reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.231 - Temporary emergency jurisdiction.

RCW 26.27.231
Temporary emergency jurisdiction.
(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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 204.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.241 - Notice—Opportunity to be heard—Joinder.

RCW 26.27.241
Notice—Opportunity to be heard—Joinder.
(1) Before a child custody determination is made under this chapter, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of RCW 26.27.081 must be given to: (a) All persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child custody proceedings between residents of this state; (b) any parent whose parental rights have not been previously terminated; and (c) any person having physical custody of the child.
(2) This chapter does not govern the enforceability of a child custody determination made without notice or an opportunity to be heard.
(3) The obligation to join a party and the right to intervene as a party in a child custody proceeding under this chapter are governed by the law of this state as in child custody proceedings between residents of this state.
[ 2001 c 65 § 205.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.251 - Simultaneous proceedings.

RCW 26.27.251
Simultaneous proceedings.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.231, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under this article if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with this chapter, unless the proceeding has been terminated or is stayed by the court of the other state because a court of this state is a more convenient forum under RCW 26.27.261.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.231, a court of this state, before hearing a child custody proceeding, shall examine the court documents and other information supplied by the parties pursuant to RCW 26.27.281. If the court determines that a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court in another state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter, the court of this state shall stay its proceeding and communicate with the court of the other state. If the court of the state having jurisdiction substantially in accordance with this chapter does not determine that the court of this state is a more appropriate forum, the court of this state shall dismiss the proceeding.
(3) In a proceeding to modify a child custody determination, a court of this state shall determine whether a proceeding to enforce the determination has been commenced in another state. If a proceeding to enforce a child custody determination has been commenced in another state, the court may:
(a) Stay the proceeding for modification pending the entry of an order of a court of the other state enforcing, staying, denying, or dismissing the proceeding for enforcement;
(b) Enjoin the parties from continuing with the proceeding for enforcement; or
(c) Proceed with the modification under conditions it considers appropriate.
[ 2001 c 65 § 206.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.261 - Inconvenient forum.

RCW 26.27.261
Inconvenient forum.
(1) A court of this state which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court's own motion, or request of another court.
(2) Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this state shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:
(a) Whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;
(b) The length of time the child has resided outside this state;
(c) The distance between the court in this state and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;
(d) The relative financial circumstances of the parties;
(e) Any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;
(f) The nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;
(g) The ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and
(h) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.
(3) If a court of this state determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.
(4) A court of this state may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for dissolution or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the dissolution or other proceeding.
[ 2001 c 65 § 207.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.271 - Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.

RCW 26.27.271
Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.231 or by other law of this state, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under this chapter because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless:
(a) The parents and all persons acting as parents have acquiesced in the exercise of jurisdiction;
(b) A court of the state otherwise having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221 determines that this state is a more appropriate forum under RCW 26.27.261; or
(c) No court of any other state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221.
(2) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, it may fashion an appropriate remedy to ensure the safety of the child and prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable conduct, including staying the proceeding until a child custody proceeding is commenced in a court having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221.
(3) If a court dismisses a petition or stays a proceeding because it declines to exercise its jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, it shall assess against the party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction necessary and reasonable expenses including costs, communication expenses, attorneys' fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees are sought establishes that the assessment would be clearly inappropriate. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against this state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
[ 2001 c 65 § 208.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.281 - Information to be submitted to court.

RCW 26.27.281
Information to be submitted to court.
(1) Subject to laws providing for the confidentiality of procedures, addresses, and other identifying information, in a child custody proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the child's present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five years, and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:
(a) Has participated, as a party or witness or in any other capacity, in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number, and the date of the child custody determination, if any;
(b) Knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and 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; and
(c) Knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of, or visitation with, the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.
(2) If the information required by subsection (1) of this section is not furnished, the court, upon motion of a party or its own motion, may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.
(3) If the declaration as to any of the items described in subsection (1)(a) through (c) of this section is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.
(4) Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.
(5) If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety, or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety, or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.
[ 2001 c 65 § 209.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.291 - Appearance of parties and child.

RCW 26.27.291
Appearance of parties and child.
(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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 210.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.401 - Definitions.

RCW 26.27.401
Definitions.
The definitions in this section apply throughout this article, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Petitioner" means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child custody determination.
(2) "Respondent" means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child custody determination.
[ 2001 c 65 § 301.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.411 - Enforcement under Hague Convention.

