AN ACT Relating to revising certain provisions of the parenting act of 1987 and related provisions; amending RCW 26.09.015, 26.09.020, 26.09.080, 26.09.090, 26.09.181, 26.09.184, 26.09.187, 26.09.191, 26.09.220, 26.09.260, 26.09.270, 26.09.285, 26.09.907, 26.10.060, 26.10.070, 26.10.180, 26.26.130, 26.10.190, and 26.50.020; reenacting and amending RCW 26.09.120; adding a new section to chapter 26.26 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 26.50 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. Section 4, chapter 95, Laws of 1986 and RCW 26.09.015 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In any proceeding under this chapter, the matter may be set for mediation of the contested issues before or concurrent with the setting of the matter for hearing. The purpose of the mediation proceeding shall be to reduce acrimony which may exist between the parties and to develop an agreement assuring the child's close and continuing contact with both parents after the marriage is dissolved. The mediator shall use his or her best efforts to effect a settlement of the ((~~custody or visitation~~)) dispute.

(2) Each superior court may make available a mediator. The mediator may be a member of the professional staff of a family court or mental health services agency, or may be any other person or agency designated by the court. In order to provide mediation services, the court is not required to institute a family court.

(3) Mediation proceedings shall be held in private and shall be confidential. The mediator shall not testify as to any aspect of the mediation proceedings.

(4) The mediator shall assess the needs and interests of the child or children involved in the controversy and may interview the child or children if the mediator deems such interview appropriate or necessary.

(5) Any agreement reached by the parties as a result of mediation shall be reported to the court and to counsel for the parties by the mediator on the day set for mediation or any time thereafter designated by the court.

Sec. 2. Section 2, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. as last amended by section 2, chapter 45, Laws of 1983 1st ex. sess. and RCW 26.09.020 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) A petition in a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or for a declaration concerning the validity of a marriage, shall allege the following:

(a) The last known residence of each party;

(b) The date and place of the marriage;

(d) The names, ages, and addresses of any child dependent upon either or both spouses and whether the wife is pregnant;

(e) Any arrangements as to the ((~~custody, visitation~~)) residential schedule of, decision making for, dispute resolution for, and support of the children and the maintenance of a spouse;

(f) A statement specifying whether there is community or separate property owned by the parties to be disposed of;

(g) The relief sought.

(2) Either or both parties to the marriage may initiate the proceeding.

(3) The petitioner shall complete and file with the petition a certificate under RCW 70.58.200 on the form provided by the department of social and health services.

Sec. 3. Section 8, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. and RCW 26.09.080 are each amended to read as follows:

In a proceeding for dissolution of the marriage, legal separation, declaration of invalidity, or in a proceeding for disposition of property following dissolution of the marriage by a court which lacked personal jurisdiction over the absent spouse or lacked jurisdiction to dispose of the property, the court shall, without regard to marital misconduct, make such disposition of the property and the liabilities of the parties, either community or separate, as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors including, but not limited to:

(1) The nature and extent of the community property;

(2) The nature and extent of the separate property;

(3) The duration of the marriage; and

(4) The economic circumstances of each spouse at the time the division of property is to become effective, including the desirability of awarding the family home or the right to live therein for reasonable periods to a spouse ((~~having custody of any children~~)) with whom the children reside.

Sec. 4. Section 9, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. and RCW 26.09.090 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, declaration of invalidity, or in a proceeding for maintenance following dissolution of the marriage by a court which lacked personal jurisdiction over the absent spouse, the court may grant a maintenance order for either spouse. The maintenance order shall be in such amounts and for such periods of time as the court deems just, without regard to marital misconduct, after considering all relevant factors including but not limited to:

(a) The financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including separate or community property apportioned to him, and his ability to meet his needs independently, including the extent to which a provision for support of a child living with the party includes a sum for that party ((~~as custodian~~));

(b) The time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find employment appropriate to his skill, interests, style of life, and other attendant circumstances;

(d) The duration of the marriage;

(e) The age, physical and emotional condition, and financial obligations of the spouse seeking maintenance; and

(f) The ability of the spouse from whom maintenance is sought to meet his needs and financial obligations while meeting those of the spouse seeking maintenance.

