 14 / Section 170
RCW 26.14.170: Correction by court of unconfirmed award.
Status: in_force

(1) On motion of a party made not later than ninety days after an arbitrator gives notice under RCW 26.14.140 (1) of an award, including an award corrected under RCW 26.14.160 , the court shall correct the award if: (a) The award has an evident mathematical miscalculation or an evident mistake in the description of a person, thing, or property; (b) The award is imperfect in a matter of form not affecting the merits of the issues submitted; or (c) The arbitrator made an award on a dispute not submitted to the arbitrator and the award may be corrected without affecting the merits of the issues submitted. (2) A motion under this section to correct an award may be joined with a motion to vacate or amend the award under RCW 26.14.180 . (3) Unless a motion under RCW 26.14.180 is pending, the court may confirm a corrected award under RCW 26.14.150 .
RCW 26.26A.610 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 610
RCW 26.26A.610: Parentage of child of assisted reproduction.
Status: in_force

An individual who consents under RCW 26.26A.615 to assisted reproduction by a woman with the intent to be a parent of a child conceived by the assisted reproduction is a parent of the child.
RCW 26.16.070 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 16 / Section 070
RCW 26.16.070: Powers of attorney as to separate estate.
Status: in_force

A spouse or domestic partner may make and execute powers of attorney for the sale, conveyance, transfer or encumbrance of his or her separate estate both real and personal, without the other spouse or other domestic partner joining in the execution thereof. Such power of attorney shall be acknowledged and certified in the manner provided by law for the conveyance of real estate. Nor shall anything herein contained be so construed as to prevent either spouse or either domestic partner from appointing the other his or her attorney-in-fact for the purposes provided in this section.
RCW 26.19.080 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 19 / Section 080
RCW 26.19.080: Allocation of child support obligation between parents—Court-ordered day care or special child rearing expenses.
Status: in_force

(1) The basic child support obligation derived from the economic table shall be allocated between the parents based on each parent's share of the combined monthly net income. (2) Health care costs are not included in the economic table. Monthly health care costs shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. Health care costs shall include, but not be limited to, medical, dental, orthodontia, vision, chiropractic, mental health treatment, prescription medications, and other similar costs for care and treatment. (3) Day care and special child rearing expenses, such as tuition and long-distance transportation costs to and from the parents for visitation purposes, are not included in the economic table. These expenses shall be shared by the parents in the same proportion as the basic child support obligation. If an obligor pays court or administratively ordered day care or special child rearing expenses that are not actually incurred, the obligee must reimburse the obligor for the overpayment if the overpayment amounts to at least twenty percent of the obligor's annual day care or special child rearing expenses. The obligor may institute an action in the superior court or file an application for an adjudicative hearing with the department of social and health services for reimbursement of day care and special child rearing expense overpayments that amount to twenty percent or more of the obligor's annual day care and special child rearing expenses. Any ordered overpayment reimbursement shall be applied first as an offset to child support arrearages of the obligor. If the obligor does not have child support arrearages, the reimbursement may be in the form of a direct reimbursement by the obligee or a credit against the obligor's future support payments. If the reimbursement is in the form of a credit against the obligor's future child support payments, the credit shall be spread equally over a twelve-month period. Absent agreement of the obligee, nothing in this section entitles an obligor to pay more than his or her proportionate share of day care or other special child rearing expenses in advance and then deduct the overpayment from future support transfer payments. (4) The court may exercise its discretion to determine the necessity for and the reasonableness of all amounts ordered in excess of the basic child support obligation.
RCW 26.27.451 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 27 / Section 451
RCW 26.27.451: Enforcement of registered determination.
Status: in_force

(1) A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state. (2) A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with Article 2, a registered child custody determination of a court of another state.
RCW 26.12.172 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 172
RCW 26.12.172: Parenting seminars—Rules.
Status: in_force

