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Washington Parenting Plan

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Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law on Petition for Residential Schedule/Parenting Plan or Child Support (FNFCL)

Superior Court of Washington

County of

In re the Parenting and Support of:

Child(ren),

Petitioner,

and

Respondent.

No.

Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law on Petition for Residential Schedule/Parenting Plan or Child Support (FNFCL)

I. Basis for Findings

The findings are based upon:

agreement of the parties.

an order of default entered on

a hearing held on . The following people attended:

Mother    Mother’s Attorney

Acknowledged Father    Acknowledged Father’s Attorney

Guardian ad Litem    Other:

II. Findings of Fact

Upon the basis of the court record, the court Finds:

2.1 Notice and Basis of Personal Jurisdiction Over the Parties

All parties necessary to adjudicate the issues were served with a copy of the summons and petition and are subject to the jurisdiction of this court. The facts below establish personal jurisdiction over the parties:

The mother and acknowledged father engaged in sexual intercourse in the state of Washington as a result of which the child was conceived.

Respondent was personally served with summons and petition within this state.

Respondent submits to jurisdiction of this state by consent.

Respondent resided with the child in this state.

Respondent resided in this state and provided prenatal expenses or support for the child.

The child resides in this state as a result of the acts or directives of respondent.

Other:

2.2 Period for Challenge to the Acknowledgement or Denial of Paternity

, the child’s acknowledged father and , the child’s mother signed the Acknowledgment of Paternity, which was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics on

the child’s presumed father, signed a Denial of Paternity, which was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics on

This proceeding was begun more than 60 days from the effective date of the Acknowledgement of Paternity and

a period of two years or more has passed since the date the acknowledgment and denial of paternity was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics.

less than two years has passed since the date the acknowledgment or denial of paternity was filed with the Washington State Registrar of Vital Statistics, and petitioner specifically alleges:

a) No man other than the acknowledged father is the father of the child; and

b) No proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of the child is currently pending; and

c) No other man is an adjudicated father of the child; and

d) Notice of this proceeding has been provided to all other men who have claimed parentage of the child.

2.3 The Child Affected in This Action

This action affects:

[Name], [Age].

[Name], [Age].

[Name], [Age].

2.4 Basis for Jurisdiction Over the Child

This court has jurisdiction over the child for the reasons set forth below:

This court has exclusive continuing jurisdiction. The court has previously made a child custody, parenting plan, residential schedule or visitation determination in this matter and retains jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.211.

This state is the home state of the child because

the child lived in Washington with a parent or person acting as a parent for at least six consecutive months immediately preceding the commencement of this proceeding.

the child is less than six months old and has lived in Washington with a parent or a person acting as parent since birth.

any absences from Washington have only been temporary.

Washington was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of this proceeding and the child is absent from the state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state.

The child and the parents or the child and at least one parent or person acting as a parent, have significant connection with the state other than mere physical presence; and substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child’s care, protection, training and personal relationships and

the child has no home state elsewhere.

the child’s home state has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under RCW 26.27.261 or .271.

All courts in the child’s home state have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under RCW 26.27.261 or .271.

No other state has jurisdiction.

This court has temporary emergency jurisdiction over this proceeding because the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child is subjected to or threatened with abuse. RCW 26.27.231.

There is a previous custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter or a child custody proceeding has been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221. The requirements of RCW 26.27.231(3) apply to this matter. This state’s jurisdiction over the children shall last until

There is no previous custody determination that is entitled to be enforced under this chapter and a child custody proceeding has not been commenced in a court of a state having jurisdiction under RCW 26.27.201 through 26.27.221. If an action is not filed in by the time the child has been in Washington for six months, , then Washington's jurisdiction will be final and continuing.

Other:

2.5 Child Support

Does not apply.

A child support order was entered on requiring to pay $ per month for the support of the child.

The child is in need of support and child support should be set pursuant to the Washington State Child Support Schedule. The order of child support signed by the court on and the child support worksheet which has been approved by the court are incorporated by reference in these findings.

