In April 1998, the Thurston County Clerk's Office began its Family Court Facilitator Program.  This program was designed to provide self-represented litigants access to the judicial system.  

Additionally, facilitators provide assistance to self-represented parties involved in domestic relations matters by providing information about local court procedures, use of mandatory forms and by providing assistance in preparing child support worksheets based on the Washington State Child Support Guidelines by utilizing the family income.  Facilitators also assist self-represented parties with ex parte procedures and provide assistance during court calendars.

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of litigants filing actions without attorneys.  This has been proven by the number of litigants that the facilitators meet with each year.  During 2003 facilitators met with 2,067 people; however, during 2004 the facilitators met with 3,166 people, an increase of 1,099 people.

Last updated: 10/15/2009