Seattle Child Custody Lawyer

Protecting Children's Best Interests in King County, Washington

In Washington, child custody is referred to as parenting plans. Parenting plans outline where children will live, which parent they will live with, and how parents will make decisions about the children’s lives.

The parenting plan you create now will have a large impact on your child’s well-being as well as your relationship with your child. It is important that you approach your parenting plan with a knowledgeable Seattle child custody attorney who can help you craft a thorough plan that is in your and your child’s interests. 

Talk to our trusted family law advocates at Wakefield Legal about your concerns today.

Why Choose Our Seattle Child Custody Attorneys?

• Compassionate, Aggressive & Discreet counsel
• Trial-tested experience in your corner
• Top recommendations from clients and peers
• Availability to provide legal support

Types of Child Custody in Washington

In Washington, there are two primary types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. These categories address different aspects of parental involvement and responsibilities.

• Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to the right of a parent to make significant decisions about the child’s upbringing, including decisions about education, healthcare, religion, and other essential matters. In most cases, Washington courts favor joint legal custody, meaning both parents share the responsibility for making these important decisions.
• Physical Custody: Physical custody determines where the child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent. Washington courts can award sole physical custody to one parent, with the other parent having visitation rights, or they may award joint physical custody, with both parents sharing time with the child. The goal is always to ensure the child’s well-being and stability.

Key Factors Influencing Custody Decisions

The court works carefully to protect a child’s best interest when awarding custody. These decisions can be influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Each parent’s health
• Each parent’s job requirements
• Each parent’s role in the child’s life
• The child’s connection to their school and hometown
• The child’s needs
• The child’s relationship with each parent

In addition to these matters, both the parents and child’s wishes regarding the final custody decision could impact the final ruling. However, a child’s input will only be considered when they are thought to be able to make an intelligent judgment.

Creating Effective Parenting Plans

Courts often prefer that parents work together to create a parenting plan. When parents agree on parenting plans, it often leads to healthier relationships and makes it easier for children during a divorce. If parents agree on a parenting plan, a judge will approve it. Your child custody attorney in Seattle will assist you with creating a parenting plan that reflects your child’s needs.

If there is a dispute regarding your parenting plan and you cannot come to an agreement, then the judge will be forced to decide for you. The judge will make his or her decision based on the best interests of the child.

Call (206) 966-6933 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Seattle child custody attorney at Wakefield Legal.

Understanding Unfit Parenting in Washington State

A parent is considered unfit when they are unable to provide their child with the guidance, care, and support expected of a guardian. This inadequacy could be proven by a history of:

• Abandonment of the child
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Domestic violence, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Harm caused to the child
• Sex offender convictions

If a parent is found to be unfit, their ability to see their child could be limited. These measures may only be temporary if, through participation in a rehabilitation program or success in maintaining a job, a parent is able to prove that they have matured.

Visitation Rights for Children in Washington

In Washington, there is no provision for a child who chooses not to visit their parent. In terms of custody and visitation, all parents must adhere to the court's order, known as a parenting plan. 

Parenting arrangements are in place before the child reaches the age of eighteen. If one of the parents fails to obey the plan's rules, the other parent can file a Motion for Contempt.

Child's Decision-Making Power in Custody Matters

Children under 18 can't make their own residential decisions in Washington state. However, the court may consider a child's wishes if the child is mature enough to express reasoning and independent preferences. 

The family court will decide based on what is in the child's best interests and will not specifically ask the child to state a preference.

Modifying a Child Custody Arrangement

Child custody arrangements are not set in stone. If circumstances change, a parent can request a modification of the custody order. To modify a child custody arrangement in Washington, a parent must demonstrate that there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies the modification. This could include:

• A parent’s relocation
• A change in the child’s needs or living situation
• A parent’s inability to care for the child due to health problems, substance abuse, or other factors
• A parent’s failure to adhere to the existing parenting plan
• Evidence of abuse or neglect

A Seattle child custody attorney can help you navigate the modification process and present the necessary evidence to support your request.

Contact Our Seattle Child Custody Attorneys Today

At Wakefield Legal, our Seattle child custody lawyers are known for our fair and effective solutions. We can steer you and the other parent towards a sound plan that both of you can agree on and one that will be approved by a judge.

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