Washington § 13.34.115 - Hearings — Public excluded when in the best interests of the child — Notes and records — Video recordings.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.115 — Hearings — Public excluded when in the best interests of the child — Notes and records — Video recordings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13.34.115. Hearings — Public excluded when in the best interests of the child — Notes and records — Video recordings.

(1) All hearings shall be public, and conducted at any time or place within the limits of the county, except if the judge finds that excluding the public is in the best interests of the child.
(2) Either parent, or the child's attorney or guardian ad litem, may move to close a hearing at any time. If the judge finds that it is in the best interests of the child the court shall exclude the public.
(3) If the public is excluded from the hearing, the following people may attend the closed hearing unless the judge finds it is not in the best interests of the child:
(a) The child's relatives;
(b) The child's foster parents if the child resides in foster care; and
(c) Any person requested by the parent.
(4) Stenographic notes or any device which accurately records the proceedings may be required as provided in other civil cases pursuant to RCW 2.32.200.
(5) Any video recording of the proceedings may be released pursuant to RCW 13.50.100, however, the video recording may not be televised, broadcast, or further disseminated to the public.
[ 2003 c 228 s 1; 2000 c 122 s 12.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 13.34.115

What does Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.115 cover?

Section 13.34.115 ("Hearings — Public excluded when in the best interests of the child — Notes and records — Video recordings.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 13.34.115?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 13.34.115" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 13.34.115 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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