Child custody laws in Washington State revolve around the parenting plans we mentioned above. Parenting plans are as unique as your individual family situation. Some people can go the entirety of their child’s adolescence without any modifications or disagreements relating to parenting plans. However, other people experience random, periodic, or even continual issues adhering to parenting plans.

• The child custody laws in Washington State dictate that any adherence issues must be settled by following the current parenting plan as written to the letter 

The child custody laws in Washington State also require one parent to be named the primary caregiver. It is important to understand the other parent (usually) still receives joint decision making abilities, as well sufficient court ordered time with their children. The court will decide the visitation/shared custody schedule based on factors unique to both parents, and of course your child’s unique situation.

• According to the child custody laws in Washington State, the only way to legally modify an existing parenting plan is to go back to court to do so 

Sometimes, life changes, including relocation out-of-town, state or even country can occur that necessitate parenting plan modification. But for situations other than these, it is extremely important to draw up an initial parenting plan that abides by the child custody laws in Washington State, and that is amicably acceptable based on the needs of all parties involved.

• If an amicable agreement cannot be reached, child custody laws in Washington state allow the court to appoint a parenting evaluator, or ‘Guardian-at-Large,’ to recommend a primary caregiver, custody schedule and more 

In contested cases, it is extremely important to work with your attorney to choose an evaluator who you believe will advocate for the best interests and highest good of the children. Humphrey & Associates understands how traumatic the subject of child custody can be for parents. This is why we strive to collaborate with opposing legal counsel whenever possible-- in order to devise an individualized parenting plan benefiting both parents and most importantly, the most vulnerable, impressionable parties in the discussion: The children. We welcome you to contact us today to discuss your parenting plan situation and needs.