Mediation May Be Required In Washington State Family Law Cases Involving Children

A Bill in the Washington State Legislature has been proposed amending RCW 26.09.015 to require mediation in all family laws cases involving children so as to “reduce the acrimony which may exist between the parties,” and to assure the child’s close and continuing contact with both parents after the divorce is final.

Some counties require mediation in all family laws cases before the case may be tried.  Exceptions to the mediation requirement exist by both statute and local rules of each county.

At the conclusion of the mediation, should mediation prove successful, the agreement of the parties is memorialized in writing and signed by the parties (and their attorneys).  That written agreement is binding under Civil Rule 2A.

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