July 1, 2025
Court Pattern Form Announcement
The Administrative Office of the Courts has updated and removed court pattern forms on the Washington Court Forms homepage (https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.home&dis=y). You may not be able to locate all the updated forms at the link provided above. However, we are working to improve those options over time. You may access a list of all forms at: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=14.
The following form sets were updated for July 1,2025, and the quick links to them are provided below:
Felony Judgment & Sentencing Forms – Summary of Changes
Juvenile Forms – Summary of Changes
Protection Order Forms – Summary of Changes
Additional forms will be published for the July 27, 2025 publication date.
Washington’s collection of translated court forms is growing. You can find links to translated pattern forms on our homepage. We thank the Washington Pattern Forms Committee and subcommittees for updating the existing forms for statewide use.
We also appreciate the feedback received from our court form users. Any feedback or questions about the court forms can be provided to the Washington Pattern Forms Committee at this link: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.formsComments.
Thank you.
Joy Moore, Ashley Beeman, and Wendy Lamar
Senior Legal Analysts | Office of Legal Services & Appellate Court Support
Administrative Office of the Courts
www.courts.wa.gov
June 30, 2025
Director II – Family Court Operations
King County
Salary: $154,716.02 - $194,738.00 Annually
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty/jobs/4982388/director-ii-family-court-operations
King County Superior Court is accepting applications for the position of
Director II – Family Court Operations to lead this critical court department.
Summary
King County Superior Court is seeking a creative, collaborative and inclusive leader for the Family Court Operations department. The individual selected will have unique opportunities and challenges in leading the department's work to develop and implement Family Court policies and procedures to improve the legal system for families and children. The incumbent will be instrumental in promoting the court’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work throughout the Family Court Department and working with other court leaders to continue this work court-wide.
Working cooperatively with other major decision-makers and justice agencies in the public and private sectors, Family Court Operations provide services and support to assist those families engaged in court actions. This position works closely with Family Law/UFC Chief and Lead judges to further the work of the department through development and implementation of practices, policies and procedures consistent with the Court's mission and values.
The responsibilities of this position include directing all aspects of the Family Court Operations department, including but not limited to: Family Court Services, Family Law Self-Help Programs, Becca programs, Dependency CASA, Family Treatment Court, and Family Law and Dependency administrative support. Family Court Operations department provides a wide variety of services in a culturally-competent and trauma-informed manner for families and children involved in the court system. The incumbent is responsible for the department’s social services, case flow management, budgeting, personnel and facilities management in multiple locations. The Director supervises department staff directly and through subordinate managers and supervisors.
It is the vision of KCSC to be open to all, trusted by all, and to provide justice for all. To fulfill Superior Court's Mission, Values, and Vision, employees at all levels serve the complex needs of a diverse population of Court users. Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation. At KCSC, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging.
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If you have questions regarding this position, please call King County Superior Court Human Resources at (206) 477-1536.
June 23, 2025
Mid-Year Conference Scholarship Opportunities
Want to attend the 2025 WSBA Family Law Section Midyear? If you want to attend, but are hesitating because of the cost, wait no longer! The Family Law Section is offering several scholarship opportunities because we want to see you this year at the Midyear. Here are the details of the remaining scholarship we are offering:
The Family law Executive Committee is pleased to offer 10 tuition scholarships in the amount of $212.50 each, providing a 50% discount off the regular registration fee. This scholarship is available for attorneys who serve low bono* clients in family law and/or domestic violence.
*Low bono is the principle of increasing access to law-related services for people of moderate means who do not qualify for pro bono assistance but cannot afford the fees private attorneys typically charge under traditional law firm models.
HOW TO ENTER
Entrants should submit a short (one page or less) cover letter with their contact information and a brief statement to show compliance with the eligibility criteria for this Scholarship. Entries should be in PDF format. Entrants must submit their entry by email to laura@ybc.law, with the subject line “WSBA Family Law Midyear Low Bono Scholarship.” All entries must be received on or before 5:00 p.m. PST on July 1, 2025.
ADJUDICATION
Successful applicants will be selected at the discretion of a FLEC Executive Committee subcommittee. Awardees will be notified by July 11, 2025, and must confirm acceptance of the award (including intent to register for the conference) by July 18, 2025. WSBA will contact grantees to register them.
We can't wait to see you in July 2025 in Spokane!
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June 17, 2025
Family Law Section’s Mid-Year Conference Registration
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May 30, 2025
Legislative Enactments
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1620 significantly modifies RCW 26.09.191 parenting plan limitations. The effective date is July 27, 2025.
Note: Hon. Janet Helson (King County Superior Court), Seattle Elizabeth Hendren (Sexual Violence Law Center), and Dawn Sydney (Law Offices of Dawn Sydney, PLLC) will discuss and explain HB 1620 and the statutory changes at the Section’s Mid-Year Spokane Conference during the July 27, 2025 morning session.
Engrossed House Bill 1014 implements recommendations of the 2023 child support schedule work group. Phased effective dates are January 1, 2026 and April 1, 2027.
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February 14, 2025
2025 Charles A. Goldmark
Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Nancy Dykes Isserlis
“Everybody can find something that interests them, and they can help out by taking a case,
serving on a board or donating money, or all three.”
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January 23, 2025
The Washington State Self-Support Reserve webpage has been updated for 2025.
The self-support reserve increased by $61.00 to $1569.00 effective January 15, 2025.
Washington State Courts use the self-support reserve to calculate low-income limitations when setting child support. The self-support reserve is 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines for a one-person family. RCW 26.19.065(2). Washington State uses the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of 42 U.S.C. 9902(2). The poverty guidelines were updated in the Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, 90 FR 5917, 5917-5918 (January 17, 2025).
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December 31, 2024
Updated Pattern Forms Announcement
The Administrative Office of the Courts has updated pattern forms on the Washington Court Forms homepage (https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.home&dis=y). You may not be able to locate all the updated forms at the link provided above. However, the AOC is working to improve those options over time. You may access a list of all forms at: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.static&staticID=14.
The following form sets were updated for January 1, 2025, and the quick links to them are provided below:
· Felony Judgment and Sentence
· Misdemeanor Judgment and Sentencing
The Summary of Changes, when posted, can be located here.
The AOC thanks the Washington Pattern Forms Committee and all the subcommittees for creating the new forms and updating the existing forms for statewide use.
The AOC appreciates the feedback received from court form users. Any feedback or questions about the court forms can be provided to the Washington Pattern Forms Committee at this link: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.formsComments
Washington’s collection of translated court forms is growing. Links to translated pattern forms are on the forms homepage.
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December 5, 2024
Washington State Supreme Court
Entity Regulation Order
On Dec. 5, 2024, the Washington Supreme Court entered an order authorizing a timebound, data-driven test of entity regulation. The pilot will allow successful applicants to practice law under timebound, limited exemptions from otherwise applicable Court rules and statutes governing the practice of law in Washington. Under Order 25700-B-721, the Washington State Bar Association and the Practice of Law Board will collaborate to implement and run the pilot under the supervision of the Court. [Source: WSBA POLB]