Any court rules adopted for the implementation of parenting seminars shall include the following provisions: (1) In no case shall opposing parties be required to attend seminars together; (2) Upon a showing of domestic violence or abuse which would not require mutual decision making pursuant to RCW 26.09.191 , or that a parent's attendance at the seminar is not in the children's best interests, the court shall either: (a) Waive the requirement of completion of the seminar; or (b) Provide an alternative, voluntary parenting seminar for battered spouses or battered domestic partners; and (3) The court may waive the seminar for good cause. (4) Cases filed as a minor guardianship under chapter 11.130 RCW are exempt from requirements of parenting seminar attendance.
RCW 26.04.240 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 04 / Section 240
RCW 26.04.240: Penalty for unlawful solemnization—Code 1881.
Status: in_force

Any person who shall undertake to join others in marriage knowing that he or she is not lawfully authorized so to do, or any person authorized to solemnize marriage, who shall join persons in marriage contrary to the provisions of *this chapter, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred, nor less than one hundred dollars.
RCW 26.26A.605 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 26A / Section 605
RCW 26.26A.605: Assisted reproduction—Parental status of donor.
Status: in_force

A donor is not a parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction.
RCW 26.12.183 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 12 / Section 183
RCW 26.12.183: Guardian ad litem or investigator—Fees.
Status: in_force

Except for guardians ad litem appointed by the court from the subregistry created under RCW 26.12.177 (2)(d), the court shall specify the hourly rate the guardian ad litem or investigator under this title may charge for his or her services, and shall specify the maximum amount the guardian ad litem or investigator under this title may charge without additional court review and approval. The court shall specify rates and fees in the order of appointment or at the earliest date the court is able to determine the appropriate rates and fees and prior to the guardian ad litem billing for his or her services. This section shall apply except as provided by local court rule.
RCW 26.44.280 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 44 / Section 280
RCW 26.44.280: Liability limited.
Status: in_force

Consistent with the paramount concern of the department to protect the child's interests of basic nurture, physical and mental health, and safety, and the requirement that the child's health and safety interests prevail over conflicting legal interests of a parent, custodian, or guardian, the liability of governmental entities, and their officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, to parents, custodians, or guardians accused of abuse or neglect is limited as provided in RCW 4.24.595 .
RCW 26.18.030 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 18 / Section 030
RCW 26.18.030: Application—Liberal construction.
Status: in_force

(1) The remedies provided in this chapter are in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other remedies provided by law. (2) This chapter applies to any dependent child, whether born before or after June 7, 1984, and regardless of the past or current marital status or domestic partnership status of the parents, and to a spouse or former spouse or domestic partner or former domestic partner. (3) This chapter shall be liberally construed to assure that all dependent children are adequately supported.
RCW 26.23.090 — Washington Code / Title 26 / Chapter 23 / Section 090
RCW 26.23.090: Employer liability for failure or refusal to respond or remit earnings.
Status: in_force

(1) The employer shall be liable to the Washington state support registry, or to the agency or firm providing child support enforcement for another state, under Title IV-D of the federal social security act and issuing a notice, garnishment, or wage assignment attaching wages or earnings in satisfaction of a support obligation, for the amount of support moneys which should have been withheld from the employee's earnings, if the employer: (a) Fails or refuses, after being served with an income withholding order under Title IV-D of the federal social security act, to deduct and promptly remit from unpaid earnings the amounts of money required in the order; (b) Fails or refuses to submit an answer to the income withholding order under Title IV-D of the federal social security act, after being served; or (c) Is unwilling to comply with the other requirements of RCW 26.23.060 . (2) Liability may be established in superior court or may be established pursuant to RCW 74.20A.350 . Awards in superior court and in actions pursuant to RCW 74.20A.350 shall include costs, interest under RCW 19.52.020 and 4.56.110 , and reasonable attorneys' fees and staff costs as a part of the award. Debts established pursuant to this section may be collected by the division of child support using any of the remedies available under chapter 26.09 , 26.18, *26.21, 26.23, 74.20, or 74.20A RCW for the collection of child support.