Other:

2.6 Residential Schedule/Parenting Plan

Does not apply.

The residential schedule/parenting plan signed by the court on is approved and incorporated as part of these findings.

This residential schedule/parenting plan is the result of an agreement of the parties.

Other:

2.7 Reimbursement

Does not apply.

The state of Washington or is entitled to reimbursement for support or assistance provided to the child, for expenses incurred on behalf of the child.

2.8 Continuing Restraining Order

Does not apply.

A continuing restraining order against the father mother both parties is necessary because:

Other:

2.9 Protection Order

Does not apply.

A domestic violence protection order protecting from is necessary based upon declarations in the file or attached.

If the duration of this order exceeds one year, the court finds that an order of one year or less will be insufficient to prevent further acts of domestic violence.

2.10 Other

III. Conclusions of Law

3.1 Jurisdiction

The court has jurisdiction to enter an order in this matter.

The court does not have jurisdiction to enter an order because this matter was commenced less than 60 days from the effective date of the acknowledgment of paternity and the case is dismissed.

The court does not have jurisdiction to enter an order in this matter and it is dismissed.

3.2 Disposition

The court shall enter an order that:

Declares this proceeding was was not properly begun.

Makes provision for a residential schedule/parenting plan, or past and current support, and health insurance coverage for the child.

Awards court costs, guardian ad litem, attorney, and other reasonable fees.

Makes provision for reimbursement for support or assistance provided to the child, for expenses incurred on behalf of the child.

Makes provision for a domestic violence protection order with an expiration date of

Makes provision for a continuing restraining order.

3.3 Other

Dated:

Judge/Commissioner

Presented by:

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name Date

Approved for entry:

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name Date

Notice of presentation waived:

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name Date

Signature of Party or Lawyer/WSBA No.

Print or Type Name Date

Enter text✕

What the Washington Parenting Plan Covers

A Washington Parenting Plan is a court-focused parenting arrangement used in family law cases to document custody, residential schedule, decision-making authority, and dispute-resolution procedures for minor children. The plan describes regular parenting time, holidays, transportation responsibilities, communication methods, and processes for medical and educational decision-making. Courts in Washington typically review parenting plans in the context of divorce, legal separation, or modifications where the child's best interests are at issue. A carefully prepared plan clarifies expectations for both parents, reduces recurring disputes, and provides the court with a written framework to enforce or modify parenting orders when necessary.

Why a Written Parenting Plan Matters in Washington

A written Washington Parenting Plan creates a clear record of parental responsibilities and a predictable schedule for the child. It helps courts evaluate what arrangement serves the child's best interests and provides enforceable terms for custody, decision-making, and exchanges.

Why a Written Parenting Plan Matters in Washington

Typical People and Professionals Involved

The Washington Parenting Plan is completed by parents, attorneys, mediators, or court facilitators when custody or parenting time is at issue.

  • Parents negotiating custody and residential schedules for minor children.
  • Family law attorneys preparing court-ready parenting plans and supporting pleadings.
  • Mediators and parenting coordinators formalizing agreements reached outside court.

Courts review submitted plans; judges may adopt a plan as an enforceable order or require modifications to protect the child’s best interests.

Step-by-step: Completing a Washington Parenting Plan

Follow a consistent sequence: gather documents, draft the schedule, agree on decision-making, add dispute procedures, then file or submit to the court.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, birth certificates, and prior orders.
  • 02
    Draft Schedule: Write weekly, holiday, and vacation time clearly.
  • 03
    Agree Decisions: Define legal custody and day-to-day authority.
  • 04
    File with Court: Submit with pleadings or proposed order.

Core sections to include in a professional parenting plan

A thorough Washington Parenting Plan organizes custody, time, decision-making, logistics, health and education details, and processes for modifications or emergencies.

Custody Allocation

Specify legal custody type and which parent makes major decisions. Clarify whether decision-making is joint, shared by issue, or exclusive to one parent.

Residential Schedule

Provide a detailed weekly schedule with times, handoff locations, and transportation responsibilities for weekdays and weekends.

