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 […]
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, […]
Residential Time in Parenting Plans
Family Law: Residential Time in Parenting Plans In an action between married parents – either dissolution or legal separation – residential time arrangements are provided for in the Parenting Plan. In a paternity action – that which involves unmarried parents – a Residential Schedule only may be entered, or a Parenting Plan will be required […]
Study Of Parenting Act
Family Law: Study of Parenting Act in Washington In response to criticisms of the Washington State Parenting Act, in early 1998 the Washington State Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission and the Domestic Relations Commission commissioned a study of the Act. The overarching goal of this study was to gather information about how parents seeking […]
Supervised Visitation
Family Law: Supervised Visitation in Washington If there has been inappropriate conduct on the part of a parent, the court can suspend visitation if it is serious enough and any contact would be harmful to the child. The court however will want to make the restrictions as little intrusive as possible while still providing adequate […]
Temporary Parenting Plan Criteria
Family Law: Temporary Parenting Plan Criteria When the parties separate during a divorce, and cannot agree on what the residential schedule should be for the minor children, it is not uncommon for either party to file a motion in Family Court to establish a Temporary Parenting Plan. The Washington statute, RCW 26.09.197 sets out the […]
Third Party – Grandparent Custody
Family Law: Third Party – Grandparent Custody in Washington There used to be a specific statutory section governing third party or grandparent custody cases (RCW 26.10). Third party referred to anyone other than the biological parents (grandparents, aunts, uncles, other friends and neighbors), who wants to seek custody of the child. Third parties were able […]