Sec. 5. Section 7, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.181 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED PLANS. ((The petition and the response shall contain a proposed parenting plan where there are minor children of the parties. Where the petition or the response does not contain a proposed permanent parenting plan, the party who has filed a proposed permanent parenting plan may move for a default)) (a) Each party shall file and serve a proposed permanent parenting plan on or before the earliest date of:

(i) Thirty days after filing and service by either party of a notice for trial; or

(ii) One hundred eighty days after commencement of the action which one hundred eighty day period may be extended by stipulation of the parties.

(b) No proposed permanent parenting plan shall be required after filing of an agreed permanent parenting plan, after entry of a final decree, or after dismissal of the cause of action.

(2) AMENDING PROPOSED PARENTING PLANS. Either party may file and serve an amended proposed permanent parenting plan according to the rules for amending pleadings.

(3) GOOD FAITH PROPOSAL. The parent submitting a proposed parenting plan shall attach a declaration signed under penalty of perjury that the plan is proposed by that parent in good faith.

(4) AGREED PERMANENT PARENTING PLANS. The parents may make an agreed permanent parenting plan.

((~~(4)~~)) (5) MANDATORY SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE. Where mandatory settlement conferences are provided under court rule, the parents shall attend a mandatory settlement conference. The mandatory settlement conference shall be presided over by a judge or a court commissioner, who shall apply the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191. The parents shall in good faith review the proposed terms of the parenting plans and any other issues relevant to the cause of action with the presiding judge or court commissioner. Facts and legal issues that are not then in dispute shall be entered as stipulations for purposes of final hearing or trial in the matter.

((~~(5)~~)) (6) TRIAL SETTING. Trial dates for actions involving minor children brought under this chapter shall receive priority. The final order or decree shall be entered not sooner than ninety days after filing and service.

Sec. 6. Section 8, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.184 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) OBJECTIVES. The objectives of the permanent parenting plan are to:

(a) Provide for the child's physical care;

(b) Maintain the child's emotional stability;

(c) Provide for the child's changing needs as the child grows and matures, in a way that minimizes the need for future modifications to the permanent parenting plan;

(d) Set forth the authority and responsibilities of each parent with respect to the child, consistent with the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191;

(e) Minimize the child's exposure to harmful parental conflict;

(f) Encourage the parents, where appropriate under RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191, to meet their responsibilities to their dependent children through agreements in the permanent parenting plan, rather than by relying on judicial intervention; and

(g) To otherwise protect the best interests of the child consistent with RCW 26.09.002.

(2) CONTENTS OF THE PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN. The permanent parenting plan shall contain provisions for resolution of future disputes between the parents, allocation of decision-making authority, residential provisions for the child and financial support for the child consistent with the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191.

(3) DISPUTE RESOLUTION. A process for resolving disputes, other than court action, shall be provided unless precluded or limited by RCW 26.09.187 or 26.09.191. A dispute resolution process may include counseling, mediation, or arbitration by a specified individual or agency, or court action. In ((~~setting forth a~~)) the dispute resolution process((~~, the permanent parenting plan shall state that~~)):

(a) Preference shall be given to carrying out the parenting plan;

(b) The parents shall use the designated process to resolve disputes relating to implementation of the plan, except those related to financial support, unless an emergency exists;

(c) A written or electronic record shall be prepared of any agreement reached in counseling or mediation and of each arbitration award and shall be provided to each party;

(d) If the court finds that a parent has used or frustrated the dispute resolution process without good reason, the court shall award attorneys' fees and financial sanctions to the prevailing parent; and

((~~(d)~~)) (e) The parties have the right of review from the dispute resolution process to the superior court.

