About the WA court parenting seminar requierment  

Divorcing parents typically learn about the mandatory parenting seminar requirement through a standardized, multi-step process that is initiated by the Superior Court in the county where they file their petition.

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How this information is conveyed:

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1. Initial Filing Documents (The Legal Trigger)
The requirement is immediately communicated through the legal paperwork the petitioner (the person initiating the divorce) files with the County Clerk.

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The initial "Summons" and "Petition for Dissolution" documents often include a mandatory notice about the parenting seminar requirement, citing the relevant state law (RCW 26.12.172) and the local Superior Court rule.

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Many Superior Courts automatically issue a Case Schedule upon filing. This schedule is a court order that dictates deadlines for the case, and it will list the required completion date for the parenting seminar.

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2. Local Court Information and Orders
The local Superior Court system is responsible for providing the specific details about where to take the class.

Mandatory Court Order (Often Included in Packets):

In many Washington counties, the court will issue a specific Order Requiring Attendance at a Parenting Seminar (often called a "Parenting Seminar Order").

 

This is sometimes attached to the Summons and tells the parents:

- What: They must complete an approved seminar.

- When: The sooner the better, the deadline (e.g., within 60 days of filing).

- Where: It directs them to a specific court website page or a Family Court Services office to obtain the list of approved providers for that county.

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3. Website:

Most WA State Superior Courts have a detailed website, with important information.

 

4. Family Court Facilitators:

​This is an important resource for co-parents with no legal representation.  In English and Spanish.

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The parents are directed to a webpage that holds the official, court-approved list of providers and instructions for submitting the certificate.

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5. Verification and Enforcement
The Final Hearing:

At the final hearing where the divorce decree is signed, the judge requires formal Proof of Completion (the certificate) from both parents.

If the certificate is missing or from a non-approved provider, the judge might refuse to finalize the divorce or approve the final parenting plan, ordering the parent to comply.​​

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For more specific details check WA State Superior Court  2025 directory 

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