RCW 26.27.411
Enforcement under Hague Convention.
Under this article a court of this state may enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction as if it were a child custody determination.
[ 2001 c 65 § 302.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.421 - Duty to enforce.

RCW 26.27.421
Duty to enforce.
(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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 303.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.431 - Temporary visitation.

RCW 26.27.431
Temporary visitation.
(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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 304.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.451 - Enforcement of registered determination.

RCW 26.27.451
Enforcement of registered determination.
(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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 306.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.461 - Simultaneous proceedings.

RCW 26.27.461
Simultaneous proceedings.
If a proceeding for enforcement under this article is commenced in a court of this state and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under Article 2, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
[ 2001 c 65 § 307.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.481 - Service of petition and order.

RCW 26.27.481
Service of petition and order.
Except as otherwise provided in RCW 26.27.501, the petition and order must be served, by any method authorized by the law of this state, upon the respondent and any person who has physical custody of the child.
[ 2001 c 65 § 309.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.491 - Hearing and order.

RCW 26.27.491
Hearing and order.
(1) Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order pursuant to RCW 26.27.231, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent 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 of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2; or
(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 26.27.441 but has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court of a state having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2.
(2) The court shall award the fees, costs, and expenses authorized under RCW 26.27.511 and may grant additional relief, including a request for the assistance of law enforcement officials, and set a further hearing to determine whether additional relief is appropriate.
(3) If a party called to testify refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the court may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.
(4) A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses and a defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child may not be invoked in a proceeding under this article.
[ 2001 c 65 § 310.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.501 - Authorization to take physical custody of child.

RCW 26.27.501
Authorization to take physical custody of child.
An order under this chapter directing law enforcement to obtain physical custody of the child from the other parent or a third party holding the child may only be sought pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus under chapter 7.36 RCW.
[ 2001 c 65 § 311.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.511 - Costs, fees, and expenses.

RCW 26.27.511
Costs, fees, and expenses.
(1) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorneys' fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(2) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
[ 2001 c 65 § 312.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.521 - Recognition and enforcement.

RCW 26.27.521
Recognition and enforcement.
A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with this chapter that enforces a child custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under Article 2.
[ 2001 c 65 § 313.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.531 - Appeals.

RCW 26.27.531
Appeals.
An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under this article in accordance with expedited appellate procedures in other civil cases relating to minor children. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under RCW 26.27.231, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal.
[ 2001 c 65 § 314.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.541 - Role of prosecutor or attorney general.

RCW 26.27.541
Role of prosecutor or attorney general.
(1) In a case arising under this chapter or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the prosecutor or attorney general may take any lawful action, including resorting to a proceeding under this article or any other available civil proceeding to locate a child, obtain the return of a child, or enforce a child custody determination if there is:
(a) An existing child custody determination;
(b) A request to do so from a court in a pending child custody proceeding;
(c) A reasonable belief that a criminal statute has been violated; or
(d) A reasonable belief that the child has been wrongfully removed or retained in violation of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
(2) A prosecutor or attorney general acting under this section acts on behalf of the court and may not represent any party.
[ 2001 c 65 § 315.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.551 - Role of law enforcement.

RCW 26.27.551
Role of law enforcement.
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.
[ 2001 c 65 § 316.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.561 - Costs and expenses.

RCW 26.27.561
Costs and expenses.
If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the prosecutor or attorney general and law enforcement officers under RCW 26.27.541 or 26.27.551.
[ 2001 c 65 § 317.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.901 - Application—Construction.

RCW 26.27.901
Application—Construction.
In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
[ 2001 c 65 § 401.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.921 - Transitional provision.

RCW 26.27.921
Transitional provision.
A motion or other request for relief made in a child custody proceeding or to enforce a child custody determination that was commenced before July 22, 2001, is governed by the law in effect at the time the motion or other request was made.
[ 2001 c 65 § 404.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.27 - Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. › 26.27.941 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 26.27.941
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 § 68.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.010 - Age of majority.

RCW 26.28.010
Age of majority.
Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, all persons shall be deemed and taken to be of full age for all purposes at the age of eighteen years.
[ 1971 ex.s. c 292 § 1; 1970 ex.s. c 17 § 1; 1923 c 72 § 2; Code 1881 § 2363; 1866 p 92 § 1; 1863 p 434 § 1; 1854 p 407 § 1; RRS § 10548.]
NOTES:
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: "If any provision of this 1971 amendatory 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." [ 1971 ex.s. c 292 § 77.]
Saving—1923 c 72: "This act shall not apply to females who shall have attained the age of eighteen years at the time this act shall go into effect." [ 1923 c 72 § 3.] 1923 c 72 was codified as RCW 11.92.010 and 26.28.010.
Age of majority for probate law and procedure purposes: RCW 11.76.080 and 11.76.095.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.015 - Age of majority for enumerated specific purposes.

