Kitsap Legal Services works with volunteer attorneys who will give legal advice and limited assistance to low-income Kitsap County residents.. All legal consultations are by appointment only and potential clients must go through the eligibility process. Currently, most legal appointments are occurring by phone or Zoom. There is often a waiting period of several weeks for an appointment and we typically CANNOT provide an attorney to go with you to court. If you are facing eviction, and you meet eligibility requirements, we may be able to provide an attorney to immediately represent you.

The Family Support division represents the State of Washington, and provides the following legal services: Judicial establishment of paternity and child support including requests from other county and states and Tribes; Enforcement of support orders when parents fail to pay court-ordered child support through the contempt process; Prosecution of interstate cases for paternity and child support orders on the same basis as in-state cases; Modification of existing child support orders; Representation of state interest in private dissolution, parentage, and nonparental custody actions when tax dollars have been expended to support a child; Legal representation of the Division of Child Support, a division of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in lawsuits challenging the agency’s collection actions against parents owing a duty of support; The Family Support Division does not represent parents or other individuals in child support cases. For a case to be initiated by the prosecutor's office, it must be referred by the Division of Child Support (DCS).

Responsible for processing and managing all Superior Court records and financial transactions, including felony criminal, civil, family law, probate/guardianship, and juvenile offender matters. The Court Facilitator Can: - Help identify which mandatory family law or protection order forms are needed - Review forms you have prepared for completeness - Explain court procedures - Help a party schedule court hearings - Make referrals to other agencies - Calculate child support when provided with income for both parties - Assist both parties in an action The Facilitator Cannot: - Give legal advice - Assist litigants who are represented by an attorney - Represent parties in court - Fill out forms for a party - Tell the party what to say in court

Provide information and support in regard to criminal and/or civil legal matters. Advocates are not attorneys and cannot represent in court, however they can help navigate the legal system and provide support and accompaniment through processes such as protection orders, divorce proceedings and parenting plans.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Operates a legal clinic providing free one hour consultations with an attorney for victims of domestic violence with family law issues. Clinic is virtual Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys are specialized in areas of family law. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters. Domestic Violence and Family Law Clinic

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Provides information about collection and disbursement of child support.

Provides assistance in obtaining child support where paternity has not been established.   See DSHS - Division of Child Support; this office provides direct assistance in most cases.

Operates legal clinics where free 30-minute legal consultations are available for individuals who are not already represented by an attorney. As of 9/2024, most clinics are operating via phone with limited in-person availability in Kent (details provided when a client schedules an appointment). Wait times are often several months for Family Law Clinics. Clinics focus on more complex family law issues including any case involving children or debt/asset division between parties. If needed, a client may be referred to further legal services. Attorneys at the clinic can: - Determine if a client has a legal problem - Explain legal rights and responsibilities - Suggest steps that might be taken to solve the problem, including self-help strategies - Refer clients needing specialized legal help to law-related agencies Clinic attorneys DO NOT represent a client in court or prepare court papers.

Assists with the following areas of family law:   -  Divorce, legal separation, invalidity, annulment -  Family law motions -  Child support modifications and adjustments -  Establishing parenting plans -  Parenting plan modifications -  Non-parental custody -  Temporary orders -  Restraining orders -  Guardianships    Provides information on how to begin certain family law actions, necessary forms and where to get them, as well as court rules and procedures.   Can explain legal terminology and will review documents for completeness, once they are filled out, but cannot fill out papers or tell clients how to fill them out. Limited referrals for legal consultation for low income pro ses.   Does not provide legal advice. Cannot assist with the following issues:   -  Adoptions -  Juvenile dependency -  Eviction -  Traffic citations -  Will and probate matters -  Bankruptcy -  Name changes -  Criminal charges   Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Hosts a legal clinic specifically designed to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. This clinic is run by QLaw Foundation in partnership with the King County Bar Association. The clinic is open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. At the clinic, an attorney will meet with clients for 30 minutes and provide individualized legal advice and information. Clinic attorneys will answer questions and provide information in a variety of areas including family law, immigration, debt and bankruptcy, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, and transgender legal issues.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

ELAP provides free 1-hour appointments with a family law attorney for advice and consultation on family law legal issues involving domestic violence. Attorney volunteers are not able to provide full representation or represent clients in court.

Provides free, monthly, 30 minute legal clinics for family law and Immigration legal needs with a focus on serving the LGBTQ Latinx community. Volunteer attorneys work with clients to identify legal needs, potential legal actions and connect clients to further community legal services.   Assists with Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs (OIRA) legal clinics, with a particular focus on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program recipients and their family members.   Helps clients prepare for citizenship by confirming eligibility and providing free naturalization classes and workshops.    Lawyers and legal volunteers assist clients complete their N-400 naturalization petition and reviews them for accuracy.

Provides free legal assistance for low-income individuals who would otherwise be denied access to the legal system because of the inability to pay. Potential clients are screened to determine income and case eligibility. Referrals are made to local attorneys who volunteer their time. Provides legal assistance with the following: Family Law (includes family law class to anyone who is seeking help in having their family law court documents reviewed), Debtor-Creditor, Bankruptcy, Social Security/ Disability, Wills/Power of Attorneys, Guardianship, Landlord/Tenant, Child Support, Immigration, and Protection Order. * Does not assist with: Criminal matters (of any kind including traffic infractions), Termination of Parental Rights, or Adoptions.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC)'s Youth Homelessness Program provides free civil legal services for youth and young adults between ages 12-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.

Helps families reach and maintain self-sufficiency by:   -  Establishing child support orders -  Enforcing child support obligations -  Modifying orders -  Payment processing through the Washington State Support Registry.    The child support enforcement process is as follows: -  The parent having custody makes application to the state; the state then contacts resources to find the non-custodial parent. The parent, if located, is contacted and payment is requested. -  If payments are not forthcoming, legal action is taken to withhold wages or other appropriate methods are used to collect support. The case may be referred to the County Prosecuting Attorney for legal action, including civil contempt or to establish paternity of child born out of wedlock. -  In accordance with welfare reform laws, DSHS will suspend or deny drivers, professional, recreational and occupational licenses for individuals owing overdue child support or failing to comply with subpoenas or warrants related to paternity or child support proceedings. -  If the state cannot locate the absent parent, then the State Parent Locator Service may send a request to the Federal Parent Locator Service which is authorized by law to obtain address information maintained by other state and federal agencies.    Also enforces medical support, modifies child support orders, and works with other states to collect support on a client's behalf. Cannot help with child custody or visitation disputes, enforcement of community property settlements, collection of attorney's fees or other non-child support related debts.