Applicability.
RCW 26.38.100
in effectThis section, RCW 26.38.110 , 26.38.120 , and 26.38.130 do not apply to a transfer of custody of a child by a parent or guardian of the child to: (1) A parent of the child; (2) A stepparent of the child; (3) An adult who is related to the child by blood or by law; (4) An adult who, at the time of the transfer, had a close relationship with the child or the parent or guardian of the child for a substantial period, and whom the parent or guardian reasonably believes, at the time of the transfer, to be a fit custodian of the child; (5) An Indian custodian, as defined in the Indian child welfare act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, as amended, of the child; (6) A member of the child's customary family unit recognized by the child's Indian tribe under chapter 13.38 RCW; or (7) A delegation by a parent pursuant to RCW 11.130.145 .
This section, RCW 26.38.110 , 26.38.120 , and 26.38.130 do not apply to a transfer of custody of a child by a parent or guardian of the child to:
(1) A parent of the child;
(2) A stepparent of the child;
(3) An adult who is related to the child by blood or by law;
(4) An adult who, at the time of the transfer, had a close relationship with the child or the parent or guardian of the child for a substantial period, and whom the parent or guardian reasonably believes, at the time of the transfer, to be a fit custodian of the child;
(5) An Indian custodian, as defined in the Indian child welfare act of 1978, 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1903, as amended, of the child;
(6) A member of the child's customary family unit recognized by the child's Indian tribe under chapter 13.38 RCW; or
(7) A delegation by a parent pursuant to RCW 11.130.145 .
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.38&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026