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On January 19, 2026, significant changes were made to Washington State's family law system in an effort to better protect children and families. The reforms, which were signed into law by Governor Sarah Johnson, aim to address longstanding issues in the state's family court system and promote the best interests of children in custody and divorce cases.One of the key changes introduced by the new law is the requirement for parents going through a divorce or custody dispute to attend mandatory mediation sessions before litigating their case in court. This measure is intended to encourage parents to work together to reach amicable agreements regarding custody, visitation, and child support, thus reducing the emotional and financial toll of lengthy court battles.Additionally, the reforms include provisions aimed at ensuring that children's voices are heard in family court proceedings. Judges will now be required to consider the preferences of children over the age of 12 when making custody and visitation decisions, giving them a greater say in matters that directly affect their lives.Another important aspect of the new law is the establishment of clear guidelines for determining child support obligations. Under the reforms, the income of both parents will be taken into account when calculating child support payments, ensuring that financial obligations are fairly distributed based on each parent's ability to pay.In her statement announcing the reforms, Governor Johnson emphasized the importance of putting children first in the family court system. "These changes are long overdue and are designed to promote the well-being of children and families in our state," she said. "By prioritizing the needs of children and encouraging parents to cooperate, we can create a more equitable and child-centered family law system."The reforms have been met with widespread support from family law advocates and child welfare organizations, who have long called for improvements to Washington State's family court system. They hope that the changes will lead to more positive outcomes for children and families involved in divorce and custody disputes.Overall, the reforms to Washington State's family law system mark a significant step forward in ensuring that children's best interests are at the forefront of all family court proceedings. With these changes in place, it is hoped that families in Washington will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of separation and divorce in a way that minimizes harm to children and promotes their overall well-being.