Top-Rated Child Custody Attorney

A child’s residential schedule and other parental rights and responsibilities are laid out in a court order called a Parenting Plan. You can agree on a Plan, or the court will order one.

The Washington State Legislature has established the best interests of the child as the standard by which the court determines and allocates the parties’ parental responsibilities in any proceeding between parents. The state recognizes the fundamental importance of the parent-child relationship to the welfare of the child, and that the relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered unless inconsistent with the child’s best interests. The best interests of the child are served by a parenting arrangement that best maintains a child’s emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care. Further, the best interest of the child is ordinarily served with the existing pattern of interaction between a parent and child is altered only to the extent necessitated by the changed relationship of the parents or as required to protect the child from physical, mental or emotional harm.

Parties in a custody battle are often in control of their own fate. Most family courts in the country prefer that separating or divorcing parents reach an amicable agreement on their own or with the help of a mediator or arbitrator. Doing so often saves both parents a good deal of time and money that would have otherwise been spent in court, and it typically leaves both parties feeling satisfied with the final arrangement.

However, not all custody negotiations end with a satisfactory arrangement. If the parents can’t decide on how best to allocate custody and visitation, a judge will based on what they feel is in the best interests of the child.

The best interests of a child vary from one case to the next but generally depend on these factors:

• The level of involvement each parent has had in the child’s upbringing. The emotional bond that the children have with each of their parents, as well as any siblings
• The child’s age, sex, and physical and mental health
• The child’s established living pattern (home, school, community, and religious institution)
• Each parent’s physical and mental health
• Each parent’s willingness to support the other parent’s relationship with the child
• Each parent’s living situation and other social factors, like schedule and lifestyle

Depending on your family’s unique situation, the judge may consider other factors when deciding custody.

Parenting Plans are not set in stone, but they can be difficult to change. To modify a court-ordered agreement, you have two options: either agree on changes with the other parent or let the court rule on disputed changes. For more information, contact us to discuss your case.

The idea of having to battle for the right to be with your child can be overwhelming, both financially and emotionally. Kasin Law will help you make sense of everything and reach your goals faster.

To speak with a lawyer about divorce, separation, custody, or any other family law issue, please contact us online or by phone at 425-900-9779.