RCW 26.28.015
Age of majority for enumerated specific purposes.
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.
[ 2022 c 268 § 41; 2021 c 215 § 141; 1992 c 111 § 12; 1971 ex.s. c 292 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective dates—2022 c 268: See note following RCW 7.105.010.
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Findings—1992 c 111: See note following RCW 4.08.050.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.
Mental health treatment: Chapter 71.34 RCW.
Sexually transmitted diseases: RCW 70.24.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.020 - Married persons—When deemed of full age.

RCW 26.28.020
Married persons—When deemed of full age.
All minor persons married to a person of full age shall be deemed and taken to be of full age.
[ 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 38; Code 1881 § 2364; 1863 p 434 § 2; 1854 p 407 § 2; RRS § 10549.]
NOTES:
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.030 - Contracts of minors—Disaffirmance.

RCW 26.28.030
Contracts of minors—Disaffirmance.
A minor is bound, not only by contracts for necessaries, but also by his or her other contracts, unless he or she disaffirms them within a reasonable time after he or she attains his or her majority, and restores to the other party all money and property received by him or her by virtue of the contract, and remaining within his or her control at any time after his or her attaining his or her majority.
[ 2011 c 336 § 694; 1866 p 92 § 2; RRS § 5829.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.040 - Disaffirmance barred in certain cases.

RCW 26.28.040
Disaffirmance barred in certain cases.
No contract can be thus disaffirmed in cases where on account of the minor's own misrepresentations as to his or her majority, or from his or her having engaged in business as an adult, the other party had good reasons to believe the minor capable of contracting.
[ 2011 c 336 § 695; 1866 p 93 § 3; RRS § 5830.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.050 - Satisfaction of minor's contract for services.

RCW 26.28.050
Satisfaction of minor's contract for services.
When a contract for the personal services of a minor has been made with him or her alone, and those services are afterwards performed, payment made therefor to such minor in accordance with the terms of the contract, is a full satisfaction for those services, and the parents or guardian cannot recover therefor.
[ 2011 c 336 § 696; 1866 p 93 § 4; RRS § 5831.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.060 - Child labor—Penalty.

RCW 26.28.060
Child labor—Penalty.
(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.
[ 2007 c 464 § 1; 1994 c 62 § 1; 1973 1st ex.s. c 154 § 39; 1909 c 249 § 195; RRS § 2447.]
NOTES:
Severability—1973 1st ex.s. c 154: See note following RCW 2.12.030.
Child labor: Chapter 49.12 RCW.
Employment permits: RCW 28A.225.080.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.070 - Certain types of employment prohibited—Penalty.

RCW 26.28.070
Certain types of employment prohibited—Penalty.
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.
[ 2011 c 336 § 697; 1909 c 249 § 194; RRS § 2446.]
NOTES:
Juvenile courts and juvenile offenders: Title 13 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.080 - Selling or giving tobacco to minor—Belief of representative capacity, no defense—Penalty.

RCW 26.28.080
Selling or giving tobacco to minor—Belief of representative capacity, no defense—Penalty.
(1) A person who sells or gives, or permits to be sold or given, to any person under the age of twenty-one years any cigar, cigarette, cigarette paper or wrapper, tobacco in any form, or a vapor product is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) It is not a defense to a prosecution for a violation of this section that the person acted, or was believed by the defendant to act, as agent or representative of another.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "vapor product" has the same meaning as provided in RCW 70.345.010.
[ 2019 c 15 § 1; 2016 sp.s. c 38 § 1; 2013 c 47 § 1; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 437. Prior: 1987 c 250 § 2; 1987 c 204 § 1; 1971 ex.s. c 292 § 37; 1919 c 17 § 1; 1911 c 133 § 1; 1909 ex.s. c 27 § 1; 1909 c 249 § 193; 1901 c 122 § 1; 1895 c 126 §§ 1, 3 and 4; RRS § 2445. Formerly RCW 26.08.080, 26.08.090, and 26.08.100.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2019 c 15: "This act takes effect January 1, 2020." [ 2019 c 15 § 12.]
Finding—Intent—Severability—1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Severability—1971 ex.s. c 292: See note following RCW 26.28.010.
Juvenile courts and juvenile offenders: Title 13 RCW.
Minors, access to tobacco, role of liquor and cannabis board: Chapter 70.155 RCW.
Raising the minimum legal age of sale in certain compacts, consultations with federally recognized Indian tribes: RCW 43.06.468.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.085 - Applying tattoo to a minor—Penalty.

RCW 26.28.085
Applying tattoo to a minor—Penalty.
Every person who applies a tattoo to any minor under the age of eighteen is guilty of a misdemeanor. It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the person applying the tattoo did not know the minor's age unless the person applying the tattoo establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that he or she made a reasonable, bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of the minor by requiring production of a driver's license or other picture identification card or paper and did not rely solely on the oral allegations or apparent age of the minor.
For the purposes of this section, "tattoo" includes any permanent marking or coloring of the skin with any pigment, ink, or dye, or any procedure that leaves a visible scar on the skin. Medical procedures performed by a licensed physician are exempted from this section.
[ 1995 c 373 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.28 - Age of Majority. › 26.28.900 - Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.

RCW 26.28.900
Construction—Chapter applicable to state registered domestic partnerships—2009 c 521.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms spouse, marriage, marital, husband, wife, widow, widower, next of kin, and family shall be interpreted as applying equally to state registered domestic partnerships or individuals in state registered domestic partnerships as well as to marital relationships and married persons, and references to dissolution of marriage shall apply equally to state registered domestic partnerships that have been terminated, dissolved, or invalidated, to the extent that such interpretation does not conflict with federal law. Where necessary to implement chapter 521, Laws of 2009, gender-specific terms such as husband and wife used in any statute, rule, or other law shall be construed to be gender neutral, and applicable to individuals in state registered domestic partnerships.
[ 2009 c 521 § 69.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.30 - Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act. › 26.30.010 - Definitions.

RCW 26.30.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Person" means individual, corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity.
(2) "Educational institution" means any university, college, community college, junior college, high school, technical, vocational, or professional school, or similar institution, wherever located, which has been accredited by the Northwest Association of Higher and Secondary Institutions or approved by the state agency having regulatory powers over the class of schools to which the school belongs, or accredited or approved by the appropriate official, department, or agency of the state in which the institution is located.
(3) "Educational loan" means a loan or other aid or assistance for the purpose of furthering the obligor's education at an educational institution.
[ 1970 ex.s. c 4 § 1.]
NOTES:
Student financial aid program: Chapter 28B.92 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.30 - Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act. › 26.30.020 - Minors—Contracts—Educational purposes—Enforceability.

RCW 26.30.020
Minors—Contracts—Educational purposes—Enforceability.
Any written obligation signed by a minor sixteen or more years of age in consideration of an educational loan received by him or her from any person is enforceable as if he or she were an adult at the time of execution, but only if prior to the making of the educational loan an educational institution has certified in writing to the person making the educational loan that the minor is enrolled, or has been accepted for enrollment, in the educational institution.
[ 2011 c 336 § 698; 1970 ex.s. c 4 § 2.]
NOTES:
Contracts of minors, disaffirmance: RCW 26.28.030.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.30 - Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act. › 26.30.900 - Uniformity of interpretation.

RCW 26.30.900
Uniformity of interpretation.
This chapter shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.
[ 1970 ex.s. c 4 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.30 - Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act. › 26.30.910 - Short title.

RCW 26.30.910
Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the "Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act."
[ 1970 ex.s. c 4 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.30 - Uniform Minor Student Capacity to Borrow Act. › 26.30.920 - Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 4.

RCW 26.30.920
Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 4.
This chapter shall take effect on July 1, 1970.
[ 1970 ex.s. c 4 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.010 - Intent.

RCW 26.33.010
Intent.
The legislature finds that the purpose of adoption is to provide stable homes for children. Adoptions should be handled efficiently, but the rights of all parties must be protected. The guiding principle must be determining what is in the best interest of the child. It is the intent of the legislature that this chapter be used only as a means for placing children in adoptive homes and not as a means for parents to avoid responsibility for their children unless the department, an agency, or a prospective adoptive parent is willing to assume the responsibility for the child.
[ 1984 c 155 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.030 - Petitions—Place of filing—Consolidation of petitions and hearings.

