Wash. Rev. Code » Title 26 · Chapter 26.27
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 26.27.511 (2026)

Costs, fees, and expenses

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorneys' fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(2) The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
[ 2001 c 65 s 312.]
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2012–2026 · leading case: Ruff v. Knickerbocker, 275 P.3d 1175 (Wash. Ct. App. 2012).
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Ruff v. Knickerbocker, 275 P.3d 1175 (Wash. Ct. App. 2012). · cites it 2× “RCW 26.27.511(1). There are no Washington cases that address whether a party who successfully argues a jurisdictional issue under the UCCJEA is entitled to attorney fees.”
In re the Marriage of Rostrom, 339 P.3d 185 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “33 RCW 26.27.511 states that the court “shall award the prevailing party .”
In Re The Custody Of N.j.r.s. (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “Because the grandparents have prevailed in this appeal of the Kitsap County Superior Court contempt order, we grant their request for reasonable attorney fees on appeal, subject to compliance with RAP 18.”
Lisa Susan Smith v. Chris Jeffrey Raymond (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “RCW 26.27.511. But because Raymond does not prevail, we deny his request for costs and fees.”
Robert W. Parrish, Jr. v. Melissa Parrish aka Alaxandria M. Von Hell (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “RCW 26.27.511(1). Here, the father is the prevailing party and is entitled to his fees on this appeal.”
Guardianship Of C.g. (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “RCW 26.27.511, part of the guardianship statute, states, “The court shall award the prevailing party .”
In Re The Marriage Of: Simon Pedersen v. Lone Pedersen (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “RCW 26.27.511 directs that the court "shall award the prevailing party .”
In Re The Marriage Of: Kathryn Rostrom, Resp v. Dale Rostrom, App (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “When exercising our discretion under this statute, we consider the arguable merit of the issues on appeal and the parties' financial resources.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.27.511(1) — 3 cases
Ruff v. Knickerbocker, 275 P.3d 1175 (Wash. Ct. App. 2012). “RCW 26.27.511(1). There are no Washington cases that address whether a party who successfully argues a jurisdictional issue under the UCCJEA is entitled to attorney fees.”
Robert W. Parrish, Jr. v. Melissa Parrish aka Alaxandria M. Von Hell (Wash. Ct. App. 2019). “RCW 26.27.511(1). Here, the father is the prevailing party and is entitled to his fees on this appeal.”
In Re The Custody Of N.j.r.s. (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “Because the grandparents have prevailed in this appeal of the Kitsap County Superior Court contempt order, we grant their request for reasonable attorney fees on appeal, subject to compliance with RAP 18.”
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