(4) ALLOCATION OF DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY.

(a) The plan shall allocate decision-making authority to one or both parties regarding the children's education, health care, and religious upbringing. The parties may incorporate an agreement related to the care and growth of the child in these specified areas, or in other areas, into their plan, consistent with the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191. Regardless of the allocation of decision-making in the parenting plan, either parent may make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the child.

(b) ((~~The plan shall state that:~~

~~(i)~~)) Each parent may make decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of the child while the child is residing with that parent((;)).

((~~(ii)~~)) (c) When mutual decision making is designated but cannot be achieved, the parties shall make a good-faith effort to resolve the issue through the dispute resolution process.

(5) RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE CHILD. The plan shall include a residential schedule which designates in which parent's home each dependent child shall reside on given days of the year, including provision for holidays, birthdays of family members, vacations, and other special occasions, consistent with the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191.

(6) CHILD SUPPORT. Provision shall be made for the financial support of the child in accordance with RCW 26.09.100((~~, 26.09.130,~~)) and 26.09.135. The provision shall state the identity of the child for whom support is paid, the amount of support to be paid and by whom, provision for medical and dental insurance consistent with RCW 26.09.105, notice regarding mandatory wage assignments as required by RCW 26.09.135, and the terms under which the support obligation terminates.

(7) ((~~The plan shall state that~~)) PARENTS' OBLIGATION UNAFFECTED. If a parent fails to comply with a provision of a parenting plan, the other parent's obligations under the parenting plan are not affected.

(8) PROVISIONS TO BE SET FORTH IN PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN. The permanent parenting plan shall set forth the provisions of subsections (3) (a) through (c), (4) (b) and (c), and (7) of this section.

Sec. 7. Section 9, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.187 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS. The court shall not order a dispute resolution process, except court action, if any limiting factor under RCW 26.09.191 applies, or if either parent is unable to afford the cost of the proposed dispute resolution process. If a dispute resolution process is not precluded or limited, then in designating such a process the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(a) Differences between the parents that would substantially inhibit their effective participation in any designated process;

(b) The parents' wishes or agreements and, if the parents have entered into agreements, whether the agreements were made knowingly and voluntarily; and

(c) Differences in the parents' financial circumstances that may affect their ability to participate fully in a given dispute resolution process.

(2) ALLOCATION OF DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY.

(a) AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. The court shall approve agreements of the parties allocating decision-making authority, or specifying rules in the areas listed in RCW 26.09.184(4)(a), where it finds that:

(i) The agreement is consistent with any limitations on a parent's decision-making authority mandated by RCW 26.09.191; and

(ii) The agreement is knowing and voluntary.

(b) SOLE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY. The court shall order sole decision-making to one parent when:

(i) A limitation on the other parent's decision-making authority is mandated by RCW 26.09.191;

(ii) Both parents are opposed to mutual decision making;

(iii) One parent is opposed to mutual decision making, and such opposition is reasonable based on the criteria in (c) of this subsection;

(c) MUTUAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY. Except as provided in (a) and (b) of this subsection, the court shall consider the following criteria in allocating decision-making authority:

(i) The existence of a limitation under RCW 26.09.191;

(ii) The history of participation of each parent in decision making in each of the areas in RCW 26.09.184(4)(a);

(iii) Whether the parents have a demonstrated ability and desire to cooperate with one another in decision making in each of the areas in RCW 26.09.184(4)(a); and

(iv) The parents' geographic proximity to one another, to the extent that it affects their ability to make timely mutual decisions.

(3) RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS.

