We, the undersigned, call on the Washington State Legislature to reform RCW 26.11.032—the statute that currently allows grandparents and other third parties to petition for visitation with a child over a parent’s objection. While originally intended to preserve relationships, this law has become a tool for control, conflict, and harm. It jeopardizes family safety, undermines fit parents, and allows harmful individuals access to children through legal manipulation.

Why This Matters:

RCW 26.11.032 opens the door for individuals including grandparents to challenge a parent’s decision in court. In many cases, this law is used to harass or pressure grieving, protective, or single parents after a major life event like a death, separation, or addiction-related loss. The courts can force families into lengthy and traumatic legal battles, even when there is no evidence of harm or unfitness on the part of the parent.

This statute:

Undermines a parent’s constitutional right to make decisions for their child
Enables those with histories of abuse, control, or manipulation to gain legal access to children
Causes emotional distress and retraumatization for both the child and the protective parent
Encourages unnecessary litigation and judicial overreach into family life
Prioritizes the wants of adults over the emotional safety and well-being of children

What We’re Asking For:

We urge the Washington State Legislature to amend RCW 26.11.032 to:

Limit visitation petitions to only biological or legal parents. No third party—including grandparents, ex-stepfamily, or family friends—should be allowed to override a fit parent’s judgment regarding visitation.
Automatically bar petitions from any individual with a history of neglect, untreated addiction, or criminal behavior unless full, documented rehabilitation is proven.
Implement trauma-informed standards that prioritize a child’s emotional safety and protect bereaved or vulnerable families.
Prevent the use of visitation petitions as a tool of retaliation or coercion following the death of a parent or family conflict.

Let’s put children’s safety and parental rights first. The government should not empower outsiders to override the judgment of fit, protective parents. Sign this petition to demand that Washington lawmakers amend RCW 26.11.032 and restore boundaries that protect children and families.