Holidays & Vacations

List holiday rotation, special days, and vacation notice requirements including maximum consecutive days away and procedures for international travel.

Communication Rules

Describe phone, video, and email access, expected response times, and rules about contact during parenting time to minimize conflict.

Health & Education

Identify primary care provider, insurance details, emergency protocols, and how educational decisions and records requests will be handled.

Dispute Resolution

Include mediation or parenting coordinator steps and timelines before either party returns to court for enforcement or modification.

Essential factual items to provide

Child DOB: MM/DD/YYYY
Parent Contact: Phone and email
Addresses: Street, city, state
Medical Info: Insurance carrier
School Details: School name, district
Emergency Contact: Name and phone

Common consequences of incomplete or incorrect plans

Court Delay: Proceedings delayed
Enforcement Risk: Order not enforceable
Income Effects: Support calculations affected
Travel Restrictions: International travel denied
Emergency Confusion: Care decisions conflicted
Modification Costs: Additional attorney fees

Frequent drafting errors to avoid

  • Vague time language such as 'alternate weekends' without defining start and end times creates frequent disputes and inconsistent enforcement.
  • Conflicting dates between the parenting plan and other court filings cause administrative rejections or require clarifying affidavits and amendments.
  • Omitting decision-making scope for education, medical, or religious matters forces courts to interpret intent and increases contested litigation.
  • Failure to specify exchange locations or transportation responsibilities leads to daily friction, missed handoffs, and motion practice for enforcement.

How electronic completion and submission usually works

Digital workflows let parties complete, sign, and send a parenting plan for court submission while preserving an audit trail and timestamped records.

  • Upload Document: Start with a PDF or DOCX template.
  • Place Fields: Add signature, date, and text fields.
  • Signers Execute: Parents sign electronically with consent.
  • Save & File: Download executed copy for court filing.

Typical online workflow settings for a parenting plan

Choose authentication level, required fields, and retention settings consistent with court and evidence needs before sending.

Field Configuration
Signer Authentication Email or SMS code
Required Fields Signatures and dates enforced
Document Retention Enable PDF + audit trail
Access Links Single-use or time-limited

Technical and security considerations for eSubmission

Ensure the platform supports PDF, Word DOCX import, audit trails, and secure storage before using it for court documents.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3; AES-256 at rest
  • Integrations: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365

Keep a local copy of the signed parenting plan and the platform’s audit trail; courts accept electronic records when they meet ESIGN/UETA evidentiary requirements.

Timing and filing expectations

Deadlines vary by county and case type; allow extra time for service, notarization, and court acceptance when submitting parenting plans.

Filing Window:

File with initial custody pleadings or when seeking modification.

Service Requirements:

Serve the other parent per local rules, often by mail or personal service.

Response Time:

Opposing party typically has a set period to respond under court rules.

Hearing Scheduling:

Allow multiple weeks for hearing availability in busy jurisdictions.

Emergency Modifications:

Courts may act immediately for safety or urgent welfare concerns.

eSignature platform pricing and capability snapshot

Basic pricing and feature availability for common eSignature providers. signNow is listed first; plan names and starting prices reflect typical annual billing tiers.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical examples of parenting plan use in Washington cases

Two concise examples show how a parenting plan functions in settlement and modification contexts.

Settlement Agreement

Parties agreed on a detailed weekly schedule and holiday rotation to avoid court hearings

  • The plan specified exchange locations and transportation responsibilities
  • The court adopted the plan into a final order, reducing follow-up disputes and clarifying enforcement steps for missed exchanges.

Post-Judgment Modification

A parent sought modification after relocation requiring a new schedule and mediation steps

  • The submitted parenting plan proposed revised vacation blocks and remote communication rules
  • The judge approved interim temporary provisions pending a full hearing, supported by the written plan’s clarity.

Frequently asked questions about the Washington Parenting Plan

Answers to common questions about drafting, signing, filing, and modifying parenting plans in Washington courts.


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