Spokane Child Custody Lawyer

Spokane Child Custody Lawyer

For a family with children, sometimes the most emotional aspect of a family law matter is making decisions about child custody arrangements. If you need help reaching an agreement on parenting and child custody, an experienced Spokane child custody lawyer can help provide reliable legal advice.

At The Legal Hill, PLLC, we compassionately represent parents and can help you reach a parenting plan that’s in your child’s best interest. If you haven’t been able to reach an agreement through negotiation, we are ready to help with formal legal proceedings. We can advocate on your behalf to protect your goals and reach a child custody agreement. Contact The Legal Hill, PLLC, to schedule an initial client consultation today.

How the Court Decides Child Custody Arrangements in Spokane

In Washington, parents have the chance to agree on custody and visitation issues. An experienced attorney can help create a parenting plan through negotiation on your behalf or alternative methods like mediation or formal court proceedings. In a contested custody situation, the court typically considers many factors to decide what is in your child’s best interest. These factors include:

• The needs of the child
• The relationships the child has
• The living situation of the child
• The physical and emotional health of all parties involved
• Whether any domestic violence, neglect, or abuse instances have occurred
• Other important case-specific issues

Then, a judge usually creates a formal agreement for all parties concerning custody and visitation.

Is Physical Custody Different Than Legal Custody?

Custody means the legal considerations and arrangements for the care of a child. There are two types of custody for a child: physical and legal. Physical custody means the child’s living arrangement, such as where they live and when they typically live there. Legal custody refers to the parent that has the ability to make specific major decisions about their child, such as their healthcare, education, religion, etc.

If you need help establishing a parenting plan or enforcing one, an experienced child custody lawyer in Spokane can help protect your physical and legal custody goals and the interests of your child. An attorney can listen to your situation and tailor advice to your goals.

Modifying a Custody Agreement

When you finalize your divorce, the court typically issues a formal dissolution of marriage decree. However, sometimes, the arrangements concerning child custody, child support, or parenting plans need to change based on the lives of a parent or a child. Sometimes, parents want additional time with their children, or they relocate/move. Or, a work or school schedule changes, and you need to modify a custody agreement.

If your living arrangements change after your divorce, we can help create stability for your family moving forward and help modify your existing custody arrangement. Of course, a modification to an existing plan must maintain the best interest of your child. The Legal Hill, PLLC, has extensive experience and legal knowledge of family law and can help modify your child custody arrangements.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for a Child Custody Matter?

If you need help creating or modifying a child custody agreement, an attorney can provide critical legal help. An experienced Spokane child custody attorney can:

• Explain any complex areas of family law that arise during your custody issue
• Navigate the complicated legal procedures on your behalf
• Advocate for your parental rights
• Protect your child’s best interests
• Help you with a fair custody agreement

Involving an attorney right away in your child custody matter allows them to gather information, start building your case, and bolster your claim for custody rights. An attorney can provide invaluable help. Contact The Legal Hill, PLLC in Spokane, WA, to discuss your unique child custody issue confidentially.

FAQs

How Much Does a Spokane Child Custody Lawyer Cost?

In Spokane, a child custody attorney can decide their own fee arrangements, which usually are impacted by the complexity of the case and the attorney’s level of experience. Complex or adversarial custody cases might cost more, especially if allegations of abuse or neglect are involved.

The Legal Hill, PLLC, can handle your child custody issue and is ready to discuss our written fee agreement with our clients. We can answer any attorney fee questions you might have.

Are There Things I Should Avoid Saying During a Child Custody Case?

During a child custody case, it’s important to remain truthful and avoid saying anything negative about the other parent. This can often harm your case and could imply you prioritize your own interests over those of your child.

Instead, you can focus on your positive parenting abilities and your cooperative attitude that is supportive of your child’s safety. A family law attorney can help keep you on track during a custody case and can help highlight your parenting skills.

What Should I Ask a Child Custody Lawyer?

There are many important questions you can ask a child custody lawyer you’re considering hiring, such as whether they have experience handling child custody cases like yours, whether your child’s preferences can be considered, what anticipated costs might be, and what potential arguments your attorney might make to bolster your case. The team at The Legal Hill, PLLC, is ready to help answer any questions you might have and provide comprehensive legal assistance.

Would a Domestic Abuse Conviction Affect a Custody Arrangement?

In Washington, a domestic abuse conviction could impact a custody decision, as courts protect the safety and well-being of children. The court may limit your time with your child, such as your visitation rights or parenting time, in order to maintain your child’s safety.

If you need to further discuss a past domestic abuse conviction and how it could impact your specific custody arrangement, contact our legal team for help working through this sensitive issue.

Contact The Legal Hill, PLLC – Experienced Spokane Child Custody Lawyers

At The Legal Hill, PLLC, we provide comprehensive legal assistance for family law matters. We can provide reliable advice for your specific custody case. We can provide practical information that protects your interests and answers your family law questions. Contact us to discuss your Spokane child custody issue and schedule an initial client consultation.

Client Testimonials

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“Anyone can find themselves in a position where they need reassurance they will be treated fairly in court. Even “smaller” problems can seem big when you don’t know the court system. Big or small issues at hand, The Legal Hill, PLLC will help you get through it. Ms. Hill and her team are knowledgeable, courteous, and do thorough work. If you need legal representation, you’re looking in the right place.” – Garrett L.

“The Legal Hill was great when I needed to get my parenting plan updated to 50/50 custody. It was about 2 weeks after my consultation that everything was finish. About a week with them and about a week with the court. If I ever need them again I will be coming back.” – Brent E.