WA FamilyGuide

Resources guide · Printable

Court date checklist.

A plain-language checklist for a Washington family court hearing: what to bring, what to wear, how to arrive, what to expect and how to act in the courtroom. Print it, check things off and bring it with you. Find local help in the resources guide.

WA Family Guide is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Nothing on this site is legal advice. For advice about your case, talk to a licensed Washington attorney or LLLT. This checklist is general information only. Every court and every case is different. Always follow your court notice, your judge's instructions and your county's local court rules.

My hearing

  • Date and time:
  • Courthouse and courtroom or department:
  • In person or remote (Zoom, phone):
  • Case number:

Before the day

  • Read your hearing notice carefully. Check the date, time, courtroom and whether the hearing is in person or remote.
  • Check your county court's website or call the court for local rules, check-in steps and remote-hearing instructions.
  • Make sure any papers you want the judge to read were filed and served on time. Deadlines come from the court rules and your local court; a courthouse facilitator can explain the process (they can't give legal advice).
  • Need an interpreter? Ask the court ahead of time. Washington courts provide interpreters for court hearings. See Washington Courts interpreter information.
  • Need a disability accommodation? Contact the court ahead of time to ask.
  • Plan childcare. Children usually should not come to a family court hearing unless the court asked for them.
  • Plan your route, parking and travel time. For a remote hearing, test your device, camera, microphone and internet the day before.
  • If you are worried about your safety at court, tell the court staff or a domestic violence advocate ahead of time. Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-562-6025.

What to bring

  • Your hearing notice and your case number.
  • Photo ID.
  • Copies of everything you filed and everything you were served, in order. Bring extra copies of anything you want to show the judge (one for the judge, one for the other side, one for you).
  • Your proposed orders or parenting plan, if you have them.
  • Notes: a short list of the main points you want to make, and questions you want answered.
  • A pen, paper and a folder or binder to keep things organized.
  • Phone charger, and change or a card for parking.
  • Water and a snack for waiting time (eat and drink outside the courtroom).
  • Do not bring anything that could be a weapon, including pocket knives. Courthouses usually have security screening.

What to wear

  • Clean, neat, modest clothing, like you would wear to an important meeting or a job interview.
  • Avoid hats (unless worn for religious reasons), sunglasses, and clothes with slogans or images.
  • Comfortable shoes. You may wait and walk a lot.
  • For a remote hearing, dress the same way and sit somewhere quiet with a plain background.

How to arrive

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes early, to leave time for parking and security screening.
  • Go through security, then find your courtroom. Check the posted calendar or ask court staff if you're unsure.
  • Check in with the clerk or bailiff if your court asks you to.
  • Turn your phone off or to silent before you go in.
  • If you're running late or can't come, call the court right away. Missing a hearing can mean the court decides without you.
  • Remote hearing: log in or call in early, keep yourself muted until called, and use your full name as your display name.

What to expect

  • You may wait. Many cases are scheduled for the same time, and yours may not be called first.
  • When your case is called, go to the front (or unmute) when told. The judge or commissioner may ask each side questions.
  • Many family-law hearings are short and based mostly on the papers already filed. Be ready to explain your main points briefly.
  • The judge may decide at the hearing, take time to decide, or set another date.
  • Before you leave, make sure you understand what happens next and whether you need to sign, file or pick up any order. Ask the clerk how to get a copy.

Courtroom etiquette

  • Stand when the judge enters or leaves, if asked. Call the judge "Your Honor."
  • Speak only when it's your turn. Don't interrupt the judge or the other side, even if you disagree. Write down what you want to respond to.
  • Speak clearly and calmly, and keep to the facts. Answer the question you were asked.
  • Don't make faces, sigh or talk under your breath. Judges notice.
  • No food, gum, or phone use in the courtroom. Don't record unless the court allows it.
  • Be respectful to everyone: the judge, court staff, the other parent and their lawyer.

Official sources

Superior courthouses by county

Family-law cases in Washington are heard in each county's Superior Court. Addresses and phone numbers below come from the official Washington Courts directory (checked 2026-11-01). Some counties hold hearings in more than one building, so always confirm the location on your hearing notice. Choose your county above to print only your courthouse.

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