Information

 

FAMILY COURT FACILITATOR

**APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE**

 

Clark County Courthouse - 1st Floor

1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292, Option #2 (information only)

Walk-In Hours:

By appointment only

 

The Family Court Facilitator program provides assistance to citizens who cannot afford an attorney or choose to represent themselves in matters dealing with:
Dissolution (Divorce) Legal Separation Custody Issues
Child Support Modifications Parenting Plan Modifications Restraining Orders
Contempt of Court Temporary Orders Relocations
Establishing a Parenting Plan    

Self-Help Form Packets

Self-help form packets are available for purchase at the Clerk’s Office on the first floor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays and Closed from 12-1pm for the lunch hour.  Form packet prices are outlined below.

Forms can also be downloaded from the Washington Courts website, but parties are strongly encouraged to purchase self-help packets to ensure that they get the proper forms along with the instructions they may need.

          Form packet costs:

 
  • Dissolution/Legal Separation with children - $50.00
  • Dissolution/Legal Separation no children - $30.00
  • Modification of child support - $30.00
  • Modification of Parenting Plan - $30.00
  • Modification/Termination of Non-Parent Custody $20.00
  • Relocation - $30.00
  • Paternity - $50.00
  • Writ of Habeas Corpus re: custody - $15.00
Facilitator Fee Notice:

The facilitator fee is $20.00 for a 20-minute visit.  The cashier accepts cash, cashier's checks, money orders, or debit/credit cards (with a fee).  Personal checks ARE NOT accepted. Please visit the clerk’s office and the front counter staff will schedule an appointment for you.  You are required to pay for the appointment at the time of scheduling and you must take your receipt to your scheduled appointment.

The facilitator is available for in-person assistance only, no telephone calls, e-mails or mail are accepted.  Facilitator services are neutral. Facilitators cannot provide referrals. Services are NOT confidential and facilitators are NOT responsible for the outcome of your case.  Packets and facilitator fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.

How facilitators can assist:
  • Provide information on how to start certain family law actions
  • Provide information on necessary forms
  • Provide information on court rules, procedures, and case schedules
  • Provide written instructions for many family law actions
  • Review forms you have filled out prior to your visit to make sure they are complete
  • Provide information on other court and community resources
  • Explain local procedures for setting motions and other hearings on the court calendars
What facilitators CANNOT do:
  • Provide legal advice or assist in trial preparation
  • Fill out your papers for you or tell you how to fill them out
  • Assist people who are represented by attorneys
  • Assist people who are uncertain what kind of legal action they need
  • Assist people with adoptions, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, criminal charges, juvenile dependency, name changes, traffic citations, estate and probate matters
Other Form availability:
  • Washington State Courts - www.courts.wa.gov/forms (free download)
  • Clark County Forms
  • Northwest Justice Project - washingtonlawhelp.org (free download)
  • Clark County Law Library (1st floor of Courthouse)
  • Fort Vancouver Regional Library (901 C St., Vancouver, WA)
 Helpful resources and links: