Unified Family Court FAQ
What types of actions are accepted into UFC for case management?
Cases which meet the criteria for UFC case management (see referral form), and are:
Title 26 actions: Dissolution of marriage, parentage, third party custody actions, actions to modify parenting plans, and domestic violence protection order cases, and/or
Title 13 actions: Juvenile dependency, truancy, CHINS (child in need of services), and ARY (at-risk youth).
How does my case become UFC managed?
A case must first be referred to the Unified Family Court program for screening. There are no restrictions on who may refer a case for UFC screening. If the case meets the screening criteria for acceptance (listed on the referral form), an Order on Acceptance Into Unified Family Court is entered and copied to all parties and counsel along with further instruction.
How do I know if my case is UFC managed?
You will receive an Order on Acceptance Into Unified Family Court, specifying which related actions will be managed in UFC. Additionally, the case area designation will be changed from "KNT" to "UFK" for Kent actions, and from "SEA" to "UFS" for Seattle actions.
Once my case is referred to the UFC program, how do I set a motion hearing and/or file documents?
After the referral is made, and before an Order on Acceptance Into UFC is entered, parties must continue to set motions and file documents as set forth in the Local Rules. Upon acceptance into UFC, all parties will be provided with an instruction sheet on how to appropriately set motions and file documents.
What is the applicable court rule for Unified Family Court?
Which judicial officers hear UFC cases?
Your case(s) will be assigned to one UFC judge and one commissioner calendar. Only a regularly sitting UFC judicial officer may hear UFC matters. UFC cases may never go before a pro tem commissioner or on the Ex Parte calendar.
What does it mean for my case to be designated UFC?
It means that your case has been assigned to one judge and one commissioner calendar. Only those two judicial officers will hear matters related to your case(s). Additionally, your case will be assigned a UFC case manager.
What is the UFC Case Manager's role in my case(s)?
- Monitor compliance with ordered services and evaluations;
- Assist litigants in connecting with providers to comply with ordered services;
- Identify any procedural issue with a case which might prevent the action(s) from moving toward completion.
Does the case schedule/trial date change once it is accepted into UFC?
No, acceptance into the UFC program does not change your case schedule/trial date. A separate court order must be entered to amend the case schedule and/or change the trial date
What's the purpose of a UFC Planning Conference?
The planning conference is an official court hearing presided over by the assigned UFC Judge. A variety of issues are addressed at the Planning Conference in order to better manage family law and juvenile matters; for example: Consolidation of cases, hearings or trials; whether the case/s is on track procedurally; whether alternative dispute resolution is appropriate; what services are currently ordered; whether parties are in compliance with ordered services; whether additional services or evaluations need to be ordered.
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