Because of the recent COVID-19 restrictions child support payments are to be made directly to the Washington State Support Registry at:
WSSR P.O. BOX 45868 OLYMPIA, WA 98504
We are located on the third floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse at 1820 Jefferson Street in Port Townsend, Washington.
Our office is open Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
We can be reached at 360-385-9359
How is Paternity Established?
The paternity of a child born to non-married parents can be established one of two ways: judicially through the entry of a court order or administratively with the filing of a paternity acknowledgement form. Establishing paternity creates a legal relationship between a parent and child.
The Department of Health and Social Services (DSHS), Division of Child Support (DCS),Family Support Division establishes paternity judicially through the entry of a court order in Jefferson County Superior Court. Judicial paternity actions address the following:
Paternity;
Child support;
Back support;
Health insurance for the child; and
Custody of the child.
A parenting plan or residential schedule can also be requested in the context of a parentage action; however, it is not required and the State of Washington is not authorized to take a position on parenting plan issues.
The same legal remedies are available with an administrative establishment of parentage (paternity acknowledgement form), however neither a parenting plan or a residential schedule can be entered in an administrative action.
To request services related to the establishment of paternity please contact DCS.
Please Note: Washington State Law and the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office from providing legal advice. If you have a matter that requires legal assistance, you may wish to contact an attorney of your choosing.