Recent Posts in the Child Custody Category

• How to Prove a Coparent Is Emotionally Abusing a Child

  Mar 16, 2023
  It’s normal for parents to feel anxious about an upcoming divorce or child custody case in Washington. After all, the vast majority of caregivers want what's best for their children and will stop at nothing to protect their children from harm—including harm that is perpetrated by a fellow family member. Because the Washington courts will always prioritize the best interest of the child in a child custody case, rest assured that the judge won’t hesitate to remove the child from an abusive environment. Unfortunately, some ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Why Child Custody Relocation Requests Are Denied in Washington

  Mar 9, 2023
  Divorce can be a stressful time for Washington families. In the event that the couple has children, adjusting to a new normal after divorce can be all the more challenging. Child custody is a common area of contention during and after divorce, as child custody orders can fluctuate over time to better accommodate the child’s evolving needs as they mature. Parenting plan modifications may also be permitted in the event of new and substantial life changes, such as a co-parent getting remarried, the birth of a new half-sibling, ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Proving Neglect in a Child Custody Case

  Jan 26, 2023
  Child custody cases in which one parent accuses the other of neglecting their children deal with some of the most complicated and emotionally agonizing matters. In the context of family law , any activity or behavior by a parent that threatens the physical or emotional wellbeing of a child can be considered abuse or neglect. Because of the serious nature of child neglect allegations, parents seeking custody or modification of an existing custody agreement must do more than simply tell a judge that the other parent is ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Getting Divorced While Pregnant: The Legal Issues

  Jan 23, 2023
  When a couple is in the midst of divorce, pregnancy can be incredibly stressful. While some couples may choose to postpone the divorce until after the child is born, others may feel waiting isn’t an option. Can You Get a Divorce While Pregnant? Yes, in the state of Washington, you are allowed to finalize your divorce even if you are pregnant. Although the courts cannot prevent you from divorcing simply because a spouse is pregnant, you may encounter some legal issues as you begin the dissolution process. Will the Other ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Do Fathers Have Equal Rights in Child Custody Disputes?

  Jan 20, 2023
  Washington and all other states have shifted away from presuming the mother should receive custody. Judges consider numerous factors when determining how child custody should be divided between the parents. In most cases, the court upholds the principle that the child is best served by having meaningful relationships with both parents. The Evolution of Child Custody Divorce was uncommon in the colonial United States, but it did happen. This country followed English common law that granted custody to the fathers, as women had ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• When a Co-Parent Breaks the Custody Agreement

  Jan 17, 2023
  When a court issues a custody order to parents who are divorced or separated, both parties are legally obligated to adhere to the parenting plan exactly as it is written, unless the court approves a request to modify the order. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for one parent to feel like they got an unfair deal because they spend less time with their children than the other parent or because they disagree with some other aspect of the custody agreement. If one parent denies the other their scheduled visitation or refuses to ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Thanksgiving After Divorce: 3 Tips for Co-Parents

  Nov 15, 2022
  While divorce can be a struggle for families with children all throughout the year, Thanksgiving can be a particularly difficult time when parents can’t celebrate the holiday with their kids. The first few Thanksgivings can be especially tough for divorced families as they adjust to their new normal. Below, we explain three strategies that can help you cope with the new reality of being a co-parent during the holiday season. Tip #1: Stick to Your Parenting Schedule There are a variety of ways co-parents can divide up ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Split Custody Is Possible if in the Child’s Best Interests

  Nov 8, 2022
  The guiding principle for all child custody decisions in Washington State is the best interests of the child and not what is optimal for the parents. Custody must determine three aspects: How much time the child spends with each parent Which parent(s) has decision-making authority for the child A detailed parenting plan establishes how the parents will co-parent their child, from holiday schedules to medical treatments. When a divorcing couple has more than one child together, the residential schedule generally applies to ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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