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 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

King County Courthouse (Seattle)
516 Third Avenue, Room W-382
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 296-9092

Maleng Regional Justice Center (Kent)
401 Fourth Avenue, Room 3-D
Kent, Washington 98032
(206) 205-2526


Walk-In Hours:


Walk-In Hours:

Mon-Fri:  9:30am-12:00noon
Thurs & Fri:  2:15-4:00pm		 Mon-Fri:  9:30am-12:00noon
Mon & Thurs:  1:15-4:00pm

NOTICE OF UPCOMING OFFICE CLOSURES

  • The Seattle and Kent offices will be closed all day on Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

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 limted 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

FACILITATOR FEE NOTICE

Effective March 2, 2009, the Facilitator’s Office implemented a fee for services per King County Ordinances 16305 and 16306.  The fee to meet with a facilitator is $20.00 per visit.  It will be reduced to:

  • $10.00 if you earn less than $20,000 annually (income verification required);
  • $5.00 if you are indigent, receiving Disability Benefits or Public Assistance (a copy of your medical coupon, DSHS, TANF, or SSI/SSDI is required);
  • $0 if authorized by a Judge or Commissioner (a yellow referral form with a judicial signature is required).

OTHER RESOURCES