legal separations: what if i want a divorce or to get back ... · legal separations: what if i want...

3252EN – Rev. 7/2016

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Legal Separations:

What If I Want a Divorce or to Get Back Together?

Should I use this packet?

Yes, if

• you are already legally separated OR

• have already started the process

This means you have already established the terms of your property division and child

custody.

This packet is for three situations:

• You have a Final Legal Separation Order and want to change it to a divorce OR

• your legal separation case is not yet finalized and want to change it to a divorce case

OR

• you have a Final Legal Separation Order and want to get back together with your

spouse

I have a decree of legal separation. Can I get a divorce?

� A decree of legal separation is a final court order.

Yes, by converting (changing) your Final Legal Separation Order into a Final Divorce Order

(Divorce Decree). Here is how:

• You must wait for at least six months after the entry of your decree of legal

separation.

• Then you must bring a motion before the court to convert the legal separation to a

divorce. The form Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order

is in this publication. See the section called “How to Fill out Forms to Convert

Separation to Divorce.”

• You must note (schedule) the motion for a hearing.

• You must give the other party notice of the hearing and bring proof you gave this

notice. Use the Proof of Personal Service form in this packet.

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� Procedures vary by county. Review your county’s local family law court rules to

find out how/where to note your motion and how much notice to give the other

spouse. Your county’s local court rules may be online.

The court will grant a motion to convert a legal separation to divorce even if both parties

do not agree. You only need one party to want to convert the decree.

The final terms of your legal separation will be the same final terms for your divorce. This

is not a chance to re-negotiate the final orders in your case.

What forms do I need to convert my separation to a divorce?

Here is what is in this packet:

A. Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order - Family Law Divorce

251

B. Confidential Information Form and Attachment- FL All Family 001 & 002

C. Proof of Personal Service - FL All Family 101

D. Case Cover Sheet

� Make a few copies of each blank form in case of mistakes.

You must file the original forms with the clerk. You might want to use blue ink so you know

which forms are originals and which are copies.

When you are done filling out the forms, look them over for mistakes. Make two copies of

all forms. You will have three sets of forms:

• Originals to file with the clerk

• One set of copies for your records

• One set of copies to serve to the opposing party

You should keep these forms together as sets. Keep all originals together to file with the

clerk, and the two sets of copies separated.

You must have your spouse served. You cannot do it yourself. Our packet called How to

Serve the Opposing Party in Your Family Law Case has more information, plus forms and

instructions.

You will also need a check or money order for the filing fee (about $280). If you are very

low-income, you may be able to get the court to waive the fee (excuse you from paying it).

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Our packet called Filing a Motion to Waive Filing Fees has the forms and instructions you

need. The waiver forms are not in this packet.

Can I change my pending (unfinished) legal separation case to a divorce case?

Yes. If either spouse filed a petition for legal separation and you now want a divorce

instead, you must file a Petition for Divorce. Our packet called Filing for Divorce has the

petition and other forms you need to start the divorce case. Those forms are not in this

packet.

You must serve the new petition on your spouse by personal service OR get court

permission to serve by mail or publication. Our packet called How to Serve Papers on the

Other Party in a Family Law Case has forms and instructions for personal service. Our

packet called Service by Certified Mail or Publication has forms and instructions for those

types of service.

� The court will allow either spouse to convert the legal separation to a divorce.

You do not both have to agree.

Both spouses may sign the petition if you agree to everything the Petition asks for. If you do

not agree and only you sign the Petition, you must serve the Petition and the Summons on

your spouse.

If you both agree to the Petition, you should file an Agreement to Join Petition form, FL

All Family 119. This shows that your spouse agrees with the statements in the Petition. If

you file an Agreement to Join Petition, you do not need the Summons.

Once you are done filling out the forms, check them for mistakes. Make two copies of all

forms:

• the originals to file with the clerk

• a set of copies for your records

• a set of copies to serve to the opposing party

You should keep these forms together as sets. Keep all originals together to file with the

clerk, and the two sets of copies separated.

