Washington
Can I move with my child in Washington?
Quick answer
A parent with whom the child lives a majority of the time, or who has substantially equal residential time, must give notice before relocating the child to everyone with court-ordered residential time or visitation (RCW 26.09.430). Notice is generally given by personal service or mail requiring a return receipt at least 60 days before the move (RCW 26.09.440(1)), on the statewide Notice of Intent to Move with Children (FL Relocate 701) for moves outside the school district.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
The objection
The other parent has thirty days after receiving the notice to file and serve an objection, in the form of a petition to modify the parenting plan pursuant to relocation or another adequate proceeding (RCW 26.09.480(1)). Unless the special circumstances in RCW 26.09.460 apply, the moving parent may not change the child’s principal residence during the objection period without a court order (RCW 26.09.480(2)). If no timely objection is filed, the move is permitted except for good cause shown (RCW 26.09.500(1)).
How the court decides
There is a rebuttable presumption that the move will be permitted. The objecting person may rebut it by showing that the detrimental effect of the move outweighs the benefit to the child and the relocating person, based on eleven unweighted factors in RCW 26.09.520, such as the child’s relationships, the reasons for the move, and alternative arrangements.
If the parent proposing to move has substantially equal residential time, meaning 45 percent or more with each parent as the statute measures it, the presumption does not apply and the court decides based on the child’s best interests using the same factors (RCW 26.09.525).
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.