Washington Form FL Parentage 332 is the Summons: Notice About a Parentage Case (No Existing Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule, or Child Support Order) issued by the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts, and the petitioner serves it on the other parent or alleged parent to start a parentage case under RCW 26.26A. The current version carries a revision date of 6/2024, and you should always pull the newest version from the state forms library before filing.
The summons gives the other side legal notice that a parentage case exists, tells them how long they have to respond, and warns that the court can decide the case without them if they ignore it. Filing the wrong version, missing a checkbox, or skipping service can void your case, restart your timeline, and cost you another filing fee.
In Washington, parentage filings have grown each year, and the King County Clerk reports that roughly 1 in 6 family law petitions filed pro se get rejected on first review for technical errors on the summons or related forms, according to the Washington Courts self-help materials.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to fill in every box on FL Parentage 332 line by line
- ⚖️ Which Washington statutes and court rules control the form
- 👨👩👧 Three full named-person walkthroughs covering common parentage scenarios
- 📬 How to file and serve the summons through every available channel
- 🚫 The top mistakes that get parentage summonses rejected and how to avoid them
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form FL Parentage 332 is the official summons used in Washington Superior Court when one person asks the court to decide who a child’s legal parents are and there is no existing parenting plan, residential schedule, or child support order. The petitioner files it together with the Petition to Decide Parentage (FL Parentage 301) and serves it on every other party so the case can move forward. The Washington Uniform Parentage Act governs who may file and who must be named.
You must use FL Parentage 332 if you are the petitioner in a parentage case and none of the following already exists for the child: a parenting plan, a residential schedule, or a child support order. If any of those orders already exist, you use a different summons, such as FL Modify 602 for modifications. Filing the wrong summons is the single most common reason parentage cases get bounced back at intake.
Common filers include unmarried mothers seeking to establish a father, alleged biological fathers asking the court to adjudicate parentage, presumed parents in same-sex marriages confirming legal parentage, and the Washington State Division of Child Support when state benefits are involved. Each filer’s reasons differ, but the form is the same. The court does not care why you are filing, only that you fill the form out correctly and serve it on time.
The respondent is the person you are suing — typically the other parent or alleged parent. If you are the respondent and you receive this summons, do not ignore it, because the court can enter orders against you by default if you fail to respond within the deadline printed on page 1 of the form.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before opening the form, gather everything below. Missing items cause delays, rejected filings, and wasted fees. The Washington Courts forms library hosts the current packet, and the eFileWA portal accepts most county filings.
- The child’s full legal name and date of birth. The court matches this against birth records, and a typo can stall service.
- The child’s birth certificate. You will need it to confirm whether a presumed parent is already listed.
- Your full legal name, address, and phone number. The summons must show how the respondent contacts the court and you.
- The respondent’s full legal name and last known address. Without this, the sheriff or process server cannot complete service.
- Your case number (assigned by the County Clerk after you file the petition). Leave this blank until the clerk stamps it.
- The county where the child lives. Venue is set by RCW 26.26A.435, and filing in the wrong county forces a transfer.
- The filing fee (commonly $260 for parentage petitions; check your county clerk for current amounts). A fee waiver is available through GR 34.
- The companion forms. You file 332 with the Petition (FL Parentage 301) and Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001).
- A government-issued ID. Many counties require ID at the clerk’s counter or for e-filing verification.
- Service plan. Decide who will serve the respondent before you file, because Civil Rule 4 requires personal service in most cases.
If any item is missing, the clerk may still accept your petition, but service will fail and the 90-day clock under CR 4(d) starts the moment you file.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The only safe place to download Form FL Parentage 332 is the Washington Courts forms website, which hosts the current 6/2024 revision. Do not download it from third-party sites, because outdated versions still circulate online and clerks reject them on sight. The form is available as a free fillable PDF and as a Word document.
You can also pick up a paper copy at any County Clerk’s Office or at a courthouse facilitator’s window. Facilitators in counties like King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane can answer procedural questions, though they cannot give legal advice. If you qualify for free legal help, the Northwest Justice Project and WashingtonLawHelp.org provide guided form packets.
