Information regarding the Court's hours and COVID-19 response is at the bottom of this page: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/sc

Family Law Orientation

In an effort to provide less adversarial choices for parties with children initiating actions for Dissolution of Marriage, the Court requires parties to attend a one-hour Orientation program.

The orientation includes:

  • Information on court processes
  • An opportunity to schedule an appointment for the court mandated Parenting Seminar which focuses on what children experience as their parents separate
  • Information on mediation

New marriage dissolution actions involving minor children are subject to the following procedure:

  • At the time of filing, the Petitioner shall schedule an Orientation program. Both the Petitioner and Respondent shall be required to attend Orientation, but the parties need not be scheduled for the same date.
  • Notice of the Orientation program shall be served upon Respondent with the Summons and Petition for Dissolution.
  • Motions for temporary orders, except as required for emergency relief, will not be heard until after the parties have attended the Orientation.

A party is not required to attend orientation if they are represented by an attorney or if they live outside the State of Washington. Other exceptions may be found in the court rule.  If a party is seeking to be excused the following forms below must be completed.  This motion can be presented ex parte or taken to court administration.

Motion for Order to Excuse Party at Orientation

Order to Excuse Party at Orientation

Local Court Rule: LSPR 94.11

Handouts Provided at Orientation

Preparing For Court- Familly Law Motion Filing Information

Self Represented Parties Resource Sheet