(a) The court shall make residential provisions for each child which encourage each parent to maintain a loving, stable, and nurturing relationship with the child, consistent with the child's developmental level and the family's social and economic circumstances. The child's residential schedule shall be consistent with RCW 26.09.191. Where the limitations of RCW 26.09.191 are not dispositive of the child's residential schedule, the court shall consider the following factors:

(i) The relative strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent, including whether a parent has taken greater responsibility for performing parenting functions relating to the daily needs of the child;

(ii) The agreements of the parties, provided they were entered into knowingly and voluntarily;

(iii) Each parent's past and potential for future performance of parenting functions;

(iv) The emotional needs and developmental level of the child;

(v) The child's relationship with siblings and with other significant adults, as well as the child's involvement with his or her physical surroundings, school, or other significant activities; and

(vi) The wishes of the parents and the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to his or her residential schedule.

Factor (i) shall be given the greatest weight.

(b) The court may order that a child frequently alternate his or her residence between the households of the parents for brief and substantially equal intervals of time only if the court finds the following:

(i) No limitation exists under RCW 26.09.191;

(ii) (A) The parties have agreed to such provisions and the agreement was knowingly and voluntarily entered into; or

(B) The parties have a satisfactory history of cooperation and shared performance of parenting functions; the parties are available to each other, especially in geographic proximity, to the extent necessary to ensure their ability to share performance of the parenting functions; and

(iii) The provisions are in the best interests of the child.

((~~(c) One household shall be designated the child's residence solely for purposes of jurisdiction, venue, and child support.~~))

Sec. 8. Section 10, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.191 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The permanent parenting plan shall not require mutual decision-making or designation of a dispute resolution process other than court action if it is found that a parent has engaged in any of the following conduct: (a) Wilful abandonment that continues for an extended period of time or substantial refusal to perform parenting functions; (b) physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of a child; or (c) a history of acts of domestic violence as defined in RCW 26.50.010(1) ((~~or an act of domestic violence which rises to the level of a felony~~)) or an assault or sexual assault which causes grievous bodily harm or the fear of such harm.

(2) The parent's residential time with the child shall be limited if it is found that the parent has engaged in any of the following conduct: (a) Wilful abandonment that continues for an extended period of time or substantial refusal to perform parenting functions; (b) physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of a child; or (c) a history of acts of domestic violence as defined in RCW 26.50.010(1) ((~~or an act of domestic violence which rises to the level of a felony~~)) or an assault or sexual assault which causes grievous bodily harm or the fear of such harm, unless the court expressly finds that the probability that the conduct will recur is so remote that it would not be in the child's best interests to apply the limitation or unless it is shown not to have had an impact on the child. The weight given to the existence of a protection order issued under chapter 26.50 RCW as to domestic violence is within the discretion of the court.

(3) A parent's involvement or conduct may have an adverse effect on the child's best interests, and the court may preclude or limit any provisions of the parenting plan, if any of the following factors exist:

(a) A parent's neglect or substantial nonperformance of parenting functions;

(b) A long-term emotional or physical impairment which interferes with the parent's performance of parenting functions as defined in RCW 26.09.004;

(c) A long-term impairment resulting from drug, alcohol, or other substance abuse that interferes with the performance of parenting functions;

(d) The absence or substantial impairment of emotional ties between the parent and the child;

(e) The abusive use of conflict by the parent which creates the danger of serious damage to the child's psychological development;

(f) A parent has withheld from the other parent access to the child for a protracted period without good cause; or

(g) Such other factors or conduct as the court expressly finds adverse to the best interests of the child.

(4) In entering a permanent parenting plan, the court shall not draw any presumptions from the provisions of the temporary parenting plan.

(5) In determining whether any of the conduct described in this section has occurred, the court shall apply the civil rules of evidence, proof, and procedure.

Sec. 9. Section 22, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. as amended by section 16, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.220 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((~~In contested custody proceedings, and in other proceedings if a party so requests,~~)) The court may order an investigation and report concerning parenting arrangements for the child in an action for dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or declaration of invalidity. The investigation and report may be made by the staff of the juvenile court or other professional social service organization experienced in counseling children and families.

