After child support, child custody and the parenting plan can be an important discussion that should be made with the help of a competent Vancouver, Washington family law attorney. Click here to read more about one Vancouver, WA family lawyer who is knowledgeable about the individual needs of families which are separating.
In Washington State divorces where there are minor or dependent children a parenting plan is prepared to fit the needs of each family. Talk to Crystal Lambert, a qualified Vancouver, Washington divorce attorney, about the best way to avoid conflict and get the best outcome for your children.
You may have been served with divorce papers which include a proposed parenting plan with which you disagree. You have the right for input.
Crystal can explain that any couple who has a child or children who are under 18 years old or otherwise dependent, then the court will require a Parenting Plan to be entered in. That does not mean you have to accept the one sent to you.
In most cases children need a relationship with both parents. There are instances, however, when the court may limit time with a child.
According to Washington Divorce Online the following are reasons why the court would limit residential time with a parent. They are as follows:
- Refusal to care for the children and perform parenting duties and responsibilities
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the child
- History of domestic violence or physical or sexual assault
- History of sex crimes including child rape, child molestation, incest or other sexual misconduct involving children
- Long term emotional or physical problems that will disturb a parent’s ability to care for the child
- Long term drug, alcohol abuse
- Lack or absence of emotional bond between parent and child
- Refusal to give other parent contact with the child for no good reason
- Other reasons which may pose a threat to the child’s welfare and interests
If these reasons do not exist, then a court will very likely grant joint decision-making to you and your spouse. Additionally, the court will provide for both parents to have quality time with the kids. It is also important to know that if a parent is found to falsely allege any of the above factors about the other parent, then that parent may end up having their time limited with the children.
Call Lambert Law 360-737-1473 or click here to learn more about Lambert Law Office.