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Family Law Facilitators

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How to Get Help from the Family Law Facilitator

Instructions for most family law cases are available here for free. The instructions include links to the forms you will need.

 Appointments: We are scheduling virtual (via Zoom) and in-person appointments. If you are unable to appear during walk-in hours to schedule an appointment, you may schedule in-person or virtual appointments online at: https://book.appointment-plus.com/db46jcnk/ or you can call (206) 263-FLIC (3542) or email us at facilitators@kingcounty.gov. Facilitators cannot provide information or answer questions via email or phone and cannot provide legal advice.


Please note: Facilitators will not answer questions by phone or email without a scheduled appointment.

We have a help desk available to answer questions, give you forms and instructions or set future appointments.
Family Law Help Desk Walk-In Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in customers are seen on a first come, first served basis.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Kent location only

Seattle location only

 Kent location only Seattle location only Both locations closed for walk-ins. Scheduled appointments only.
KENT LOCATION: Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 Fourth Ave N, Kent, WA 98032
HELP DESK WALK-INS: A-1222 (Across from the Family Law Courtrooms on the First Floor)
APPOINTMENTS: In-Person, Zoom, or by Phone - Scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.** 

SEATTLE LOCATION: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
HELP DESKWALK-INS: W-291 (Same hallway as Family Law Courtrooms on the Second Floor)
APPOINTMENTS: In-Person, Zoom, or by Phone - Scheduled on Mondays and Wednesdays.**

**A limited number of follow-up virtual appointments are available on Fridays, dependent on resource availability.

How to Finalize Your Case by Agreement or Default

If both parties are self-represented and you want to finalize your case by agreement or default you must set an appointment with the facilitators to finalize your case. Call 206-263-FLIC (3542) from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 to set an appointment. At the appointment the facilitators will review your final orders.
  • If all documents are complete and ready to finalize the facilitators will process the documents and get them signed by a judicial officer which will end your case.
  • If the documents are not complete or there are other issues you need to fix before finalizing, you will be given directions on how to fix any issues and will be set for a return appointment.
Additional information that may be helpful is at https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/. There are instructions on how to fill out forms and information about attorney referrals.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

All proposed final orders must be completed. Your final orders are different from the documents you filed to start your case. If you have questions about what forms are needed to finalize your case please look at: Can the Facilitators Help Me Finalize my Case?
Documents must be signed: Unless the respondent waived notice, or you are finalizing by default both parties must sign all final documents.
For divorce cases:
  • There is a 90-day waiting period to finalize your case. The 90-day period starts on the date of service/joinder, or date of filing (whichever is later).
  • You must sign a Declaration in Lieu of Formal Proof. The LFLR 5 Formal Proof of Declaration form can be found here.
For cases with children:
  • Both parties must attend the What about the Children class and file proof in the court file before the court will sign your final orders. Information about that class is here.
  • A parenting plan, child support order and child support worksheet must be signed to complete your case.
If you are finalizing by default proof of service must be filed and the respondent must have had an opportunity to respond (20 days if they were personally served in the state of Washington).
ATTORNEYS AND LEGAL PROFESSIONALS: The Family Law Facilitators do NOT assist attorneys or family law cases with an attorney. For instructions on how to finalize family law cases with an attorney, view Ex Parte & Probate Department. Voicemails and emails from legal professionals seeking information will not be returned.

About the Family Law Facilitator Program

  • 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
  • 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
  • Assist people who are represented by attorneys
  • Assist people who are uncertain what kind of legal action they need
  • Provide legal advice
  • Fill out your papers for you or tell you how to fill them out
  • Assist people with:
    • Adoptions
    • Bankruptcy
    • Criminal Charges
    • Domestic Violence Protection Orders
    • Juvenile Dependency
    • Name Changes
    • Parentage
    • Traffic Citations
    • Will and Probate Matters
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. This fee is reduced or waived depending on income. Please contact our office for more information.