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The Family Support division represents the State of Washington, and provides the following legal services: Judicial establishment of paternity and child support including requests from other county and states and Tribes; Enforcement of support orders when parents fail to pay court-ordered child support through the contempt process; Prosecution of interstate cases for paternity and child support orders on the same basis as in-state cases; Modification of existing child support orders; Representation of state interest in private dissolution, parentage, and nonparental custody actions when tax dollars have been expended to support a child; Legal representation of the Division of Child Support, a division of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in lawsuits challenging the agency’s collection actions against parents owing a duty of support; The Family Support Division does not represent parents or other individuals in child support cases. For a case to be initiated by the prosecutor's office, it must be referred by the Division of Child Support (DCS).

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Assists self-represented individuals in family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, and paternity. Provides information on procedures and forms, and reviews forms for completeness. The facilitator is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice.

Provide information and support in regard to criminal and/or civil legal matters. Advocates are not attorneys and cannot represent in court, however they can help navigate the legal system and provide support and accompaniment through processes such as protection orders, divorce proceedings and parenting plans.

Provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Assists with the following areas of family law:   -  Divorce, legal separation, invalidity, annulment -  Family law motions -  Child support modifications and adjustments -  Establishing parenting plans -  Parenting plan modifications -  Non-parental custody -  Temporary orders -  Restraining orders -  Guardianships    Provides information on how to begin certain family law actions, necessary forms and where to get them, as well as court rules and procedures.   Can explain legal terminology and will review documents for completeness, once they are filled out, but cannot fill out papers or tell clients how to fill them out. Limited referrals for legal consultation for low income pro ses.   Does not provide legal advice. Cannot assist with the following issues:   -  Adoptions -  Juvenile dependency -  Eviction -  Traffic citations -  Will and probate matters -  Bankruptcy -  Name changes -  Criminal charges   Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Explains court procedures and determines what legal forms are needed in family law cases for individuals without attorneys. Also can review client paperwork for completeness and assists with scheduling court hearings. The facilitator is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice. Assists in the following types of cases: - Divorce/Legal Separation - Child Support Modifications - Restraining Orders - Establishing a Parenting Plan - Parenting Plan Modification - Parentage

ELAP provides free 1-hour appointments with a family law attorney for advice and consultation on family law legal issues involving domestic violence. Attorney volunteers are not able to provide full representation or represent clients in court.

Assists with the following areas of family law:   -  Divorce, legal separation, invalidity, annulment -  Family law motions -  Child support modifications and adjustments -  Establishing parenting plans -  Parenting plan modifications -  Non-parental custody -  Temporary orders -  Restraining orders -  Guardianships    Provides information on how to begin certain family law actions, necessary forms and where to get them, as well as court rules and procedures.   Can explain legal terminology and will review documents for completeness, once they are filled out, but cannot fill out papers or tell clients how to fill them out. Limited referrals for legal consultation for low income pro ses.   Does not provide legal advice. Cannot assist with the following issues:   -  Adoptions -  Juvenile dependency -  Eviction -  Traffic citations -  Will and probate matters -  Bankruptcy -  Name changes -  Criminal charges   Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Provides resources and one-on-one advocacy for non-custodial fathers seeking to establish, re-establish or maintain positive relationships with their children.   Offers guidance and assistance to fathers who are in arrears on their child support obligations. Provides assistance in obtaining legal documents for parenting plans and visitation. Cannot accompany clients to court proceedings. Offers informal counseling to help fathers make wise decisions. Provides help with connecting to other resources.

Assists self-represented individuals in family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, and paternity. Provides information on procedures and forms, and reviews forms for completeness. The facilitator is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice. Family Law / Domestic Relations Matters - Dissolution/Legal Separation/Invalidity of a Marriage - Modification of Custody/Parenting Plan - Modification of Child Support Order - Establishment of Parentage (Paternity) - Contempt of a Court Order - Minor Guardianships Information the Family Court Facilitator may provide: - What mandatory forms are available and how to acquire them. - Which forms to complete to begin and to finalize a legal action. - Review of completed forms for procedural correctness (necessary blanks filled in and signed where required). - Explain local procedures for setting motions and other hearings on the court calendars. - Informational brochures and instruction sheets relating to domestic relation matters. - Information regarding referrals to mediation, legal, social service and governmental agencies.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Provides free legal assistance for low-income individuals who would otherwise be denied access to the legal system because of the inability to pay. Potential clients are screened to determine income and case eligibility. Referrals are made to local attorneys who volunteer their time. Provides legal assistance with the following: Family Law (includes family law class to anyone who is seeking help in having their family law court documents reviewed), Debtor-Creditor, Bankruptcy, Social Security/ Disability, Wills/Power of Attorneys, Guardianship, Landlord/Tenant, Child Support, Immigration, and Protection Order. * Does not assist with: Criminal matters (of any kind including traffic infractions), Termination of Parental Rights, or Adoptions.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Provides free 1-hour appointments with a family law attorney for advice and consultation on family law legal issues (divorce, legal separation, custody, parenting plans, child support). Attorneys at the clinic do not provide full representation or represent clients in court.

Provides assistance in obtaining child support where paternity has not been established.   See DSHS - Division of Child Support; this office provides direct assistance in most cases.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Hosts a legal clinic specifically designed to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. This clinic is run by QLaw Foundation in partnership with the King County Bar Association. The clinic is open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. At the clinic, an attorney will meet with clients for 30 minutes and provide individualized legal advice and information. Clinic attorneys will answer questions and provide information in a variety of areas including family law, immigration, debt and bankruptcy, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, and transgender legal issues.

Provides legal information and advice for the following issues depending on attorney availability:   -  Auto accidents - Birth injuries -  Consumer law - Criminal defense -  Family law -  Finance -  Immigration -  Landlord-tenant law -  Medical negligence -  Personal injury -  Property law -  Worker's rights/wage claims

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Operates a legal clinic providing free one hour consultations with an attorney for victims of domestic violence with family law issues. Clinic is virtual Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys are specialized in areas of family law. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters. Domestic Violence and Family Law Clinic

Kitsap Legal Services works with volunteer attorneys who will give legal advice and limited assistance to low-income Kitsap County residents.. All legal consultations are by appointment only and potential clients must go through the eligibility process. Currently, most legal appointments are occurring by phone or Zoom. There is often a waiting period of several weeks for an appointment and we typically CANNOT provide an attorney to go with you to court. If you are facing eviction, and you meet eligibility requirements, we may be able to provide an attorney to immediately represent you.

Provides assistance in obtaining child support where paternity has not been established.   See DSHS - Division of Child Support; this office provides direct assistance in most cases.