Child Recovery Options

By Chad Foster, Family Law Attorney · Updated July 25, 2026

When the Other Parent Has Taken Your Child

When a parent or another individual fails to comply with a parenting plan or custody order, Washington law provides remedies to help you regain custody of your child. If you already have a valid court order granting custody, the law is on your side and enforcement options are available.

Immediate Steps if Abduction Is Suspected

If you believe the other parent has unlawfully taken your child, you should immediately contact the Sheriff’s Department or your local police department and file a custodial interference report. Law enforcement can enter your child’s information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which is a critical step in locating missing children. If this entry is not made, you may request assistance through a children’s clearinghouse, which is legally obligated to process such entries.

While NCIC entry helps track your child, police generally cannot enforce custody without a court order. Obtaining a court order strengthens your position and allows law enforcement to act. You may also request criminal charges against the abducting parent if they are violating an existing custody order. If you fear the child may be taken outside the United States, you should contact the U.S. Department of State to request that the child’s passport be restricted.

Other Ways to Locate Your Child

In addition to formal legal remedies, there are practical steps you can take to gather information discreetly:

• Check with friends and relatives of the abducting parent for any information.
• Contact the abducting parent’s employer to see if they have missed work.
• Ask your child’s school to notify you if records are requested by another school.
• Request that your child’s healthcare provider alert you if medical records are accessed.
• If you share financial accounts, monitor activity to track possible movements.

It is important to remain discreet so as not to alert the abducting parent, which could jeopardize recovery efforts.

Legal Protection and Custody Orders

If you do not yet have a custody order, filing for one is essential. In Washington family law cases, particularly in King and Snohomish County, courts can issue domestic violence protection orders that grant temporary custody when safety is at risk. If you already know where your child is, avoid confrontation that could endanger you or your child. Instead, rely on law enforcement and the courts to enforce custody rights.

Parents in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and surrounding areas should understand that Washington courts take custodial interference seriously. Acting quickly to secure proper legal orders and working with law enforcement are the most effective ways to protect your child and enforce your rights.

For guidance on custody enforcement and family law matters in Snohomish County, including Snohomish and King Counties, contact me directly at 425.785.8679.