NoWhereFamily court: a plain-language guide for Washington teens
Pending legal review. This is general information, not legal advice.
When parents split up or fight about custody, a judge may make a “parenting plan.” Here is what that means for you and how your voice can be heard.
What is a parenting plan?
A parenting plan is a court order. It says where you live most of the time, how much time you spend with each parent, who makes big decisions about school and medical care, and how your parents should work out disagreements. If there are serious safety concerns, it can put limits on a parent.[2] Washington courts usually don’t say “custody” and “visitation.” They say “residential schedule” and “decision-making.”[2]
What is a GAL?
A guardian ad litem (GAL) is someone the judge can appoint to look into what’s best for you.[4] A GAL can be a lawyer, a mental health professional, or a trained volunteer.[1] They may talk to you, your parents and other people in your life, like counselors. They may visit each home and read records.[1] Then they report the facts to the judge and can recommend a plan.[4]
- A GAL represents your best interests, not necessarily what you want.[4] Those can be different, and that’s okay.
- If you tell the GAL what you’d prefer, they must tell the judge, along with whether they think you said it freely and how well you understand the situation.[4]
- GALs are mandatory reporters. If they have reason to believe you’re being abused or neglected, they must report it.[1]
What is a CASA?
A CASA (court-appointed special advocate) is a trained volunteer GAL from a county CASA program. Not every county has one. If the judge appoints one, the program supervises them.[4]
Do I get to choose where I live?
No, kids don’t get to choose. The judge decides. But your views can matter. When deciding the residential schedule, the judge must consider several things. One of them is “the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences.”[3] The factor that counts most is the strength and stability of your relationship with each parent.[3] The judge also isn’t bound by the GAL’s recommendation.[5]
So your wishes are one piece of the picture. They aren’t a vote, and that also means the decision isn’t on your shoulders.
How can I share my wishes?
- Talk to the GAL or CASA, if there is one. You can ask them to explain what they’ll tell the judge.
- Be honest and talk about reasons: “I feel safer at…,” “My school and friends are…,” “When I’m at…, this happens.”
- You don’t have to pick a side out loud if that feels unsafe. You can say that, too.
- Write it down first so you remember what you want to say.
- If a parent pressures you about what to say, you can tell the GAL that.[4]
If you’re not safe
If a parent is hurting you, tell the GAL, a counselor, or another trusted adult. You can also call DCYF at 866-363-4276, or 911 if you’re in danger now.
Free legal help and information
- WashingtonLawHelp.org: free, plain-language guides about Washington family law, including parenting plans and GALs.[2]
- TeamChild: free legal help and advocacy for Washington youth involved in the juvenile justice, child welfare, school and mental health systems. Call (206) 322-2444 or email [email protected]. They mostly don’t handle parents’ custody cases, but they may be able to point you to the right help.[7]
- 211: call 211 to find local help in Washington.
Sources
- WashingtonLawHelp.org: Guardian ad litem (GAL) guide
- WashingtonLawHelp.org: Parenting plan guide
- RCW 26.09.187: Criteria for establishing a permanent parenting plan
- RCW 26.12.175: Appointment of guardian ad litem / CASA
- WA Administrative Office of the Courts, Domestic Violence Manual for Judges, Ch. 10: Parenting Plans
- WA Courts form FL All Family 146: Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem for a Child
- TeamChild
Last checked: Oct 2026. Pending legal review.