(2) In preparing his report concerning a child, the investigator may consult any person who may have information about the child and the potential parenting or custodian arrangements. Upon order of the court, the investigator may refer the child to professional personnel for diagnosis. The investigator may consult with and obtain information from medical, psychiatric, or other expert persons who have served the child in the past without obtaining the consent of the parent or the child's custodian; but the child's consent must be obtained if he has reached the age of twelve, unless the court finds that the child lacks mental capacity to consent. If the requirements of subsection (3) of this section are fulfilled, the investigator's report may be received in evidence at the hearing.

(3) The court shall mail the investigator's report to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel at least ten days prior to the hearing unless a shorter time is ordered by the court for good cause shown. The investigator shall make available to counsel and to any party not represented by counsel the investigator's file of underlying data and reports, complete texts of diagnostic reports made to the investigator pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, and the names and addresses of all persons whom the investigator has consulted. Any party to the proceeding may call the investigator and any person whom he has consulted for cross-examination. A party may not waive the right of cross-examination prior to the hearing.

Sec. 10. Section 26, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. as amended by section 19, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.260 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, the court shall not modify a prior custody decree or a parenting plan unless it finds, upon the basis of facts that have arisen since the prior decree or plan or that were unknown to the court at the time of the prior decree or plan, that a substantial change has occurred in the circumstances of the child or the ((~~parents~~)) nonmoving party and that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child. In applying these standards, the court shall retain the residential schedule established by the decree or parenting plan unless:

(a) The parents agree to the modification;

(b) The child has been integrated into the family of the petitioner with the consent of the other parent in substantial deviation from the parenting plan; or

(c) The child's present environment is detrimental to the child's physical, mental, or emotional health and the harm likely to be caused by a change of environment is outweighed by the advantage of a change to the child.

(2) The court may order adjustments to the permanent parenting plan without requiring a threshold hearing or a showing of a substantial change in circumstances if the proposed modification is a change only in:

(a) The dispute resolution process; or

(b) The residential schedule of not more than twenty-four full days in a calendar year and not more than five full days in a calendar month.

(3) If the court finds that a motion to modify a prior decree or parenting plan has been brought in bad faith, the court shall assess the attorney's fees and court costs of the nonmoving parent against the moving party.

Sec. 11. Section 27, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. and RCW 26.09.270 are each amended to read as follows:

A party seeking a temporary custody order or a temporary parenting plan or modification of a custody decree or parenting plan shall submit together with his motion, an affidavit setting forth facts supporting the requested order or modification and shall give notice, together with a copy of his affidavit, to other parties to the proceedings, who may file opposing affidavits. The court shall deny the motion unless it finds that adequate cause for hearing the motion is established by the affidavits, in which case it shall set a date for hearing on an order to show cause why the requested order or modification should not be granted.

Sec. 12. Section 21, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.285 are each amended to read as follows:

Solely for the purposes of all other state and federal statutes which require a designation or determination of custody, ((~~the court~~)) a parenting plan shall designate ((~~in a parenting plan one parent~~)) the parent with whom the child resides a majority of the time as the custodian of the child. However, this designation shall not affect either parent's rights and responsibilities under the parenting plan. In the absence of such a designation, the parent with whom the child resides the majority of the time shall be deemed to be the custodian of the child for the purposes of such federal and state statutes.

Sec. 13. Section 23, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.907 are each amended to read as follows:

Notwithstanding the repeals of prior laws, actions which were properly and validly pending in the superior courts of this state as of January 1, 1988, shall not be governed ((and may be pursued to conclusion under the provisions of law applicable thereto at the time of commencement of such action and all decrees and orders heretofore or hereafter in all other respects regularly entered in such proceedings are declared valid)) by chapter 460, Laws of 1987 but shall be governed by the provisions of law in effect on December 31, 1987.

