File a case
If you want to file a family law case and you don't have an attorney, the following court programs may be helpful to you:
- Family Law Facilitator's Office. Contact this office if you don't have an attorney. They can give you the necessary forms and tell you how to file your action with the court. If you need immediate access to Court Forms, please use this link.
- Family Law Orientation. If you don't have an attorney, you must attend this class within 30 days after filing your action with the court.
Get Help with Child Support
If you need assistance with a child support action, the following programs may be helpful to you:
- Washington DSHS - Division of Child Support. Contact this office if you need assistance paying or collecting administrative or court-ordered child support.
- Family Law Support Division – Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney. Contact this office if you need assistance with a paternity action (for people who do not have an affidavit/acknowledgement of paternity) and for help reviewing child support orders if you have received, or are receiving, public assistance.
Learn about the Family Law Process
These written resources may help you understand the divorce process in Washington State.
Other Resources
Finally, if you are looking for legal assistance for a family law matter, the LIST OF RESOURCES below may be helpful to you.
Northwest Justice Project CLEAR Hotline
Low income parties may receive legal advice and referrals by phone. For more information:
(888) 201-1014 (9:15am – 12:15pm)
(888) 387-7111 - Persons 60 years old and over regardless of income
https://nwjustice.org/clear-hotline
Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
TCVLS helps you resolve your own civil legal issue by giving you legal advice at one of their clinics. You leave the clinic with a list of next steps. Sometimes, they have attorneys who are willing to represent you in court. Usually this is for evictions in Thurston County, but occasionally for other types of civil legal issues. For more information:
(360) 705-8194
(844) 211-6916 (toll free)
tp://tcvls.org/
Washington Law Help
Website with hundreds of free legal education materials, including self-help packets, available for viewing and downloading at: www.washingtonlawhelp.org
WSBA Moderate Means Program
The Moderate Means Program is a partnership between the Washington State Bar Association and Washington’s three law schools, connecting people within 200–400% of the Federal Poverty Level to lawyers who offer legal help at reduced fees. For more information:
(855) 741-6930
http://www.moderatemeanswa.com