Tacoma, Washington, Family Law Attorneys for Parenting Plan and Child Custody Matters
For couples with children, the most contentious and difficult issues in a divorce or legal separation are usually the Parenting Plan issues, including the designation of a “primary residential parent” (child custody), and the determination of the children’s “residential schedule” (visitation) with the other parent. Parents may feel threatened that they will not be able to see their children or that a former spouse will take complete control of child-rearing. At Scholl Law Firm, P.S., our two family law attorneys have had years of experience representing the interests of parents in the divorce and legal separation process, as well as in post-decree Parenting Plan modification matters.
If you and your spouse have children, and you are contemplating a divorce or legal separation, or are already embroiled in a marriage dissolution or legal separation matter in court, you need experienced and skillful legal representation to protect your parental rights, an advocate to fight for a Parenting Plan that is in the best interest of your children. Contact us for an immediate consultation or case evaluation.
Protecting the “best interests of the child”
Washington law requires that the specific provisions of a Parenting Plan, whether entered by agreement of the parties, or entered by decision of the Court, be determined based on only one standard: the best interest of the child. If a Parenting Plan is disputed in your family law matter, you need the legal advice and representation of a family law attorney experienced in articulating your needs and desires as a parent in terms of the best interests of your children.
Does Washington State still recognize “child custody?”
The phrase “child custody” no longer exists in Washington law. Still, the questions of which parent will be the “primary residential parent” how much time and under what circumstances the children will reside with the other parent, and which parent will make the major decisions in the child’s upbringing are issues that must be addressed in a final Parenting Plan to be entered by the Court. Under Washington law, both parents are presumed to have an equal interest in the children.
Child custody cases involving abuse or neglect
In instances where there has been a history of domestic violence, or where one parent is shown to pose a risk to the child's well-being, the Court must order restrictions on that parent’s residential time with the children, sometimes requiring supervised-only child visitation. It is not uncommon for one parent to exaggerate accusations of such conduct in the heat of an emotional "custody battle," and frequently the Court will appoint a Parenting Investigator (or "Guardian ad litem") to represent the child's interests and make written recommendations as to specific Parenting Plan provisions.
Contact us by e-mail or call our offices in Tacoma, Washington, at 253.579.1126 if you need experienced legal advice or representation in your divorce; legal separation; child custody and visitation dispute; child support problem; or other family law matter. For your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, and we can be available for evening or weekend appointments.
