Family Court


Superior Court is Accepting Applications for UGA Court Appointed Attorneys

The recent enactment of the Uniform Guardianship Act (UGA), RCW 11.130, repeals, effective January 1, 2021, the Non Parental custody statute, RCW 26.10, in its entirety and replaces it with a new statutory framework.  Article 2 of the UGA provides for the appointment of an attorney for the parent(s) and for children under certain circumstances. 

Spokane County Superior Court is requesting qualifications and relevant information from local attorneys interested in providing legal representation to parents and/or children in UGA actions.  Attorneys could choose to represent only parents, only children, or both.

To be considered for inclusion on the court appointed attorney list, please submit the following:

1. A current resume, outlining your professional knowledge, skills, years of experience, training / certifications, and professional affiliations
2. A cover letter, specifying the list(s) you are applying for and detailing:

    • Experience providing legal representation services in family law, dependency, guardianship or related areas of law; and
    • A brief description of your expected approach to handling these cases, including the case management and client contact procedures and processes; and
    • Experience providing indigent representation services.

The County pay rate is tentatively set at $1,400 per case.  If the attorney believes additional funds are needed, a proper motion for authorization will need to be presented to the Court prior to expending any additional funds.

Please email the materials listed above along with any other relevant information to Ashley Callan, Court Administrator at acallan@spokanecounty.org.

Family Court also provides the Checklist for Minor Guardianships.

Participant Instructions on How to Appear by Video - Family Law



Commissioner Docket Post COVID Hybrid Hearing Policy

Commissioner Order Post COVID Policy

Honorable Jacquelyn High-Edward


  • Courtroom 303, Family Law Judge

Honorable Shelley Szambelan


  • Courtroom 4A, Family Law Judge

Superior Court Commissioners


  • Family Law Center, Room 200, 509-477-5702
  • Honorable Tami M. Chavez
  • Honorable Nichole Swennumson
  • Honorable Kevin Stewart
  • Honorable Michelle Ressa
  • Honorable John Stine
  • Honorable Tony M. Rugel
  • Honorable Julia Pelc
  • Honorable Jeremy Schmidt
Bench Copies for Court Commissioners should be dropped off at the Family Law Center, Room 200 of the main Courthouse.

Family Law Responsibilities


  • Family Law / Domestic Relations Matters include:
    • Dissolution/Legal Separation/Invalidity of a Marriage
    • Modification of Custody/Parenting Plan
    • Modification of Child Support Order
    • Establishment of Parentage (Paternity)
    • Minor Guardianships
  • Ex Parte Court
  • Civil Commitment

Family Law Coordinator


The Family Law Coordinator coordinates all Court calendars, schedules and case management issues for the 8 Court Commissioners.

Family Court Facilitator


The Family Court Facilitator facilitates to empower Pro Se individuals with necessary instructions, forms, and efforts necessary to participate with the Family Court.

Children's Waiting Room


The Children's Waiting Room is a free drop-in childcare program available to residents of Spokane County attending to business on the Spokane County Courthouse campus.

Daily Court Room Assignments


View daily court room assignments.