You will also need a check or money order for the filing fee (about $280). If you are very

low-income, you may be able to get the court to waive the fee (excuse you from paying it).

Our packet called Filing for Waiver of Your Filing Fee has the forms and instructions you

need. Those forms are not in this packet.

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� Check your local court rules or ask the court clerk about any waiting period

before the judge will finalize your divorce. You may have to wait at least 90 days

from the date of service of the new Petition for Divorce until the judge will

finalize your case.

We have a Final Legal Separation Order. What if we want to get back together?

Talk to a lawyer about vacating (canceling) the final legal separation order. Courts only

vacate final orders in certain cases. If you have gotten legal advice and decide you can file

this action, our packet called Motion to Vacate a Judgment/Order in a Family Law Case has

forms and instructions.

� You could also divorce and then remarry your spouse. Talk to a lawyer about

your situation.

Where can I get more information?

These publications might help:

• Ending Your Marriage or Domestic Partnership in Washington without Children:

The Basics

• King County Superior Courts Clerk’s Office "DO IT YOURSELF" LEGAL SEPARATION

GUIDELINES

How to Fill out Forms to Convert Your Separation to Divorce

A. Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order (Dissolution

Decree) - FL Divorce 251

Fill out the caption.

1. Check the box showing which party you are in the separation case. In the blank, put the

date the judge entered your Legal Separation Order.

2. Do not make any changes to this section.

Person asking for this order fills out below: Date the form and sign where it says to.

Print or type your name in the next blank.

Check the second box. Fill in your name and address. If you do not want the other party to

know where you live, write in a P.O. box number if you have one, or put the address of a

friend or relative you trust to tell you immediately if you receive any legal papers.

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B. Confidential Information Form and Attachment- FL All Family 001 & 002

� If your address changes before your case is final, you must fill out, file, and serve

a Notice of Address Change, FL All Family 120. Otherwise, legal papers may go to

you at your old address.

1. Put your name. Put the county where the case is filed and the case number. If you

have no case number yet, put the case number when the clerk gives it to you.

2. Check “yes” if restraining order protection orders are currently in place. In the

blank, put who the orders protect. If the orders go into effect later, file a revised and

updated form. Check no and skip to 3 if there is no current restraining order or

protection order in place.

3. Check the first box if you believe the safety of an adult or child would be at risk

by listing your home address. In the blank, explain why.

4. Your Information: In the first table, put the info requested about yourself,

including your driver’s license number and social security number (if you have

these). Skip the second table.

5. Other Party’s Information. In the first table, put as much of the info requested

about the other party as you can. Skip the second table. Use the Attachment to

Confidential Information if there is more than one respondent.

6. Children’s Information. Put as much of the info requested about the children as

you can.

7. Have the children lived with anyone other than… Check no if the children have

only lived with Petitioner or a respondent in the past five years. Skip to 8. Check yes

if the children have lived with someone besides Petitioner or Respondent/s in the

past five years. Put the info requested.

8. Do other children (not parents)… Check no and skip to 9 if only Petitioner and

Respondents have custody or visitation rights. Check yes if other people besides

Petitioner and Respondents have custody or visitation rights. Put as much the info

requested about those people as you know.

9. If you are asking for custody and are not the parent… List any other adults living

in your home. Use the Attachment if there are more than two other adults living in

your home.

Sign and date the form and put the place you signed it.

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C. Proof of Personal Service - WPF DRPSCU 01.0250

Your server must complete a Return of Service. After your server has completed service

and signed the Return of Service form, you must file it with the court.

Caption. Fill out the caption.

1. Put your server’s name here.

2. Personal Service. In the blank, put the other party’s name. The server must check the

box showing how s/he delivered the papers to the other party. If s/he checks the second

box, the server should put in the blank the name of the person s/he gave the papers to.

3. Date, time, and address of service. The server should put the date, time (and check

a.m. or p.m.) and address where s/he served the papers.