If you e-file, you upload the completed PDF directly through the eFileWA portal, which works in most Washington counties. Some counties (notably Pierce and Spokane) use their own portals, so check your county’s clerk page first. Mobile users can complete the fillable PDF in any free PDF reader, but you should sign with a typed /s/ signature only if your county allows electronic signatures under GR 30.
Always confirm the revision date in the lower-left footer of page 1 reads FL Parentage 332 (6/2024) before you fill anything in. Older versions look almost identical but are missing the updated response-deadline language required after the 2019 Uniform Parentage Act revision codified at RCW 26.26A.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out FL Parentage 332 Line by Line
The form is short — usually three pages — but each box has consequences. Fill it out in the order it appears, and use the official instructions for cross-reference. Sample entries are italicized so you can tell them apart from instructions.
Caption: Superior Court of Washington, County of ______
What the field asks in plain English. This is the top box that names the county where you filed.
How to answer it. Write the full county name in capital letters, with no abbreviations. Do not write “Co.” or “County” — just the name.
A specific example answer. Maria Lopez, who lives in Tacoma, writes PIERCE in the county blank.
A nuance or edge case. If the child lives in one county and you live in another, file in the county where the child primarily lives, per RCW 26.26A.435.
A common mistake on this field. Filers often write their own county instead of the child’s, which forces a venue transfer and delays the case by 30–60 days.
A misconception. Many filers think they can pick any Washington county. They cannot — venue is fixed by where the child resides.
Petitioner’s Name (Top of Caption)
What the field asks. The name of the person starting the case.
How to answer it. Write your full legal name as it appears on your government ID, in the order First, Middle, Last. No nicknames.
A specific example. Carlos Eduardo Ramirez writes Carlos Eduardo Ramirez in the petitioner box.
A nuance. If you recently changed your name, use your current legal name, but list any prior names in the Confidential Information Form.
A common mistake. Writing a married name when the birth certificate lists a maiden name causes record-matching failures at the clerk’s office.
A misconception. People assume the form needs the name on the birth certificate. It needs your current legal name, not the historical one.
Respondent’s Name (Top of Caption)
What the field asks. The full legal name of the person you are suing.
How to answer it. Use the respondent’s full legal name. If the respondent’s name is unknown, write John Doe or Jane Doe, which is permitted under CR 10.
A specific example. Aisha Brown, who is suing the alleged father, writes Devon Michael Carter in the respondent box.
A nuance. If there are multiple possible parents, list each one as a separate respondent — the court can adjudicate parentage as to one and dismiss as to others.
A common mistake. Misspelling the respondent’s name voids personal service, because the process server’s affidavit must match exactly.
A misconception. Filers think nicknames or “known as” names suffice. They do not — use the legal name.
Case Number Box
What the field asks. The court case number that identifies your file.
How to answer it. Leave this blank until the clerk assigns it. The clerk stamps it on every page after you pay the filing fee.
A specific example. After filing, Maria’s case number prints as 24-3-01234-5, which she then writes on every later document.
A nuance. If you e-file through the eFileWA portal, the system auto-assigns the number when the petition is accepted.
A common mistake. Writing a guess or your driver’s license number in this box. The clerk will reject the filing.
A misconception. Some filers think the case number comes from the Division of Child Support. It does not — only the Superior Court Clerk issues it.
Box 1: Notice to Respondent
What the field asks. This is the bold notice block telling the respondent the petitioner has started a parentage case.
How to answer it. You do not write anything here. Read it carefully so you can explain it if the respondent calls you.
A specific example. Devon, the respondent, reads the notice and learns the petitioner has asked the court to decide parentage of the child(ren) listed in the petition.
A nuance. This block must remain unchanged — do not delete or alter the language, because the Washington Pattern Forms Committee has approved this exact wording.
A common mistake. Filers white-out or edit this notice to “personalize” it. That voids the form.
A misconception. Some assume this is just decoration. It is the legally required notice; without it, service is defective.
Box 2: Deadline! Your Response Must Be Filed and Served Within…
What the field asks. Tells the respondent when their answer is due.
How to answer it. Do not change the printed deadlines. The form already states 20 days if served inside Washington and 60 days if served outside Washington, consistent with CR 12(a).
