Child custody modification actions are brought after a final parenting plan order has been entered in a family law case, such as a divorce or paternity action. The child custody modification action is brought in order to change the parent named as the custodial parent in a parenting plan, who is the parent with whom the children live the majority of the time. A change in child custody is a major parenting plan modification and, generally speaking, must be filed as a separate action. Child custody modifications can occur as a result of an agreement between the parents or as a result of a court's determination that a change of custody is warranted.
Sometimes parents agree that a change of child custody is in a child's best interest. Our child custody lawyers are highly experienced at negotiating and litigating such cases, and we can facilitate the necessary legal changes. When considering a Seattle child custody modification, a Bellevue child custody modification or a Washington State child custody modification, a qualified attorney can help you get started.
Contested child custody modification actions are among the most difficult actions in family law. When one parent asks a court to make a change of custody determination without the agreement of the other parent, generally speaking, there must be some problem with the parenting of the other parent. Naturally, such a process can potentially be emotionally difficult for any family. However, there are times when a change of child custody is truly in the best interests of the children.
McKinley Irvin family law attorneys and modification attorneys review each child custody modification case with our clients carefully and apprise them of the strengths and weaknesses of their case before moving forward. A modifications lawyer will explore the possibility of an agreed resolution before advising on whether to proceed with a contested action. If a contested child custody action in a child custody modification is necessary, we approach these cases with respect for the responsibility we have to seek the best interests of the children. McKinley Irvin family law lawyers and child custody attorneys are well prepared, experienced, and have substantial support resources to litigate even the most contested child custody modification.
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