4. List all documents you served. Read the list of forms. Check the box to the left of each

form served on that party. Sometimes you must fill in a blank to better describe a form.

(Example: if you check declaration, put the name of the person who wrote the

declaration.) Check other if you had the other party served with any forms not listed. Put

the names of those other forms. You MUST list all the forms you had served on the other

party. If you leave a form off your list, you will have no proof that the other party received

it.

5. Fees charged for service. Usually, only professional servers will use the second box for

fees and mileage.

6. Other information. Your server may put here other information. Examples:

• Your server tries several times to serve the other party. S/he is never home or

cannot be found. The server should put the dates and times and descriptions of each

time s/he tried to serve the other party.

• The server gave the papers to an adult living with the other party who would not

give his/her name. The server should put what the person who received the papers

looks like.

Signature. The server should put the city and state where s/he signed the form and the

date, and sign where it says Signature and then print or type his/her name where it says

to.

To the Server. The server should check this box and fill it out in front of a notary public or

court clerk ONLY if s/he served your partner outside Washington state.

� The server should staple a copy of the summons to the completed Proof of

Service form and give it to you for filing with the court.

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D. Civil Case Cover Sheet

Some local courts have their own forms. Check with the clerk.

Under the words “Case Types 3-6,” write the county your case is in.

Write in the case number.

Write in the Title of the case from your Petition.

In the first column, under “Domestic Relations,” check “Divorce with Children (DIC 3), or

“Divorce without children (DIN 3),” as appropriate.

What if I need Legal Help?

• Apply online with CLEAR*Online - https://nwjustice.org/get-legal-help

or

• Call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014

CLEAR is Washington’s toll-free, centralized intake, advice and referral service for low-

income people seeking free legal assistance with civil legal problems.

• Outside King County: Call 1-888-201-1014 weekdays from 9:15 a.m. until 12:15

p.m.

• King County: Call 211 for information and referral to an appropriate legal services

provider Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. You may also call (206)

461-3200, or the toll-free number, 1-877-211-WASH (9274). You can also get

information on legal service providers in King County through 211’s website at

www.resourcehouse.com/win211/.

• Persons 60 and Over: Persons 60 or over may call CLEAR*Sr at 1-888-387-7111,

regardless of income.

Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers can call CLEAR or 211 using the relay

service of their choice.

211 and CLEAR will conference in interpreters when needed at no cost to callers.

Free legal education publications, videos and self-help packets covering many legal issues

are available at www.washingtonlawhelp.org.

This publication provides general information concerning your rights and responsibilities. It is not intended as a substitute for specific legal advice.

This information is current as of July 2016.

© 2016 Northwest Justice Project — 1-888-201-1014.

(Permission for copying and distribution granted to the Alliance for Equal Justice and to individuals for non-commercial purposes only.)

RCW 26.09.150 Mandatory Form (05/2016) FL Divorce 251

Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order

p. 1 of 2

Superior Court of Washington, County of

In re the marriage of:

Petitioner (person who started this case):

And Respondent (other spouse):

No.

Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree) (MTTC)

Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to

Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree) To both parties: Deadline! Your papers must be filed and served by the deadline in your county’s Local Court Rules, or by the State Court Rules if there is no local rule. Court Rules and forms are online at www.courts.wa.gov. If you want the court to consider your side, you must: � File your original documents with the Superior Court Clerk; AND � Give the Judge/Commissioner a copy of your papers (if required by your county’s Local Court Rules); AND � Have a copy of your papers served on all other parties or their lawyers; AND

� Go to the hearing.

The court may not allow you to testify at the motion hearing. Read your county’s Local Court Rules, if any.

Bring proposed orders to the hearing.

To the person filing this motion:

You must schedule a hearing on this motion. You may use the Notice of Hearing (form FL All Family 185) unless your county’s Local Court Rules require a different form. Contact the court for scheduling information.

