Child Custody and Parenting Plans in Spokane, WA

If you are going through a separation or divorce and facing a child custody battle, you probably have a lot of questions. Legal processes such as child custody can be complex and emotionally difficult to navigate. Parenting plans can help. At The Legal Hill, PLLC, we can assist you with child custody and parenting plans in Spokane, WA.

The court favors joint custody whenever possible, but the law recognizes that 50/50 physical custody is not always possible. Judges usually grant primary physical custody to one parent, called the custodial parent. The court then grants visitation to the non-custodial parent. If the parents disagree on visitation, the judge will order a visitation schedule to be part of the parenting plan.

Custody and visitation schedules can have long-term effects on children. For this reason, we know visitation and all other aspects of the child custody process and parenting plans require care. Our Spokane family lawyer can help you get a favorable outcome in a child custody dispute while keeping your family’s well-being a top priority.

How The Legal Hill, PLLC, Can Help

In 2023, there were 21,013 divorces in Washington state. Going through separation or divorce is difficult, but you are not alone. As a law firm that has practiced family law for the past five years, we have worked on a variety of child custody cases. Because of our experience, we know just how important the outcome of child custody is to you.

What Happens in a Child Custody Case?

When you begin to explore child custody options, you may not know what to expect. In general, child custody cases go one of two ways: parents negotiate an agreement or take the case to the Spokane County Family Court, where a judge decides custody and parenting time based on the child’s best interest. When making child custody decisions, the judge will consider:

• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child
• Home stability
• Parents’ mental and physical health
• Evidence of domestic violence or abuse
• Child’s preferences

The first thing to do is schedule an initial consultation with a knowledgeable child custody attorney in Spokane, WA to discuss the details of your case. No two cases are the same. Your lawyer can evaluate your situation, explain the legal process, and advise you on potential strategies. You may also work on putting together a parenting plan.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a court order entered in divorce, legal separation, and paternity cases to establish which parent a child lives with, parenting time, and who makes decisions for a child. When you are establishing child custody and parenting plans in Spokane, WA, an experienced child custody attorney from our firm can help you create a plan that includes:

• Physical Custody. This determines where the child will live and how parents will split physical parenting time.
• Legal Custody. This determines how parents make important daily decisions, such as education and healthcare.
• Visitation. This determines the visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent.
• Dispute Resolution. This provides guidelines parents should follow for resolving conflicts.

The primary goal of a parenting plan is to prioritize a child’s best interest while minimizing conflict between parents. By outlining custody, visitation, and dispute resolution, parents can reach a fair agreement and protect their rights.

Modifying a Parenting Plan

When life changes and you need to modify your parenting plan, Washington state law allows for both minor and major parenting plan modifications. However, there is a legal process and paperwork. A parenting plan can be modified if you have a substantial change in circumstances that affects either parent or the child, and the modification is in the best interest of the child.

In most cases, the parent requesting the modification must prove a change of circumstances. If you need to change your parenting plan, make sure you tell your attorney for assistance.

Why Should I Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?

Trying to navigate a complex custody case on your own can be very difficult. When you hire a child custody lawyer at The Legal Hill, PLLC, you can receive guidance on complex family law, protection of your parental rights, and an advocate for your child’s best interest.

A lawyer with family law legal experience knows how the family court operates. They can handle the intricate details of the legal system, including filing paperwork, gathering evidence, and facilitating communication between co-parents.

FAQs

How Is Custody Determined in Spokane, Washington?

In most cases, the court awards both parents shared custody, but Spokane child custody laws determine custody based on numerous factors. The judge will not only look at each parent’s ability to care for the child, but they will also consider the child’s relationship with each parent, the health of each parent, and the child’s primary caregiver in the past.

What Is the Biggest Mistake You Can Make in a Custody Battle?

The biggest mistake you can make in a custody battle is allowing your emotions to drive your decisions. As one of the most difficult experiences a parent ever has to go through, complicated custody battles only worsen when emotions take control. A child custody attorney with experience in mediation can help you find a resolution.

What Are Unfit Parent Laws in Washington State?

Although there is no explicit unfit parent law in Washington, a court may restrict a parent’s rights if they fail to act in their child’s best interest. For example, factors such as child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and poor health can be reasons why a judge would deem a parent unfit.

What Rights Do Fathers Have in Child Custody Cases in Washington State?

In Washington, fathers have the same rights as mothers in child custody cases. This includes the right to receive notice for court hearings, contest allegations, participate in court, have a fair trial, and maintain a relationship with their child. Fathers also have the right to request a parenting plan with physical custody and decision-making authority.

Contact The Legal Hill, PLLC, Today

Handling child custody and parenting plans in Spokane, WA, can be an overwhelming and emotional experience, but you can do it with legal support. At The Legal Hill, PLLC, we can help you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and protect your parenting rights.