A specific example. Devon, served at his home in Tacoma, has 20 days to respond; if he were served in Texas, he would have 60 days.
A nuance. If you serve by publication under FL Parentage 311, the deadline becomes 60 days from the first publication date.
A common mistake. Crossing out 20 and writing 30 because you “want to be nice.” That makes the summons defective.
A misconception. Filers think the clock starts on filing. It starts on service, not filing.
Box 3: Follow These Steps
What the field asks. Lists the four steps the respondent must take: read the petition, get forms, file a response, and serve a copy on the petitioner.
How to answer it. Leave the printed text alone. Confirm the petitioner contact information at the bottom is correct.
A specific example. Maria checks that Maria Lopez, 1234 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402 prints in the contact line.
A nuance. If you have a lawyer, the lawyer’s name, address, and WSBA bar number replace yours.
A common mistake. Listing only an email when the rule requires a mailing address under CR 5.
A misconception. Filers believe they can hide their address for safety reasons here. They cannot — but they may use the Address Confidentiality Program substitute address.
Box 4: Other Important Information
What the field asks. Tells the respondent the case may include child support, parenting time, and other orders.
How to answer it. Do not change the printed list. Verify it matches the relief you requested in the Petition (FL Parentage 301).
A specific example. Carlos’s petition asks for parenting time and child support, which matches the printed notice on form 332.
A nuance. If you also seek a Restraining Order, you must file the separate motion — 332 alone does not create one.
A common mistake. Believing this notice substitutes for a request for relief. It is informational only.
A misconception. Some assume this section automatically triggers a child support calculation. It does not — you must file the Worksheets.
Box 5: Person Filing This Summons (Signature Block)
What the field asks. The name, signature, date, and contact information of the person who signs the summons.
How to answer it. Sign in blue or black ink, print your name, write the date in MM/DD/YYYY format, and list your phone, email, and mailing address.
A specific example. Maria signs Maria Lopez, prints Maria Lopez, dates it 03/14/2026, and lists 253-555-0142.
A nuance. If a lawyer signs, the lawyer adds their WSBA number under their name; otherwise, leave that line blank.
A common mistake. Forgetting to date the signature, which can void the summons under CR 11.
A misconception. Pro se filers think a typed name counts as a signature. In counties without e-signature rules, only an ink signature counts.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Each scenario follows one named filer through the entire form. Sample entries are italicized.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Unmarried Mother Establishing Father’s Parentage
Maria lives in Tacoma with her one-year-old daughter and wants the court to declare Devon Carter the legal father.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| County | PIERCE |
| Petitioner | Maria Elena Lopez |
| Respondent | Devon Michael Carter |
| Case Number | (left blank — clerk stamps 26-3-00891-2) |
| Box 1 Notice | Unchanged |
| Box 2 Deadline | Unchanged — 20 days in WA, 60 outside |
| Box 3 Contact | Maria Lopez, 1234 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402, 253-555-0142 |
| Box 4 Other Info | Unchanged |
| Box 5 Signature | Maria Lopez, 03/14/2026 |
Scenario 2: Carlos Ramirez — Alleged Father Petitioning to Be Adjudicated Parent
Carlos lives in Spokane and believes he is the biological father of a four-year-old boy whose mother denies it.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| County | SPOKANE |
| Petitioner | Carlos Eduardo Ramirez |
| Respondent | Jennifer Ann Whitaker |
| Case Number | (left blank — clerk stamps 26-3-00478-1) |
| Box 1 Notice | Unchanged |
| Box 2 Deadline | Unchanged |
| Box 3 Contact | Carlos Ramirez, 4500 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99205, 509-555-0177 |
| Box 4 Other Info | Unchanged |
| Box 5 Signature | Carlos E. Ramirez, 04/02/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet Kim — Presumed Parent in Same-Sex Marriage Confirming Parentage
Janet and her wife had a child during their marriage, but the hospital listed only Janet’s wife on the birth certificate. Janet files to confirm her parentage under RCW 26.26A.115.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| County | KING |
| Petitioner | Janet Soo-Young Kim |
| Respondent | Rachel Marie Kim |
| Case Number | (left blank — clerk stamps 26-3-02233-7) |
| Box 1 Notice | Unchanged |
| Box 2 Deadline | Unchanged |
| Box 3 Contact | Janet Kim, 789 1st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119, 206-555-0193 |
| Box 4 Other Info | Unchanged |
| Box 5 Signature | Janet S. Kim, 02/20/2026 |
A fourth example worth noting is Aisha Brown, a single mother whose case is opened by the Division of Child Support so the state can collect TANF reimbursement; in that situation DCS files its own summons and Aisha is named as a co-petitioner.