To the person receiving this motion: If you do not agree with the requests in this motion, file a statement (using form FL All Family 135, Declaration) explaining why the court should not approve those requests. You may file other written proof supporting your side.

1. I am the (check one): Petitioner Respondent in this case. I declare:

� My marriage is irretrievably broken. � The court issued a Legal Separation Order at least 6 months ago on (date): .

2. I ask the court to convert that Legal Separation Order to a Final Divorce Order (Dissolution Decree) as allowed by RCW 26.09.150.

RCW 26.09.150 Mandatory Form (05/2016) FL Divorce 251

Motion to Convert Legal Separation Order to Final Divorce Order

p. 2 of 2

Person asking for this order fills out below: I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the facts I have provided on this form are true. Signed at Date: city state Person asking for this order signs here Print name here I agree to accept legal papers for this case at (check one):

my lawyer’s address, listed below.

the following address (this does not have to be your home address): street address or PO box city state zip (Optional) email:

(If this address changes before the case ends, you must notify all parties and the court clerk in writing. You may use the Notice of Address Change form (FL All Family 120).)

Lawyer (if any) fills out below:

Lawyer signs here Print name and WSBA No. Date

Lawyer’s street address or PO box city state zip Email (if applicable):

RCW 26.23.050; 26.50.160; GR 22 Mandatory Form (05/2016) FL All Family 001

Confidential Information

p. 1 of 2

Confidential Information (CIF)

Clerk: Do not file in a public access file Superior Court of Washington, County:

Case No.:

Important! Only court staff and some state agencies may see this form. The other party and his/her lawyer may not see this form unless a court order allows it. State agencies may disclose the information in this form according to their own rules.

1. Who is completing this form? (Name):

2. Is there a current restraining or protection order involving the parties or children? Yes No If Yes, who does the order protect? (Name/s):

3. Does your address information need to be confidential to protect your or your children’s health, safety, or liberty? (Check one): Yes No

If Yes, explain why?

4. Your Information

Full name (first, middle, last):

Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

Sex: M F

Driver’s license/Identicard (#, state):

Race:

Relationship to children in this case:

Mailing address (This address will not be kept private.) (street address or PO box, city, state zip):

If your case is only about a protection order, the information below is not required. Skip to 5.

Home address (check one): same as mailing address listed below (street, city, state, zip):

Phone: Email: Social Sec. #:

Employer’s name: Employer’s phone:

Employer’s address:

5. Other Party’s Information – This person is a (check one): Petitioner Respondent



Sex: M F


Race:








RCW 26.23.050; 26.50.160; GR 22 Mandatory Form (05/2016) FL All Family 001

Confidential Information

p. 2 of 2

� Skip sections 6 – 9 if your case does not involve children. Sign at t he end.

6. Children’s Information (You do not have to fill out the children’s Social Security numbers if your case is only about a protection order.)

Child’s full name (first, middle, last)

Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Race Sex Soc. Sec. # Current location: lives with

1. M F

Petitioner Respondent other:

2. M F


3. M F


4. M F


5. M F


6. M F


7. Have the children lived with anyone other than Peti tioner or Respondent during the last five years? (Check one): No Yes If Yes, fill out below:

Children lived with (name) That person’s current address

1.

2.

8. Do other people (not parents) have custody or visit ation rights to the children? (Check one): No Yes If Yes, fill out below:

Person with rights (name) That person’s current address

1.

2.

9. If you are asking for custody and are not the paren t, list all other adults living in your home:

1. (Name): Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

2. (Name): Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

I declare under penalty of perjury under Washington State law that the information on this form about me is true. The information about the other party is the best information I have or is unavailable because (explain):

Check here if you need more space to list other Petitioners, Respondents, or children. Put that information on the Attachment to Confidential Information, form FL All Family 002, and attach it to this form.

