Gather financial information, such as pay stubs and bank statements, to assess child support obligations and financial responsibilities.

Evidence Type 1: Established Relationship with the Child

Judges are more likely to recognize and grant a parentage petition if there is clear evidence of the relationship between the parent and the child, such as birth certificates or DNA test results. Therefore, it’s important to present such documentation when seeking to establish legal parentage.

Evidence Type 2: Documentation of Child’s Residency and Care
This includes records such as school enrollment forms, medical records, or affidavits from caregivers that demonstrate where the child has lived and who has been responsible for their care. Providing this documentation alongside descriptions of the child's living situation helps create a comprehensive understanding for the judge regarding the parent-child relationship and caregiving arrangements.

Evidence Type 3: Communication Records Regarding Parenting
You can include printed copies of messages, emails, or transcripts of voicemails that discuss parenting arrangements, decisions about the child, or any relevant conversations about the child's well-being. While in most cases you cannot submit digital files, printed communications can provide valuable context for the judge regarding the relationship and any agreements or disputes related to the child's care

Evidence Type 4: Documentation of Child Welfare Concerns
Instead of merely stating that there were concerns about the child's welfare, you can strengthen your case by providing the following details:

• The date and time (or approximate date and time) when any relevant reports or concerns were made.
• Who raised the concerns (e.g., yourself, a teacher, a healthcare provider).
• What specific issues or observations were reported regarding the child's well-being or care.
• Any details about responses from professionals involved, such as social workers or educators, who may have assessed the situation.

This documentation can provide important context and credibility to your case for establishing legal parentage.

Evidence Type 6: Witness Statements
Witness statements can provide valuable support in a parentage case. This evidence can include:

• Affidavits from Family and Friends: Written statements from individuals who can attest to your relationship with the child, your involvement in their life, or your role in their care. These statements should detail how the witness knows you and the child and their observations regarding your parenting.

After the screening this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to creating the case documents.

Filing for a Parentage Petition requires submitting a standardized set of official Washington court forms. These forms include questions designed to gather information about your relationship with the child, the child's living situation, and any relevant circumstances surrounding the case.

The person starting the case (petitioner) must serve the parentage papers to the other parent (the "Respondent"). Service can be done by a third party (not you) or a professional process server.

The respondent has 20 days (if they live in Washington) or 60 days (if they live out of state) to respond after being served.

If you need temporary arrangements (for custody, visitation, child support, etc.), you can request Temporary Orders. A hearing will be scheduled to address these issues.

If there are any unresolved issues, the case may proceed to trial. If a trial is not necessary, some counties may require an informal court appearance for a Final Hearing on Parentage.