General information
If there is a substantial change in circumstances after your parenting plan and/or custody order have been finalized, you can petition the court for a 'modification' of the plan and/or order.
Clark County's Family Court Facilitator program provides assistance to individuals who choose to represent themselves in matters dealing with many family law issues. The facilitator is available for in-person assistance by appointment for a fee.
Modification of a final parenting plan
Information
Washington LawHelp has some helpful guides in the Family: Parenting Plans/Custody section related to changing parenting plans.
Forms and instructions
Washington State's official mandatory pattern forms for parenting plan modification can be found on the State Court website.
Clark County's Family Court Facilitator has instructions and checklists of forms for many family law cases including modification of a final parenting plan:
Resources available from Washington LawHelp include:
- File a Petition to Change a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Custody Order.
- Respond to a Petition to Change a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Custody Order
- Finalize a Petition to Change a Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Custody Order
If you want to add immediate and/or temporary orders to your case, Washington LawHelp has forms and instructions:
- Ask for Immediate Restraining Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases
- Ask for Temporary Family Law Orders: Petition to Change Parenting Plan Cases
For additional information about immediate and temporary orders, see the steps in a family law case page.
Modification of a child support order
Information
Washington LawHelp has some general information and guides in the Family: Child Support section to modify a final child support order or to respond to a request to modify the child support.
Forms and instructions
Washington State's official mandatory pattern forms for child support modification can be found on the State Court website.
Clark County's Family Court Facilitator has instructions and checklists of forms for many family law cases including modification of a final child support order:
Resources available from Washington LawHelp include:
- File a Petition to Modify a Child Support Court Order
- Respond to a Petition to Modify a Child Support Court Order
- Finalize a Modification of a Child Support Court Order
Information, forms, and instructions for requesting child support for college:
- How to Request Post-Secondary Education Support or Child Support for College in Washington State from Navigate Law Group
- Getting Child Support after High School from Washington LawHelp