Washington State’s family law system prioritizes fairness, the well-being of children, and the protection of those in vulnerable situations. While these laws are designed to treat all parties equitably, real-life circumstances are rarely simple. That’s why it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable Seattle family law attorney who can help you understand your legal options and advocate for your best interests in and out of court.
Common Family Law Matters in Seattle and King CountyHere are some of the most frequent issues addressed in local family law courts, along with exact legal language and links to the relevant Washington statutes:
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
"When a party who (1) is a resident of this state… petitions for a dissolution of marriage… (and) the other party joins in the petition or does not deny that the marriage or domestic partnership is irretrievably broken, the court shall enter a decree of dissolution."
Washington allows for no-fault divorce, meaning neither party needs to show blame. The only requirement is that one spouse believes the marriage is irretrievably broken.
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.030 – Dissolution of Marriage
Parenting Plans and Decision-Making
"The best interests of the child are served by a parenting arrangement that best maintains a child’s emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care."
Washington family courts no longer use the term "custody." Instead, a parenting plan must be developed, which outlines parenting time, major decision-making responsibilities, and methods for resolving disputes.
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.002 – Best Interests of the Child
Child Support Obligations
"The legislature also intends that the child support obligation should be equitably apportioned between the parents."
Child support is determined using a statewide formula that accounts for each parent's income and the terms of the parenting plan. The court’s goal is to provide stability for the child across both households.
Read the statute: RCW 26.19.001 – Child Support Intent
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
"The court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse… in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just..."
Spousal maintenance may be awarded temporarily or long-term, based on need and the paying spouse’s ability. The court will consider factors such as length of marriage, income disparity, and financial independence.
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.090 – Spousal Maintenance
Domestic Violence and Protection Orders
"The petitioner may petition for relief on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of family or household members who are minors or vulnerable adults."
In situations involving abuse or threats of harm, individuals may request a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) to prohibit the abuser from contacting them or coming near their home, workplace, or children.
Read the statute: RCW 7.105.100 – Protection Orders
1. Can I change my parenting plan or child support order after the court has finalized it?
Yes. Washington law allows for changes to parenting plans or child support orders when there’s been a substantial change in circumstances. This might include a job loss, a parent relocating, or new educational or medical needs for the child. Any modification must be in the child’s best interests.
“The court shall not modify a prior custody decree or a parenting plan unless it finds… a substantial change has occurred…”
Read the statute: RCW 26.09.260 – Modification of Parenting Plan
2. Do I need to hire a lawyer for a family law case in King County?
Not necessarily. You can represent yourself, but legal guidance is highly recommended, especially for contested matters like custody or property division. If you're going it alone, King County’s Family Law Facilitator Program provides assistance with forms and procedures, though they don’t offer legal advice.
Explore: King County Family Law Facilitator Program
3. What’s the difference between legal separation and divorce in Washington?
Legal separation lets you live apart with court-ordered decisions on property, parenting, and support—but you remain legally married. It can be converted into a divorce later. Many couples pursue legal separation for religious reasons, financial strategy, or to retain health insurance benefits.
Read more: RCW 26.09 – Legal Separation in Washington
4. Can unmarried parents request a parenting plan in Seattle?
Yes. Parents do not need to be married to establish a legally binding parenting plan. Once paternity is legally recognized, either parent can request a court-ordered plan to define residential time and decision-making authority. The court’s standard remains the child’s best interests.
Read the statute: RCW 26.26A.440 – Parentage and Parenting Plans
5. How are child abuse or neglect concerns handled in family law cases?
If there are allegations of abuse or neglect, the court may issue emergency orders such as supervised visitation or no-contact provisions. In more serious situations, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) may investigate and provide protective oversight.
Learn more: Washington DCYF – Child Safety and Protection
Family law matters aren’t just legal—they’re deeply personal. From creating a parenting plan to ensuring your child’s safety, every decision carries emotional weight. In Seattle and King County, family courts are structured to offer protection, fairness, and long-term stability. But knowing how to navigate the process—and who to trust—makes all the difference.
Whether you're entering a divorce, revisiting a parenting agreement, or dealing with a sudden crisis, your next steps matter. Legal mistakes can have lasting consequences, and the stress of family law proceedings can take a toll on your well-being. Having experienced counsel can help you stay grounded and in control throughout the process.
At the Law Offices of Jason S. Newcombe, we are committed to helping families across King County navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence. Whether you need representation in court or advice on next steps, our team of family law lawyers is here to protect your interests every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a more secure and empowered future.
If you are facing a divorce, contact one of our Seattle family law lawyers todayThe uncertainty of a divorce can lead to many serious questions about your family’s future, so it makes sense to have a team of Seattle family law lawyers helping you resolve the situation. The law provides you with definitive rights designed to protect you and your family, and it is the role of our Seattle family law attorneys to ensure that these rights are protected. Divorce commonly causes a great deal of emotional strain on everyone in the family, so another key role of our Washington State family law lawyers is to keep you focused on your end goals while keeping conflict to a minimum.
Our Seattle family law attorneys can help you address common divorce issues that include:
With more than 30 years of collective experience, our team of family law professionals can help you tackle any issues that might arise during your divorce. Getting legal advice that you can trust is vital during the divorce process, and will be of great benefit to both you and your children. If you're looking for a Seattle family law attorney, contact us today for a free consultation and start getting a handle on your future.
When you contact one of our Seattle family law attorneys they will immediately start helping you lift the fog of uncertainty that surrounds a divorce. This will help you bring your future into focus, allowing you to lay the framework for the rest of your life. We first help you identify your goals and then formulate a plan to achieve them. We then remain at your side throughout your divorce negotiations, and in court if such a course of action becomes necessary.
It's important to keep the lines of communication open with help from your Seattle family law lawyerWashington State family law is written to protect children and focus on their well-being. While the intentions of the law are good, this may mean that a judge with little knowledge of your child's history is making decisions based on what they think is best for your family.
We maintain that nobody understands the needs of your children better than you, so retaining a family law attorney in Seattle who will protect the interests of your children, as defined by you, is essential. Our Washington State family law lawyers use their knowledge of the law to aggressively fight on behalf of you and your family, always keeping your goals in focus.
If you have pressing questions then you should talk to an experienced legal professional about your situation. Without risk or obligation we can provide you answers based on the law, and all you must do is simply pick up the phone and take advantage of our free consultation offer.
As the divorce process matures it is important to maintain a solid relationship with your Washington state lawyer - a relationship that is based on mutual respect and trust. Whether during negotiations, or in court, having a skilled negotiator and aggressive litigator fighting to protect your rights will ensure that you achieve the best end result possible.