Sec. 14. Section 30, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.10.060 are each amended to read as follows:

In entering or modifying a custody order under this chapter, the court shall require either or both parents to maintain or provide health insurance coverage for any dependent child if the following conditions are met:

(1) Health insurance that can be extended to cover the child is available to that parent through an employer or other organization; and

(2) The employer or other organization offering health insurance will contribute all or a part of the premium for coverage of the child.

A parent who is required to extend insurance coverage to a child under this section is liable for any covered health care costs for which the parent receives direct payment from an insurer.

This section shall not be construed to limit the authority of the court to enter or modify support orders containing provisions for payment of medical expenses, medical costs, or insurance premiums which are in addition to and not inconsistent with this section. "Health insurance" as used in this section does not include medical assistance provided under chapter 74.09 RCW.

Sec. 15. Section 31, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.10.070 are each amended to read as follows:

The court may appoint an attorney to represent the interests of a minor or dependent child with respect to custody, support, and visitation. The court shall enter an order for costs, fees, and disbursements in favor of the child's attorney. The order shall be made against ((~~either or both parents~~)) any or all parties, except that, if ((~~both~~)) all parties are indigent, the costs, fees, and disbursements shall be borne by the county.

Sec. 16. Section 46, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.10.180 are each amended to read as follows:

A relative, as defined in RCW 9A.40.010, may bring civil action against any other relative who, with intent to deny access to a child by another relative of the child who has a right to physical custody of or visitation with the child, takes, entices, or conceals the child from that relative. The plaintiff may be awarded, in addition to any damages awarded by the court, the reasonable expenses incurred by the plaintiff in locating the child, including, but not limited to, investigative services and reasonable attorneys' fees.

Sec. 17. Section 14, chapter 42, Laws of 1975-'76 2nd ex. sess. as last amended by section 56, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.26.130 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The judgment and order of the court determining the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship shall be determinative for all purposes.

(2) If the judgment and order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order that an amended birth certificate be issued.

(3) The judgment and order shall contain other appropriate provisions directed to the appropriate parties to the proceeding, concerning the duty of current and future support, the extent of any liability for past support furnished to the child if that issue is before the court, ((~~the custody and guardianship of the child, visitation privileges with the child,~~)) the furnishing of bond or other security for the payment of the judgment, or any other matter in the best interest of the child. The judgment and order may direct the father to pay the reasonable expenses of the mother's pregnancy and confinement.

(4) Support judgment and orders shall be for periodic payments which may vary in amount. The court may limit the father's liability for the past support to the child to the proportion of the expenses already incurred as the court deems just: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That the court shall not limit or affect in any manner the right of nonparties including the state of Washington to seek reimbursement for support and other services previously furnished to the child.

(5) In determining the amount to be paid by a parent for support of the child and the period during which the duty of support is owed, the court shall consider all relevant facts, including, but not limited to:

(a) The needs of the child;

(b) The standard of living and circumstances of the parents;

(d) The earning ability of the parents;

(e) The need and capacity of the child for education, including higher education;

(f) The age of the child;

(g) The responsibility of the parents for the support of others; and

(h) The value of services contributed by the custodial parent.

(6) On the same basis as provided in chapter 26.09 RCW, the court shall make residential provisions with regard to minor children of the parties, except that a parenting plan shall not be required unless requested by a party.

(7) In any dispute between the natural parents of a child and a person or persons who have (a) commenced adoption proceedings or who have been granted an order of adoption, and (b) pursuant to a court order, or placement by the department of social and health services or by a licensed agency, have had actual custody of the child for a period of one year or more before court action is commenced by the natural parent or parents, the court shall consider the best welfare and interests of the child, including the child's need for situation stability, in determining the matter of custody, and the parent or person who is more fit shall have the superior right to custody.

