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Legal Information: Washington

Custody

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Laws current as of August 1, 2024

Do I need a lawyer?

Although a person can represent himself/herself in court, it is highly recommended that people going through a custody case try to get legal representation.  The information we provide here should get you started and help you with basic questions you might have. However, custody issues are complicated, and parties frequently benefit from the help of a lawyer.  Unfortunately, you do not have a right to have a lawyer appointed for you in a civil case, but you may be able to talk to a lawyer for free or get a low-cost consultation for legal advice.  For a list of legal resources, please see our WA Finding a Lawyer page. 

If you are going to be in court without a lawyer, our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section may be useful to you.

Legal Information

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