Washington State Statutes - Washington Attorney Directory

Custody proceedings shall receive priority in being set for hearing.

     A party may petition the court to authorize the payment of necessary travel and other expenses incurred by any witness whose presence at the hearing the court deems necessary to determine the best interests of the child.

     The court without a jury shall determine questions of law and fact. If it finds that a public hearing may be detrimental to the child's best interests, the court may exclude the public from a custody hearing, but may admit any person who has a direct and legitimate interest in the work of the court.

     If the court finds it necessary to protect the child's welfare that the record of any interview, report, investigation, or testimony in a custody proceeding be kept secret, the court may make an appropriate order sealing the record.

[1987 c 460 § 42.]

Click here to visit the Official Washington State Statutes