Washington
What can I do if the other parent violates a parenting plan in Washington?
Quick answer
If a parent does not follow the residential provisions of a Washington parenting plan, the other parent can file a motion to start a contempt action. If the court finds reasonable cause to believe the parent has not complied, it may issue an order to show cause (RCW 26.09.160(2)(a)). The statewide forms are the Motion for Contempt Hearing (FL All Family 165) and the Order to Go to Court for Contempt Hearing (FL All Family 166).
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
What the court must order
If the court finds after a hearing that the parent did not comply in bad faith, it must find the parent in contempt and order make-up time equal to the time missed, court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees caused by the noncompliance, and a civil penalty of at least $100. On a second failure within three years, the make-up time is twice the time missed and the penalty is at least $250. Jail of up to 180 days is possible if the parent is able but unwilling to comply (RCW 26.09.160(2) and (3)).
Support is separate
One parent’s failure to follow an order does not suspend the other parent’s duty to pay support or allow contact with the children, and conditioning one on the other is treated as bad faith (RCW 26.09.160(1)). If a contempt motion is brought without reasonable basis, the court must order the moving party to pay costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees, and a civil penalty of at least $100 (RCW 26.09.160(7)).
Keep records
The contempt motion asks you to describe how the order was not obeyed, including dates and times. A log kept the same day, with the related messages, makes those facts easier to show.
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.