Parenting conflicts within the State of Washington are no longer called “custody” issues since the state requires the use of a “parenting plan” to decide who will make child-rearing decisions and spend time with the child.
Parenting plans during a divorce should be made with the child’s best interest in mind.
This change in terminology from “custody” to “parenting plan” was brought about, in part, because the state seldom grants sole custody to one parent. Sole custody would only be granted if the court knew that there were major concerns about the other parent.
If there are not serious concerns about a parent, the state wants to encourage a relationship between the child and both parents.
Sole Custody means that you are permitted complete control over the decisions which are made for the child without consulting the other parent. Just because you have sole custody does not mean that the other parent may not receive visitations with the child.
Understand this when you plan to divorce. If there is a reason the state should grant you sole custody, you need to prove that allowing the other parent to make major life decisions is not in the best interest of the child. Reasons for this would include but not be limited to:
- A parent who given the opportunity refused to participate in the child’s everyday life
- A parent who is unfit
- A parent who is accused of child abuse or endangerment
A Washington State family attorney can help you decide not only what the courts will allow, but what is best for your family and your situation. Contacting a family law attorney in Vancouver is especially important if you believe that your child’s best interests require limited rights for the other parent.
You may decide that joint custody is best. This is when one parent will have primary physical custody, but both parents have a say in the decision making process for their child. This means that you will need to be able to communicate with your ex-spouse on things such as your child’s education and medical needs.
A divorce lawyer in Vancouver, WA can help consult with you in determining how this could best work with your family.
Sometimes parental rights are terminated especially if the child’s other parent has chosen to be absent from the child’s life for a period of more than a year.
To ensure that you have thought through these alternatives properly and with the best interest of your child, it’s best to consult an experience family law attorney. Someone like Crystal Lambert-Schroeder at Lambert Law can help you determine what custody options are best for you and your family.
Crystal is known as Vancouver, Washington’s compassionate family attorney.
Located in Vancouver, WA, Lambert Law Office represents men and women, fathers, mothers, domestic partners, grandparents, extended family and adoptive parents in the resolution of family law issues. We understand that each matter is unique, and carries with it unique goals.
Call for a consultations today. 360-737-1473.