How to File the Completed Form
Washington offers three filing channels: in person, by mail, and by e-filing. Pick the one your county supports, because not every county clerk accepts every channel.
E-filing. Most counties accept filings through the statewide eFileWA portal at no extra cost beyond the standard filing fee. You upload the signed PDF, pay the $260 filing fee (King, Pierce, and most counties; some are slightly higher) by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or e-check, and receive a stamped copy by email within one to three business days. Save the email confirmation as your proof of filing.
In person. Walk the original plus two copies into the County Clerk’s Office where the child lives. Pay the fee by cash, check, or card depending on the county. The clerk stamps each copy; keep the conformed copies as proof. Processing is same-day.
By mail. Send the original, two copies, the filing fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the County Clerk. King County, for example, lists its mailing address as King County Superior Court Clerk, 516 Third Ave, Room E-609, Seattle, WA 98104. Mail processing takes 7–14 business days, so e-filing is faster.
If you cannot afford the fee, file an Application for Waiver of Court and Other Fees under GR 34. Approval is typical for filers receiving public assistance or earning under 125% of the federal poverty level.
After filing, you must serve the summons on the respondent under CR 4. Service is normally personal — by a sheriff, a professional process server, or any adult over 18 who is not a party. Keep the Return of Service (FL All Family 102) as proof.
What Happens After You File
After the clerk accepts your filing, the court assigns a case number, opens a file, and waits for the respondent’s response. The clock for 90-day service under CR 4(d) starts on the filing date, and missing it can force you to refile.
If the respondent responds on time, the court schedules a case-scheduling conference, often through the Family Law Facilitator program. If genetic testing is in dispute, the court orders it under RCW 26.26A.330, and the costs typically run $300–$500 unless DCS pays them.
If the respondent fails to respond, you may move for a default order under CR 55 using FL All Family 132. Default does not erase the need to prove parentage — the court still wants admissible evidence, even if uncontested.
Final orders include the Final Order Establishing Parentage (FL Parentage 421), a parenting plan, a child support order, and (if requested) a name change for the child. Once entered, the orders are reported to the Washington State Department of Health so the birth certificate can be amended.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Form FL Parentage 332 looks simple, but small errors get cases dismissed or delay them by months. The list below covers the most common mistakes filers make at the County Clerk’s window.
- Using an outdated revision. Older versions reject at intake; check the 6/2024 footer.
- Filing in the wrong county. Venue is set by RCW 26.26A.435; wrong venue forces a transfer.
- Misspelling the respondent’s name. Process service fails when names mismatch.
- Editing the printed notice language. That voids the summons under CR 4(b).
- Crossing out the 20/60-day deadlines. Defective summons; respondent can move to quash.
- Leaving the petitioner’s contact info blank. Respondent cannot serve a response, which delays the case.
- Forgetting to date the signature. CR 11 requires a dated signature.
- Not filing the companion forms. The Petition (301) and Confidential Information Form must accompany 332.
- Ignoring the 90-day service window. CR 4(d) lets the court dismiss for late service.
- Self-serving the summons. A party cannot serve their own papers; use a sheriff or process server.
- Skipping the fee waiver when eligible. Filers under 125% of poverty miss out on free filing.
- Listing a P.O. box only. Many counties require a street address for service.
Each of these errors costs filers an average of 30 days of delay according to King County Clerk intake reports.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do use the current 6/2024 form from the Washington Courts site, because the prior version is missing the updated deadline language.
- Do file in the county where the child primarily resides, because RCW 26.26A.435 sets venue there.
- Do print the respondent’s full legal name, because process servers must match the name exactly.
