At What Age Can a Child Decide Who to Live With?

Family Law: Child Decide Custody? In Washington, can a child decide where they will live in a divorce process? The simple answer is No. This is the decision of the parents, and if the parents cannot decide, then the courts will decide. Depending upon the age and maturity of the child, the court may take […]

Child Custody – Washington

Child custody in Washington, has been replaced with the concept of a Parenting Plan. This change was made over 20 years ago by the legislature. The terms custody or joint custody are technically no longer used. If you are seeking joint custody, you really need to break it down to the terms of a Parenting […]

Criteria for Shared Custody

Family Law: Shared Custody in Washington When the parties separate during a divorce and there are children, the determination of a Permanent Parenting Plan can often be one of the biggest issues to resolve. Frequently the the issue of shared custody/residential time (joint custody) comes up. Historically that concept has been disfavored by the legislature […]

Grandparent Visitation

Family Law: Grandparent Visitation in Washington In 1973, the Washington State legislature authorized the rights of grandparents to petition the court for visitation with their grandchildren. In 2000 the US Supreme Court in Troxel v. Granville, ruled the statute unconstitutional. After the legislature amended the statute, in 2005 the Washington State Supreme Court in the […]

Modification of Parent Plan

Family Law: Modification of Parenting Plan If a substantial change in the circumstances of the child or the other parent has occurred since the entry of the Parenting Plan or Residential Schedule, based on new facts that have arisen or that were unknown to the Court at the time of the prior decree or plan, […]

Parent Behavior Toward Children

Family Law: Parent Behavior Toward Children If you love your children, avoid involving them in your dissolution or custody disputes. The information below is something that everyone should follow, no matter how angry or upset they are toward their former partner. Do not poison your child’s mind against the other parent by discussing his or […]

Passport for a Minor Child

Family Law: Passport for Minor Child What do you do when you hear your ex-spouse plans to take your children on a vacation out of the country? What do you do? Knowing your legal rights will help put you at east and protect your relationship with your children. To take your children out of the […]

Paternity in Washington

Family Law: Paternity in Washington When a child’s parents’ are not married, an action to establish paternity can be initiated by a Court proceeding under the Uniform Parentage Act. An action to establish parentage may be initiated by the State of Washington, through the prosecuting attorney, or by a private party. The Court will also […]

Pets in Divorce

In many divorce or legal separation settlements, the most complicated matters to resolve are child custody arrangements and the division of the couple’s assets. In recent years, however, more and more couples have found themselves caught in a legal battle somewhere between the two: custody disputes over pets. How do the courts handle pets in […]

Relocation of Children

Family Law: Relocation of Children In 2000, a new statute was enacted in Washington which codifies each parties’ rights and responsibilities before, during and after a parent seeks to move away with a child. Under the new relocation statute, if the person with whom the child resides a majority of the time plans to move, […]

Custody