Signed at (city and state): Date:

Petitioner/Respondent signs here Print name here

RCW 26.23.050 Mandatory Form (05/2016) FL All Family 002

Attachment to Confidential Information (Additional Parties or Children)

p. 1 of 1

Attachment to Confidential Information (Additional Parties or Children) (AT)

Clerk: Do not file in a public access file

County:

Case No.:

Use this form if there are more parties or children in your case than you can list on the Confidential Information form. 1. Other Party’s Information (if any) – This person is a (check one): Petitioner Respondent



Sex: M F


Race:








2. Other Party’s Information (if any) – This person is a (check one): Petitioner Respondent



Sex: M F


Race:








3. Other Children’s Information (if any) (You do not have to fill out the children’s Social Security numbers if your case is only about a protection order.)

Child’s full name (first, middle, last)

Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

Race Sex Soc. Sec. # Current location: lives with

7. M F


8. M F


CR 4(g), RCW 4.28.080(15) Optional Form (05/2016) FL All Family 101

Proof of Personal Service p. 1 of 3

Superior Court of Washington, County of

In re: Petitioner/s (person/s who started this case):

And Respondent/s (other party/parties):

No.

Proof of Personal Service (AFSR)

Proof of Personal Service

Server declares:

1. My name is: . I am not a party to this case. I am 18 or older.

2. Personal Service I served court documents for this case to (name of party): by (check one):

giving the documents directly to him/her.

giving the documents to (name): , a person of suitable age and discretion who lives at the same address as the party.

3. Date, time, and address of service

Date: Time: a.m. p.m.

Address:

Number and street city state zip

4. List all documents you served (check all that apply): (The most common documents are listed below. Check only those documents that were served. Use the “Other” boxes to write in the title of each document you served that is not already listed.)

Petition to/for



Summons (Attach a copy.) Notice of Hearing

Order Setting Case Schedule Motion for Temporary Family Law Order and Restraining Order

Notice Re Military Dependent Proposed Temporary Family Law Order

Proposed Parenting Plan Motion for Immediate Restraining Order (Ex Parte)

Proposed Child Support Order Immediate Restraining Order (Ex Parte) and Hearing Notice

Proposed Child Support Worksheets Restraining Order

Sealed Financial Documents Motion for Contempt Hearing

Financial Declaration Order to Go to Court for Contempt Hearing

Declaration of:

Notice of Intent to Move with Children (Relocation)

Declaration of:

Objection about Moving with Children and Petition about Changing a Parenting/ Custody Order (Relocation)

Other:

Other:

Other:

Other:

5. Fees charged for service Does not apply.

Fees: $ _______ + Mileage $ _______ = Total: $________

6. Other Information (if any):

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the statements on this form are true.

Signed at (city and state): Date:

Signature of server Print or type name of server

To the party having these documents served: • File the original Proof of Personal Service with the court clerk. • If you served a Restraining Order signed by the court, you must also give a copy of this Proof

of Personal Service and a Law Enforcement Information Sheet to law enforcement.

To the Server: check here if you personally served the documents outside Washington state. Your signature must be notarized or sworn before a court clerk. (For personal service in Washington state, your signature does not need to be notarized or sworn before a court clerk.)



Signed and sworn to before me on (date): .

Signature of notary or court clerk

Print name of notary or court clerk

I am a notary public in and for the state of: My commission expires:

I am a court clerk in a court of record in

(county):

(Print seal above.) (state):

If you cannot determine the appropriate category, please describe the cause of action below. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please Note: Public information in court files and pleadings may be posted on a public Web site.

CASE TYPES 3 - 6 ___________________________ COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

CASE INFORMATION COVER SHEET

Case Number ___________________ Case Title _______________________________________ Attorney Name ____________________________ Bar Membership Number _________________

Please check one category that best describes this case for indexing purposes. Accurate case indexing not only saves time in docketing new cases, but helps in forecasting needed judicial resources. Cause of action definitions are listed on the back of this form. Thank you for your cooperation.

