American co-parents understandably often focus on creating schedules filled with enriching activities, school responsibilities and extended family time to better ensure that their children feel supported and engaged. As a result, co-parenting plans rarely address the...
Custody & Parenting
Finding resolution: How ADR can ease child custody conflict
Few things are as emotionally challenging as enduring a bitter child custody dispute, especially during a divorce or the end of a relationship. It can feel like your world is falling down around you, and that your bond with your children may suffer. Battling it out...
Why custody and domestic violence don’t mix
If you are a Washington parent who is facing divorce, determining the custody plan for your children is likely to be foremost in your mind. Since the family law courts are bound to act in the best interests of the children when deciding the custody arrangements, it’s...
How do co-parents make medical decisions for their child?
When parents separate, questions often arise about who can make medical decisions for the child. This depends on legal custody and how it is arranged in the parenting plan or court order. Below are some key considerations. What is legal custody? Legal custody refers...
How legal and physical custody differ
Splitting up custody rights is perhaps the biggest part of a divorce for parents. Asset division is also important, of course, but many parents are focused on what this will mean for their relationship with their child. It is important, however, to remember that...
How can divorcing parents prove domestic violence in custody cases?
Most divorcing parents have to accept the reality of shared custody. Family law judges want what is best for the children, regardless of how toxic the relationship between the parents may have become. In contested custody scenarios, judges try to do what they believe...
Key considerations when divorcing with a special needs child
When going through a divorce, emotions often run high, and the process can feel overwhelming. For parents of a special needs child, these challenges can be magnified. Both parents typically want to prioritize the best possible outcome for the child while navigating...
Summer considerations for divorcing parents
As a divorcing parent, one of your priorities will be deciding on a pattern of custody and parenting time that is workable for your child, yourself and your co-parent. It is crucial to remember that not all of the year follows the same pattern for your children. Most...
Can you move if you share custody of your children?
After a divorce, many couples still share custody of their children. This can include physical custody, meaning the child lives with each parent on a specific schedule. This can create some problems, especially if one of the parents wants to move or relocate. If you...
Can a teen refuse to spend time with one parent?
A divorce can have a major impact on family dynamics. Not only does it drastically alter the relationship between the spouses, but it can exacerbate strain in parent-child relationships. Children and teenagers sometimes take sides when their parents divorce. Often,...