Domestic Violence assessments

When parenting issues are present in a domestic violence case, the Court may order an assessment by Family Court Services.

In a Domestic Violence Assessment:

• The social worker interviews both parents to assess allegations of domestic violence, risk factors associated with domestic violence, and how those risk factors may impact the children.
• Additional information may be gathered from other professionals who have information about the domestic violence and by reviewing materials that document concerns about violence and risk factors.
• The findings and recommendations of the assessment are reported to parents, their attorneys, and the Court.

Domestic Violence Assessments are provided by order of the court when a parent has petitioned for a protection order or when domestic violence issues of an emergency nature are alleged in a pending family law case.

Only if your case has been ordered to Family Court Services for a Domestic Violence Assessment, you must complete the appropriate Domestic Violence Assessment Questionnaire available at FCS@KingCounty.Gov and send it to the address on the form or bring it with you to your scheduled Family Court Services appointment.