Custody & Parenting

Parental alienation is a phenomenon that occurs when one parent engages in actions that deliberately estrange or distance a child from the other parent. It often involves manipulation, coercion or emotional pressure, which can lead the child to develop negative...

If you are a divorced or separated parent of a tween or teen who is trying to navigate the minefield of co-parenting with your ex, you may wind up adrift in the shoals. This is especially true when the split is fresh and feelings on all sides run high. But you...

Mediation is known to help couples agree on many of the issues they face when divorcing. For example, it can help them reach a fair property distribution agreement without going through litigation. Mediation can also be an effective way to settle other divorce issues,...

Court-issued custody orders are legally enforceable but not cast in stone. They can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances since they went into effect. However, Washington courts are not quick to modify a child custody order, as it can...

If you and your child’s other parent are going your separate ways, you are likely both concerned about being able to maintain – and possibly even strengthen – the bonds that each of you has with your child as you navigate this major family transition. One approach...

Co-parenting is always a unique and, often, complicated experience. In many ways, you can distance yourself from the difficulties that affected your marriage. This distance may allow you to give your children more personalized attention and may allow your parenting...

When divorcing parents have teens, they too often make the mistake of not giving much thought to their parenting plan. They work out the custody schedule to determine where their child will sleep on which nights and how they’ll divide their time during school breaks....

The topic of divorce was likely difficult to bring up with your spouse, but it may be even harder to talk to your children about it. You shouldn’t delay talking to them, since, eventually, they’ll learn that you and your spouse are getting a divorce.  So, how do you...

Ideally, both parents should be involved in raising the children after the divorce. However, it is not always possible due to various reasons. If you feel your children are not safe when they are with your co-parent, you can seek full or sole custody. When one parent...

As a parent, your top priority is the well-being of your children. This is something that the family court will also prioritize in custody cases.  Typically, the family court prefers both parents to be actively involved in the upbringing of the child. That said, there...