DOMESTIC RELATIONS

___ Annulment/Invalidity (INV 3) ___ Child Custody (CUS 3) ___ Committed Intimate Relationship (CIR 3) ___ Dissolution with Children (DIC 3) ___ Dissolution with no Children (DIN 3) ___ Dissolution of Domestic Partnership with Children (DPC 3) ___ Dissolution of Domestic Partnership with No Children (DPN 3) ___ Foreign Judgment (FJU 3) ___ Invalidity-Domestic Partnership (INP 3) ___ Legal Separation (SEP 3) ___ Legal Separation-Domestic Partnership (SPD 3) ___ Mandatory Wage Assignment (MWA 3) ___ Modification (MOD 3) ___ Modification: Support Only (MDS 3) ___ Out-of-State Custody (OSC 3) ___ Parenting Plan/Child Support (PPS 3) ___ Reciprocal, Respondent in County (RIC 3) ___ Reciprocal, Respondent Out of County (ROC 3)

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ANTIHARASSMENT

___ Confidential Name Change (CHN 5)

MENTAL ILLNESS

___ Alcohol/Drug Treatment (ALT 6) ___ Mental Illness-Adult (MI 6) ___ Mental Illness-Juvenile (MIJ 6) ___ Mental Illness-Other Venue (MIO 6)

___ Mental Illness-Family Petition (MIF 6)

ADOPTION/PARENTAGE

___ Adoption (ADP 5) ___ Confidential Intermediary (MSC 5) ___ Initial Pre-Placement Report (PPR 5) ___ Modification (MOD 5) ___ Parentage (PAT 5) ___ Parentage/URESA/UIFSA (PUR 5) ___ Relinquishment (REL 5) ___ (Title 26)Termination of Parent-Child Relationship (TER 5)

PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP

___ Absentee (ABS 4) ___ Disclaimer (DSC 4) ___ Estate (EST 4) ___ Foreign Will (FNW 4) ___ Guardianship (GDN 4) ___ Guardianship/Estate (G/E 4) ___ Guardianship of the Estate (GDE 4) ___ Guardianship of the Person (GDP 4) ___ Limited Guardianship (LGD 4) ___ Limited Guardianship of the Estate (LGE 4) ___ Limited Guardianship of the Person (LGP 4) ___ Minor Guardianship (MGD 4) ___ Minor Settlement (With guardianship) (MST 4) ___ Non-Probate Notice to Creditors (NNC 4) ___ Sealed Will Repository (SWR 4) ___ Trust/Estate Dispute Resolution (TDR 4) ___ Trust (TRS 4) ___ Will Only (WLL 4)

Case Types 3 - 6 Last Revised: 6/23/2015

DOMESTIC RELATIONS Annulment--Invalidity --Petition claiming an illegal or invalid marriage.

Child Custody --Petition involving the immediate charge and control of a child. Committed Intimate Relationship-

Petition for distribution of property from a committed intimate relationship (i.e., a stable, marital-like relationship where both parties cohabit with knowledge that a lawful marriage between them does not exist).

Dissolution with Children --Petition to terminate a marriage other than annulment, with children of that marriage.

Dissolution with no Children --Petition to terminate a marriage other than annulment, with no children of that marriage.

Dissolution of Domestic Partnership–With Children --Petition to terminate a domestic partnership, other than annulment, with children of that domestic partnership.

Dissolution of Domestic Partnership–With No Children --Petition to terminate a domestic partnership, other than annulment, with no children of that domestic partnership.

Foreign Judgment --A judgment, decree, or order of a court of the United States, or any state or territory, which is entitled to full faith and credit in this state.

Invalidity–Domestic Partnership -- Petition to invalidate a domestic partnership.

Legal Separation --Petition to live separate and apart.

Legal Separation-Domestic Partnership -- Petition to live separate and apart in a domestic partnership.

Mandatory Wage Assignment --Petition for wage assignment.

Modification --Petition seeking amendment of a previous order or decree.

Modification: Support Only --Petition seeking amendment of a previous order or decree regarding support. Out-of-State Custody --Recording custody established out-of-state. Parenting Plan/Child Support —Petition for Residential Schedule/Parenting Plan/Child Support in circumstances set forth in RCW 26.26.375.

