Washington § 26.11.060 - Modification or termination of orders granting visitation — Substantial change of circumstances.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.11.060 — Modification or termination of orders granting visitation — Substantial change of circumstances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.11.060. Modification or termination of orders granting visitation — Substantial change of circumstances.

(1) A court may not modify or terminate an order granting visitation under RCW 26.11.040 unless it finds, on the basis of facts that have arisen since the entry of the order or were unknown to the court at the time it entered the order, that a substantial change of circumstances has occurred in the circumstances of the child or nonmoving party and that modification or termination of the order is necessary for the best interest of the child.
(2)(a) If a court has jurisdiction over the child pursuant to chapter 26.27 RCW, a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed with that court.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in (a) of this subsection, if a court has exclusive original jurisdiction over the child under *RCW 13.04.030(1) (a) through (d), (h), or (j), a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed with that court.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in (a) or (b) of this subsection, a petition for modification or termination under this section must be filed in the county where the child primarily resides.
(3) The petitioner must file with the petition an affidavit alleging that, on the basis of facts that have arisen since the entry of the order or were unknown to the court at the time it entered the order, there is a substantial change of circumstances of the child or nonmoving party and that modification or termination of the order is necessary for the best interest of the child. The petitioner shall set forth facts in the affidavit supporting the petitioner's requested order.
(4) The petitioner shall serve notice of the petition to each person having legal custody of, or court-ordered residential time or court-ordered visitation with, the child. A person having legal custody or residential or visitation time with the child may file an opposing affidavit.
(5) If, based on the petition and affidavits, the court finds that it is more likely than not that a modification or termination will be granted, the court shall hold a hearing.
(6) The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs to either party.
[ 2018 c 183 s 6.]

Notes

*Reviser's note: RCW 13.04.030 was amended by 2020 c 41 s 4, deleting subsection (1)(j).

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.11.060

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.11.060 cover?

Section 26.11.060 ("Modification or termination of orders granting visitation — Substantial change of circumstances.") 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 § 26.11.060?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.11.060" (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.

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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.

Sources & Verification

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