Most parents who break up or divorce in Washington share custody with one another. They then have to find a way to share parental rights and responsibilities, including time with the children and authority to make decisions on their behalf. Some families set their own...
Custody & Parenting
Summer vacations and custody: What to know
Summer vacations are a great way for parents and kids to spend some quality time together and create great memories. However, trips with the kids can be hard to arrange when you’re sharing custody and parenting time with your ex-spouse. Here are some tips to make the...
Keeping kids’ stress levels low during parents’ divorce
Divorce can be a challenging time for children of all ages. This can be especially true for kids who may not fully understand the situation or have the emotional tools to cope with the changes it inspires. It’s important for parents to actively work towards minimizing...
Find out what kind of child custody works for you
If you’re going through a divorce and have children to think about, then you will eventually have a child custody agreement or order. Child custody determines each parent’s physical and legal custody. Physical custody is a parent's responsibility to maintain their...
How to handle your first Christmas as divorced parents
It’s almost Christmas. Even if you and your kids love this time of year, it’s not without its challenges, and those can be exacerbated if you have recently divorced. The first Christmas after divorce can be tough for children, parents and their wider family. It...
Do stepparents have custody rights in a Washington divorce?
Stepparents in Washington state can spend years living with and providing for a child. They may feel like they fill the same role that any other parent would, and they may value their relationship with their stepchild as much as they value their marriage or even more...
What is parental alienation? How to handle it as a co-parent
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...
Divorce, child custody and kids on social media
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...
Can divorcing parents seek mediation for child custody matters?
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,...
What you need to know about custody modification in Washington
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...