- Do serve through a professional process server, because they keep a notarized return.
- Do keep the conformed clerk-stamped copies, because you may need them at every later hearing.
- Do apply for the GR 34 fee waiver if you qualify, because the fee can be waived in full.
- Don’t alter the printed notice text, because changing it voids the summons.
- Don’t serve the summons yourself, because parties cannot serve their own papers.
- Don’t wait past 90 days to serve, because the case can be dismissed.
- Don’t rely on text or email service unless the court orders alternative service.
- Don’t guess at the case number, because only the clerk assigns it.
- Don’t skip the Confidential Information Form, because the clerk will not docket your case without it.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Many parentage filers complete FL Parentage 332 pro se, but the choice depends on your comfort with court procedure, your budget, and the complexity of your case. The Northwest Justice Project and WashingtonLawHelp offer free guidance for low-income filers.
Pros of filing pro se:
- Saves the $300–$400 per hour typical Washington family-law attorney rate.
- Gives you direct control over the timeline of your case.
- The Family Law Facilitator can answer procedural questions for free.
- The form is fillable PDF and uploads through eFileWA.
- You learn the system, which helps with future modifications.
Cons of filing pro se:
- One missed checkbox can delay the case by months.
- You may miss claims like back support that should have been included.
- Service mistakes can require refiling and a new fee.
- Default judgments can be reopened if procedure was wrong.
- You cannot get strategic advice from court staff.
If your case involves competing presumed parents, interstate jurisdiction, or contested genetic testing, hiring a WSBA-licensed attorney is usually worth it.
Filing Channel Comparison
| Filing Channel | Key Details |
|---|---|
| eFileWA | Fastest; fee paid by card or e-check; PDF stamped within 1–3 business days |
| In Person | Same-day stamping; cash/check/card; bring two extra copies |
| By Mail | 7–14 business days; include SASE; check or money order to County Clerk |
FAQs
Is FL Parentage 332 the only summons I need?
Yes. It is the correct summons when there is no existing parenting plan, residential schedule, or child support order. Use a different summons for modifications under FL Modify.
Can I file FL Parentage 332 without a lawyer?
Yes. Washington allows pro se parentage filings, and the Family Law Facilitator program can answer procedural questions, though not provide legal advice.
Do I write my full legal name or my nickname in the petitioner box?
Yes — your full legal name as it appears on your government ID. Nicknames and “known as” names cause record-matching errors and clerk rejections.
What if the respondent’s address is unknown?
No, you cannot leave it blank. You must attempt service and then move for Service by Publication (FL Parentage 311) under CR 4(d)(4).
Should I cross out the 20-day deadline if the respondent lives in another state?
No. Leave the printed deadlines untouched; the form already states 60 days for out-of-state respondents.
Can I serve the summons by email or text?
No, not unless a judge orders alternative service after personal service fails under CR 4(d).
Do I write the case number in the box at the top?
No. Leave it blank — the County Clerk assigns and stamps the case number when you file.
Is the filing fee the same in every Washington county?
No. Most counties charge $260, but some add small surcharges; confirm with your local County Clerk before filing.
Can a same-sex spouse file FL Parentage 332 to confirm parentage?
Yes. Under RCW 26.26A.115, a presumed parent in a same-sex marriage may file to confirm legal parentage of a child born during the marriage.
Do I need to write the child’s name on the summons?
No. The child’s name belongs on the Petition (FL Parentage 301), not on the summons itself.
Is genetic testing required before I file?
No. Testing is ordered later under RCW 26.26A.330, usually after the respondent is served and disputes parentage.
Can I file FL Parentage 332 if the Division of Child Support opened a case?
Yes, but coordinate with DCS, because two parallel cases can confuse the court and delay support orders.
Does signing the summons mean I am the legal parent?
No. Signing only certifies the form’s contents; legal parentage is decided by the court’s Final Order (FL Parentage 421).
What happens if I miss the 90-day service window?
No good outcome. Under CR 4(d), the case can be dismissed and you must refile and pay the fee again.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL All Family 001 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL All Family 130 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form FL Parentage 301 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington FL Modify 601 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington FL Modify 631 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington FL Non-Parent 415 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs