Family Law Facilitator Program

The Family Law Facilitator Program at King County Superior Court provides information and referrals to family law litigants who are not represented by attorneys.  Litigants may meet with a facilitator on a walk-in basis (walk-ins are first come, first served, and sign-in will end 30 minutes prior to closing or once capacity is reached) or by pre-scheduled appointment (for document review or if an interpreter is required).  The program operates in the King County Courthouse in Seattle and the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.

LOCATIONS

NOTICE OF UPCOMING OFFICE CLOSURES OR OTHER SERVICE DISRUPTIONS

In SEATTLE:

• The Seattle Family Law Information Center will be closed in the afternoon (1:00pm to 4:30pm) on Friday, May 3, 2013.

In KENT:

• No closures are scheduled at this time.

FACILITATOR FEE NOTICE

King County Ordinances 16979 and 16980 authorize the Facilitator Program to charge a fee for services.  The fee to meet with a facilitator is $30.00 per visit.  It will be reduced to:

• $10.00 if you earn less than $20,000 annually after taxes (income verification required at the time of service includes a tax return, pay stub or unemployment pay stub, etc.);
• $5.00 if you are currently receiving state benefits (verification at the time of service includes a ProviderOne Service Card or proof of state issued health insurance in your name, or an award letter for SSI/SSDI or TANF);
• $0 if authorized by a Judge or Commissioner (a yellow referral form with a judicial signature is required).

Note:  The fee must be paid in cash or by check. No credit or debit cards are accepted.

HELPFUL RESOURCES 

• Divorce Roadmap.  If you do not have an attorney and you are confused about how the divorce process works in King County, click here for a brief informational presentation on filing for divorce.
• Non-Parental Navigation.  If you do not have an attorney and you are seeking custody of a child or children of whom you are not the parent, click here for a brief informational presentation.
• Family Law Forms & Instructions.  These sets of instructions can help you file and manage your own family law action.
• Family Law Legal Resources.  These free or low-cost legal assistance organizations may be able to help you with your family law action.
• King County Local Rules.  Local court rules provide guidance for your interactions with the court.
• Learn about the Family Law Information Center on King County TV (streaming video from KCTV website).

ABOUT THE FAMILY LAW FACILITATOR PROGRAM

WHO FACILITATORS CAN ASSIST

• Only people who are not represented by attorneys
• Only people who know what kind of legal action they need
• Only people involved in family law actions such as:

Divorce/Legal Separation
Family Law Motions
Child Support Modifications
Establishing a Parenting Plan
Non Parental Custody
Invalidity/Annulment
Temporary Orders
Parenting Plan Modifications
Child Support Adjustment
Restraining Orders

HOW FACILITATORS CAN ASSIST

• Provide information on how to start certain family law actions
• Provide information on what forms are needed and where to get them
• Provide information on court rules, procedures, and case schedules
• Review forms after you fill them out to make sure they are complete
• Provide information on other court and community resources
• Provide written instructions at no cost for many family law actions
• Provide limited referrals for legal consultation for low income unrepresented litigants

WHAT FACILITATORS CANNOT DO

• Assist people who are represented by attorneys
• Assist people who are uncertain what kind of legal action they need
• Provide legal advice or assist in trial preparation
• Fill out your papers for you or tell you how to fill them out
• Assist people with:

Adoptions
Juvenile Dependency
Traffic Citations
Will and Probate Matters
Bankruptcy
Name Change
Criminal Charges