RULE (95)
                MANDATORY PARENTING SEMINARS


     (A)  Definition of Applicable Cases.  This rule applies
to all cases filed under Ch. 26.09 or Ch. 26.26 of the RCW
filed after January 1, 1996, including dissolutions, legal
separations, major modifications and paternity actions (in
which paternity has been established) where the parties are
parents of children under the age of 18, and where a
parenting plan or residential plan is required which
involves more than purely financial issues.

     (B)  Parenting Seminars; Mandatory Attendance.  In all
cases referred to in Section (A) above, and in those
additional cases arising under Title 26 RCW where a court
makes a discretionary finding that a parenting seminar would
be in the best interest of the children, both parents, and
such nonparent parties as the court may direct, shall
participate in, and successfully complete, an approved
parenting seminar.  Standards for an approved parenting
seminar shall be established by Administrative Order of this
court.  Successful completion shall be evidenced by a
certificate of attendance filed by the provider agency with
the court.

     (C)  Special Considerations/Waiver.

          (1)  In no case shall opposing parties be required
to attend a seminar together.

          (2)  Upon a showing of domestic violence or abuse which
would not require mutual decision making pursuant to RCW 26.09.191,
or that a parent's attendance at a seminar is not in the children's
best interest, the court shall either:

               (a)  waive the requirement of completion of the                 seminar; or
               (b)  provide an alternative voluntary parenting                     seminar for battered spouses.

          (3)  The Court may waive the seminar requirement for
one or both parents in any case for good cause shown.

     (D)  Failure to Comply.  Nonparticipation, or default,
by one parent does not excuse participation by the other
parent.  Respondent's refusal, delay or default will not
delay the progress of the case to a final decree; however,
Respondent will not be allowed to seek affirmative relief in
this or subsequent proceedings, except certain Temporary
Orders, on parenting issues until the seminar has been
successfully completed.  Petitioner's refusal or delay will
prevent the case from being tried or any final order
affecting the parenting/residential plan being entered in
Petitioner's favor.  Willful refusal or delay by either
parent may constitute contempt of court and result in
sanctions imposed by the court or may result in the
imposition of monetary terms, default and/or striking of
pleadings.

     (E)  Petitioners in all applicable cases as defined in
subsection (A) above shall serve a notice as provided by the
Clerk's Office upon Respondents notifying them of the
requirements of this court rule.  The notice shall be served
with the initial pleadings.


[Adopted effective January 1, 1996.]