For Seattle family law attorneys, Seattle child custody modifications can be tough cases. If a modification is taking place, it means that a custody determination has already taken place but is not working on some level. When Seattle child custody modifications are filed against the wishes of one of the parties, it can mean fighting about the lives of children and parental rights.

However, not all Seattle child custody modifications are negative. Sometimes divorced or otherwise separated parents realize that a change in custody arrangements can be in a child’s best interest. Even in agreed cases, however, the court with jurisdiction over the matter must approve any modification, although courts too seek the best interests of the child. This best interest of the child standard, used in all Seattle child custody modifications, has been codified by the legislature and binds all Washington courts. It precludes parties in Seattle child custody modifications from simply making agreements that are convenient for the parents without being in the child’s best interest.

Nevertheless, courts also recognize that agreements in Seattle child custody modifications are preferable to court ordered modifications when possible. The relationships between parents and children are unique and personal, and an outsider must rely on outside evidence like parenting evaluators and Guardians ad Litem to make reasonable decisions.

If you have a custody issue and would like more information on Seattle child custody modifications, contact an McKinley Irvin attorney who practices Washington State family law and get some perspective from an expert in this difficult and challenging area of the law.

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