Parents in Washington who are members of the military might be concerned about how active duty might affect existing custody orders and upcoming custody decisions. They might worry that they could lose custody or visitation rights. However, there are a variety of...
Custody & Parenting
3 common causes of child custody disputes
There are all kinds of reasons why you may end up in a custody dispute with your ex-spouse. Anything ranging from introducing a new partner to your children to being frustrated with the other person’s way of handling your child’s homework assignments can end up...
Resolving child custody disputes with a hearing
How do you get ready for a custody hearing in Washington? For starters, educate yourself. Know ahead of time whether your situation rises to a child custody dispute or is something that you might be able to resolve differently. Avoiding the hearing is possible If you...
Relocation, custody and parenting
Residents of Washington state should understand the way courts consider custody decisions. That is particularly true when it comes to the idea of one parent leaving the state and possibly taking their children with them. While in some cases this is a practical step...
Why consider mediation in child custody?
Mediation is a growing trend in child custody and co-parenting cases in Washington. In mediation proceedings, you can sit down with your former partner and be guided through a process that helps bring both of your concerns to the front. When should you consider...
What are your options for custody and parenting schedules?
When you have agreed with your former spouse to have joint physical custody over your child, it's important to create a schedule together. As you're creating a custody and parenting schedule in Washington, you should consider the age of your child, the work and school...
How domestic violence might impact a child custody case
An act of domestic violence can have a significant impact on a Washington child custody case. If you are the one who is facing allegations of abuse, it may result in losing parental rights to your children. Alternatively, if your former partner is the person who put...
Who can apply for third-party custody?
If a child in Washington doesn't have a stable home life, they might be able to live with someone else without going through the foster care system. A judge could award third-party custody to their grandparents, godparents, adult siblings or neighbor. However, this...
What factors limit Washington child visitation rights?
If you live in Washington, there are a few factors that limit child visitation rights if you aren't granted full custody of your child. The limitations of visitation rights include long-term willful abandonment, abuse of the child, a history of domestic violence, or...
What are some common visitation plans in Washington?
When the judge gives you and your former spouse shared physical custody, the next step is figuring out a visitation schedule. You'll want a fair one that gives you and your former spouse an equal amount of time with your child, while still working around your job...