RCW 26.33.030
Petitions—Place of filing—Consolidation of petitions and hearings.
(1) A petition under this chapter may be filed in the superior court of the county in which the petitioner is a resident or of the county in which the adoptee is domiciled.
(2) A petition under this chapter may be consolidated with any other petition under this chapter. A hearing under this chapter may be consolidated with any other hearing under this chapter.
[ 1984 c 155 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.040 - Petitions—Application of federal Indian child welfare act—Requirements—Federal servicemembers civil relief act statement and findings.

RCW 26.33.040
Petitions—Application of federal Indian child welfare act—Requirements—Federal servicemembers civil relief act statement and findings.
(1)(a) Every petition filed in proceedings under this chapter shall contain a statement alleging whether the child is or may be an Indian child as defined in RCW 13.38.040. If the child is an Indian child, chapter 13.38 RCW shall apply.
(b) Every order or decree entered in any proceeding under this chapter shall contain a finding that the federal Indian child welfare act or chapter 13.38 RCW does or does not apply. Where there is a finding that the federal Indian child welfare act or chapter 13.38 RCW does apply, the decree or order must also contain a finding that all notice, consent, and evidentiary requirements under the federal Indian child welfare act, chapter 13.38 RCW, and this section have been satisfied.
(c) In proceedings under this chapter, the adoption facilitator shall file a sworn statement documenting efforts to determine whether an Indian child is involved.
(d) Whenever the court or the petitioning party knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved in any termination, relinquishment, or placement proceeding under this chapter, the petitioning party shall promptly provide notice to the child's parent or Indian custodian and to the agent designated by the child's Indian tribe to receive such notices. Notice shall be by certified mail with return receipt requested. If the identity or location of the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe cannot be determined, notice shall be given to the secretary of the interior in the manner described in 25 C.F.R. 23.11. If the child may be a member of more than one tribe, the petitioning party shall send notice to all tribes the petitioner has reason to know may be affiliated with the child.
(e) The notice shall: (i) Contain a statement notifying the parent or custodian and the tribe of the pending proceeding; and (ii) notify the tribe of the tribe's right to intervene and/or request that the case be transferred to tribal court.
(f) No termination, relinquishment, or placement proceeding shall be held until at least ten days after receipt of notice by the tribe. If the tribe requests, the court shall grant the tribe up to twenty additional days to prepare for such proceeding.
(2) Every petition filed in proceedings under this chapter shall contain a statement alleging whether the federal servicemembers civil relief act of 2004, 50 U.S.C. Sec. 501 et seq. applies to the proceeding. Every order or decree entered in any proceeding under this chapter shall contain a finding that the federal servicemembers civil relief act of 2004 does or does not apply.
[ 2011 c 309 § 32; 2004 c 64 § 2; 1991 c 136 § 1; 1984 c 155 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.045 - Delay or denial of adoption on basis of race, color, or national origin prohibited—Consideration in placement—Exception—Training.

RCW 26.33.045
Delay or denial of adoption on basis of race, color, or national origin prohibited—Consideration in placement—Exception—Training.
(1) An adoption shall not be delayed or denied on the basis of the race, color, or national origin of the adoptive parent or the child involved. However, when the department or an agency considers whether a placement option is in a child's best interests, the department or agency may consider the cultural, ethnic, or racial background of the child and the capacity of prospective adoptive parents to meet the needs of a child of this background. This provision shall not apply to or affect the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.
(2) The department shall create standardized training to be provided to all department employees involved in the placement of a child to assure compliance with Title IV of the civil rights act of 1964 and the multiethnic placement act of 1994, as amended by the interethnic adoption provisions of the small business job protection act of 1996. Such training shall be open to agency employees.
[ 2006 c 248 § 1; 1995 c 270 § 8.]
NOTES:
Finding—1995 c 270: See note following RCW 74.13A.040.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 26 - Domestic Relations › Chapter 26.33 - Adoption. › 26.33.050 - Validity of consents, relinquishments, or orders of termination from other jurisdictions—Burden of proof.

RCW 26.33.050
Validity of consents, relinquishments, or orders of termination from other jurisdictions—Burden of proof.
Any consent, relinquishment, or order of termination that would be valid in the jurisdiction in which it was executed or obtained, and which comports with due process of law, is valid in Washington state, but the burden of proof as to validity and compliance is on the petitioner.
[ 1984 c 155 § 5.]