Sec. 18. Section 47, chapter 460, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.10.190 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The court shall not modify a prior custody ((~~order~~)) decree unless it finds, upon the basis of facts that have arisen since the prior ((~~order~~)) decree or that were unknown to the court at the time of the prior ((~~order~~)) decree, that a change has occurred in the circumstances of the child or the custodian and that the modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child. In applying these standards, the court shall retain the custodian established by the prior ((~~order~~)) decree unless:

(a) The custodian agrees to the modification;

(b) The child has been integrated into the family of the petitioner with the consent of the custodian; or

(c) The child's present environment is detrimental to his or her physical, mental, or emotional health and the harm likely to be caused by a change of environment is outweighed by the advantage of a change to the child.

(2) If the court finds that a motion to modify a prior custody ((~~order~~)) decree has been brought in bad faith, the court shall assess the attorney's fees and court costs of the custodian against the petitioner.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 19. A new section is added to chapter 26.26 RCW to read as follows:

Solely for the purposes of all other state and federal statutes which require a designation or determination of custody, a parenting plan shall designate the parent with whom the child resides a majority of the time as the custodian of the child. However, this designation shall not affect either parent's rights and responsibilities under the parenting plan. In the absence of such a designation, the parent with whom the child resides the majority of the time shall be deemed to be the custodian of the child for the purposes of such federal and state statutes.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 20. A new section is added to chapter 26.50 RCW to read as follows:

Sec. 21. Section 12, chapter 157, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. as last amended by section 5, chapter 363, Laws of 1987 and by section 15, chapter 435, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.09.120 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) The court shall order support and maintenance payments to be made to the Washington state support registry, or the person entitled to receive the payments under an alternate payment plan approved by the court as provided in RCW 26.23.050.

(2) Maintenance payments, when ordered in an action where there is no dependent child, may be ordered to be paid to the person entitled to receive the payments, or the clerk of the court as trustee for remittance to the persons entitled to receive the payments.

(3) If support payments, under orders entered prior to January 1, 1988, or if maintenance payments, as provided in subsection (2) of this section, are made to the clerk of court, the clerk:

(a) Shall maintain records listing the amount of payments, the date when payments are required to be made, and the names and addresses of the parties affected by the order((.

~~(3)~~));

(b) May by local court rule accept only certified funds or cash as payment((~~. In all cases, the clerk~~)); and

(c) Shall accept only certified funds or cash for five years in all cases after one check has been returned for nonsufficient funds or account closure.

(4) The parties affected by the order shall inform the registry through which the payments are ordered to be paid of any change of address or of other conditions that may affect the administration of the order.

Sec. 22. Section 3, chapter 263, Laws of 1984 as last amended by section 1, chapter 71, Laws of 1987 and RCW 26.50.020 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any person may seek relief under this chapter by filing a petition with a court alleging that the person has been the victim of domestic violence committed by the respondent. The person may petition for relief on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of minor family or household members.

(2) The courts defined in RCW 26.50.010(3) have jurisdiction over proceedings under this chapter. The jurisdiction of district and municipal courts under this chapter shall be limited to enforcement of RCW 26.50.110(1), or the equivalent municipal ordinance, and the issuance and enforcement of temporary orders for protection provided for in RCW 26.50.070 if: (a) A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding under this title or chapter 13.34 RCW involving the parties; (b) the petition for relief under this chapter presents ((~~a child custody or visitation issue~~)) issues of residential schedule of and contact with children of the parties; or (c) the petition for relief under this chapter requests the court to exclude a party from the dwelling which the parties share. When the jurisdiction of a district or municipal court is limited to the issuance and enforcement of a temporary order, the district or municipal court shall set the full hearing provided for in RCW 26.50.050 in superior court and transfer the case. If the notice and order are not served on the respondent in time for the full hearing, the issuing court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the superior court to extend the order for protection.

(3) An action under this chapter shall be filed in the county or the municipality where the petitioner resides, unless the petitioner has left the residence or household to avoid abuse. In that case, the petitioner may bring an action in the county or municipality of the previous or the new household or residence.

(4) A person's right to petition for relief under this chapter is not affected by the person leaving the residence or household to avoid abuse.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 23. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.