Recent Posts in the Child Custody Category

• Relocating With a Child After Divorce

  Oct 2, 2023
  Under Washington State law, both parents and anyone else granted visitation by the court are required to be informed if one parent plans to relocate with the child. If a child visitation rights holder, such as the other parent, grandparents, or a sibling, has visitation rights with the child, then the relocating parent must inform them when they plan to move. Washington State law establishes this obligation because everyone involved in the child’s life should be alerted about the move in advance. Below, we discuss what ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Happens When a Parenting Plan is Violated?

  Sep 28, 2023
  When a parent violates a court-ordered or agreed-upon parenting plan, they run the risk of being held in contempt of court. Not only that, but they could face custody and visitation-related consequences if the court considers it to be a serious and consistent enough issue. The parent could be held in contempt for the following: Intentionally and repeatedly violating visitation times Failing to return your child to the other parent on time or at all Trying to alienate your child against the other parent Refusing to allow the ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Common Legal Challenges Blended Families Face During the Divorce Process

  Sep 25, 2023
  The number of blended families has grown significantly in recent decades and there is now greater social acceptance of non-traditional family structures. The modern family can sometimes include the biological children of both partners and stepchildren, which means different legal issues need to be considered by blended families. Child Custody When two people with children of their own marry and create a new family unit, issues like interacting with a spouse’s ex and travel arrangements for periods of custody can sometimes ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Understanding Emergency Custody Hearings in Washington

  Sep 12, 2023
  In times of crisis, families can face difficult situations that require immediate attention regarding the custody of their children. When it comes to familial disputes, emergency custody hearings can be a crucial step in addressing immediate concerns regarding a child's safety, well-being, or best interests. The purpose of emergency custody hearings is to resolve urgent matters that can’t wait for a regular child custody hearing due to the potential risk of harm to the child. In this blog, we'll review key facts about ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Explaining an Absent Parent to a Child After Divorce

  Aug 29, 2023
  While divorce is a stressful experience for anyone, children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of ending a marriage. From behavioral problems to emotional dysregulation to academic struggles, it can be exceedingly difficult to care for little ones when moms and dads are barely hanging on by a thread themselves. Fortunately, there are ways to stay connected and support children after divorce. In this blog, we’ll review some essential tips for co-parents to help their children adjust to single parenthood or ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How To Handle Custody & Visitation During the Divorce Process

  Aug 25, 2023
  Before your divorce is finalized, you and your co-parent might be concerned about how you’ll share parenting responsibilities in the interim. The divorce process can be complicated and lengthy, so having a temporary parenting plan in place is the best way you can ensure you create a stable environment for your children and set clear-cut expectations with your spouse. While you meet with your attorney to discuss the details of your divorce or negotiate the terms of your official child custody agreement in court, your ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Responding to False Allegations in Child Custody Cases

  Aug 4, 2023
  When it comes to points of contention during a Washington divorce, child custody is often the first subject that comes to mind—particularly for co-parents. While some co-parents are fortunate enough to foster amicable or at least civil relations after the marriage or relationship ends, others aren’t as lucky. For those with hostile co-parenting partners, caring for the child’s well-being is generally one of many concerns. Toxic or dysfunctional relationships between co-parents can lead to a wide range of stressors for ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Common Child Custody Violations in Washington State

  Jul 21, 2023
  When it comes to divorce and other family law disputes, having children can significantly heighten the stakes for couples. Preparing to become a co-parent—especially with an ex-spouse—can be a daunting prospect. When determining child custody in a divorce or child custody dispute , family courts help couples establish legally enforceable terms through child custody arrangements to ensure that the child is well cared for, regardless of ill will or disagreements that may arise between co-parents. It’s vital for co-parents to ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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