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 Determining a Permanent Parenting Plan

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. The Washington statute, RCW 26.09.187 sets out the criteria for establishing the residential schedule for a Permanent Parenting Plan as follows: (3) RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS. (a) The court […]

Decision Making in Parenting Plans

Family Law: Decision Making in Parenting Plans Parents have the responsibility to make decisions and perform other parental functions necessary for the care and growth of their minor children. In Washington, a Parenting Plan contains a provision for decision making authority. The Parenting Plan allocates decision making authority solely to one parent or jointly to […]

Dispute Resolution Options in Parenting Plan

Family Law: Dispute Resolution Options in Parenting Plans Introduction–Three Methods. All parents going through a dissolution learn that the parenting plan required by the Washington State Parenting Act must specify a dispute resolution method as a part of the plan. The dispute resolution section always appears in Part III of the plan, as mandated by […]

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 […]

Parenting Plan Evaluation

Family Law: Parenting Plan Evaluation In order to assist the Court in determination of parenting arrangements and the entry of a permanent Parenting Plan, the Washington Court may require a parenting plan evaluation, an investigation or evaluation by a professional experienced in such matters. The evaluator may be appointed by the Court, on its own […]

Parenting Plan in Divorce

Family Law: Parenting Plan A Parenting Plan is a document that addresses the issues associated with making arrangements for children, traditionally referred to as custody and visitation issues. In Washington, a Parenting Plan specifically sets forth the respective rights and responsibilities of both parents regarding their children. If married parents of minor children are seeking […]

Parenting Plans