Reciprocal, Respondent-in-County -Petition to enforce orders between states under URESA for respondents in the county.

Reciprocal, Respondent-Out-of-County-Petition to enforce orders between states under URESA for respondents out of the county.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ ANTIHARASSMENT Confidential Name Change --Petition for name change, when domestic violence/antiharassment issues require confidentiality. MENTAL ILLNESS Alcohol/Drug Treatment --Petition for involuntary treatment for one who is incapacitated by alcohol or drugs.

Mental Illness--Adult --Petition for involuntary treatment for an adult who is incapacitated by mental illness. Mental Illness--Juvenile --Petition for involuntary treatment for a juvenile who is incapacitated by mental illness.

Mental Illness–Other Venue --Petition to modify or revoke a Less Restrictive Alternative originally issued in another county.

Mental Illness-Family Petition -- Petition for review of a DMHP decision to not detain a person for evaluation and treatment involuntary treatment under the Involuntary Treatment Act. Petition filed by family member, guardian, or conservator of the person named in the petition. ADOPTION/PARENTAGE Adoption --Petition to establish a new, permanent relationship of parent and child not having that relationship.

Confidential Intermediary --Petition to appoint a confidential intermediary to contact the adopted person(s), birth parent(s), or other relative(s).

Initial Pre-Placement --An initial pre-placement report filed on a child by the DSHS prior to the filing of adoption papers.

Modification --Petition seeking amendment of a previous order or decree.

Parentage --Petition to determine the legal status of a parent.

Paternity/URESA/UIFSA --Petition to determine the legal status of a parent which is filed in conjunction with the reciprocal report entered under the URESA or UIFSA acts.

Relinquishment --Petition to relinquish a child to DSHS, an agency, or a prospective adoptive parent.

(Title 26) Termination of Parent-Child Relationship --Petition to terminate a parent-child relationship when parent has not executed a written consent. PROBATE/GUARDIANSHIP Absentee --Petition to determine the location of absent owner of real or personal property.

Disclaimer --Recording a written

instrument disclaiming an interest by beneficiaries.

Estate --Petition seeking court settlement of a deceased person's property.

Foreign Will --Filing of a will for probate that has been proved in another state, territory, or foreign country.

Guardianship --Petition to appoint a guardian over a person and estate to manage the affairs of an incompetent or non-resident person.

Guardianship/Estate --Petition seeking court settlement for the property of a deceased person who was the ward of a guardian.

Guardianship of the Estate – Petition to appoint a guardian over the estate to manage the affairs of an incompetent or non-resident person.

Guardianship of the Person – Petition to appoint a guardian over a person to manage the affairs of an incompetent or non-resident person.

Limited Guardianship --Petition to appoint a limited guardian with only partial responsibility for the ward's person and property, where the ward is not fully incompetent.

Limited Guardianship of the Estate --Petition to appoint a limited guardian with only partial responsibility for the person’s property, where the ward is not fully incompetent.

Limited Guardianship of the Person --Petition to appoint a limited guardian with only partial responsibility for the person, where the ward is not fully incompetent.

Minor Guardianship --Petition is based solely on the underage status of the Ward/Minor.

Minor Settlements --Petition for a court decision that an award to a minor is appropriate when letters of guardianship are required (e.g., net settlement value is greater than $25,000).

Non-Probate Notice to Creditors --The filing of a non-probate notice to creditors in a case in which no probate action is expected (e.g., an estate with a living trust which does not require probate, providing the heirs with an opportunity to start the time period for creditor filing of claims).

Sealed Will Repository – Filing a will under seal before a testator’s death, as authorized by RCW 11.12.265.

Trust/Estate Dispute Resolution – The filing of a dispute in any estate, guardianship, or trust.

Trust -- A case filed, by order, separately from a guardianship or probate case.

Will Only --Filing a will when no further action shall be taken.