When you are deciding child custody in Washington, working with an experienced Attorney can help you secure the arrangement that is best for your family.
Key Takeaways:
- Washington state uses the terms “parenting time” or “residential time” or “primary residential parent” to refer to custody or custody arrangements.
- Parenting Plans help break down arrangements related to decision-making authority and residential schedules.
- Our Tacoma Custody Attorney can help you understand your legal options and make moves that preserve your relationship with your child.
Deciding child custody is a stressful prospect for most families. Naturally, you want to do what’s best for your children, but the legal process can seem confusing and overwhelming. It’s easy to fear that you might not get the proper amount of time with your children or be given the right responsibilities for their care.
When you work with a Team who understands your circumstances and wants what’s best for your family, you have the opportunity to preserve your relationship with your children. At CLEAR WATER PNW, The Law Firm Where the Family is Our Focus, our seasoned Tacoma Custody Attorney has over 25 years of experience in Family Law, and we are ready to assist you.
As a Certified Mediator, Divorce Coach, Parent Coach, and Co-Parent Coach, Attorney Leslie R. Bottimore seeks to help you thoroughly understand your legal options and provide comprehensive guidance tailored to your circumstances.
To get started, reach out to schedule yourCase Evaluation, and let us get to know you, your family, and your custody needs.
What You Need to Know About Custody in Washington
In Washington, the terms “parenting time” and “residential time” and “primary residential parent” are used to refer to custody or custody arrangements. Parenting Plans outline how parents share responsibilities for their children after separation or divorce. When parents cannot agree on arrangements, Courts make decisions based on the children’s best interests.
There are two arrangements that Parenting Plans address: decision-making authority and residential time.
- Decision-Making covers major issues in your child’s life, including education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing. Parents may share this responsibility or one parent may have final say in certain areas.
- Residential Schedules determine where your child lives and when during 365 days of the year. This arrangement could mean equal time split between parents or it could mean your child shares primary residence with one parent and visitation (“residential time”) with the other.
Preserving a relationship with both parents is usually considered to be in the best interests of the children. Generally, parents will each be given some level of decision-making authority and residential time. However, Courts may impose limitations when evidence shows domestic violence, neglect, substance abuse, or other factors that could harm your children. If you are concerned about the safety of your children, it is essential to speak with our Tacoma Custody Attorney about your options.
How Our Tacoma Custody Attorney Can Help You
At CLEAR WATER PNW, Family is Our Focus. We help you build a watertight case based on our knowledge of how custody is evaluated in the courtroom.
There are several factors Judges consider when creating Parenting Plans, including:
- Each parent’s relationship with the children
- The children’s emotional and developmental needs
- Each parent’s ability to provide stability
- Each parent’s willingness to facilitate the children’s relationship with the other parent
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The children’s existing ties to school, community, and siblings
- Each parent’s performance of parenting functions
Our Tacoma Custody Attorney can help walk you through these considerations and make your case for why your preferred arrangement is the one that is best for your children. You know your family better than anyone else, so we help make sure your voice is highlighted and carries weight throughout this process.
Parents have the option to make parenting arrangements through Mediation or negotiation rather than Litigation. These Collaborative approaches mean that you can preserve a good working relationship with your Co-Parent and create arrangements mutually that address your family’s unique needs. We can guide you through this process, ensuring proposed arrangements are fair and meet legal standards.
However, in circumstances where you need to turn to Litigation for a ruling by a Judge, we are determined to advocate for you fiercely and thoroughly. Our great familiarity with and respect for the Court means you have meaningful representation in your corner.
CLEAR WATER PNW Helps Families
At CLEAR WATER PNW, we offer comprehensive legal guidance informed by empathy and understanding. We want what’s best for your family, and we have the experience to support you every step of the way. If you are ready to get started, reach out to schedule your Case Evaluation today.
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