A parenting plan includes the child’s proposed schedule and living arrangements, as well as each parent’s rights and responsibilities related to the child.^[1] This plan becomes a court order, so it’s best to put thought, time, and effort into settling on terms that work for both parties and, ultimately, for the child.

For parents who can’t agree on the terms of a parenting plan, the court will assign a mediator. Per state statute, the mediator’s goal is “to reduce acrimony which may exist between the parties and to develop an agreement assuring the child’s close and continuing contact with both parents.”^[2] Another option for parents who can’t agree is to seek counseling or arbitration.

If separately filing plans, each party must propose a permanent plan on or before 30 days after filing and service by either party of a notice for trial, or 180 days after commencement of the action. The 180 period may be extended by stipulation of the parties.^[3]

Use the state’s Child Support Calculator to estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered by the court. In Washington, the combined income of both parents and the number of children eligible for support are used to determine child support obligations.

If parents are married, then custody determinations will be part of a divorce proceeding. In addition to filing the forms for initiating a divorce, file the following documents:

• FL All Family 139
• FL All Family 140
• FL Divorce 243

If parents are unmarried, the filer must file the following forms:

• FL Parentage 330
• FL All Family 140
• FL All Family 001

Forms should be filed in the superior court in the county where the child lives. Fees for filing divorce papers amount to $314. Unmarried parents pay $260 to file custody-related paperwork.

Copies of filed forms must be properly served on the non-filing party, also known as the respondent.^[4] The court requires a Proof of Personal Service form attesting that the papers were properly served. The respondent has 20 days in which to file a response. Instructions for filing a response appear on the served forms.

The court clerk will schedule a hearing date and notify both parents.

Attendance at a hearing is mandatory for both parents. The final order will be entered no sooner than 90 days after the filing and service of custody-related paperwork.