The child’s best interest is the standard by which to judge a parenting plan.
Vancouver, WA divorce attorneys and all those involved in family law are asked on a regular basis, “What do judges consider when making a child custody award to one parent over the other.”
First understand that Washington State child custody laws do not use the terms “custody” or “visitation.” Instead they refer to a parenting plan.
Under Washington State law, the ultimate standard is “Best interest of the child.”
Even a couple who agrees to a parenting plan, will need to have the judge review the plan and make sure it is in the children’s best interests. The judge will ask that each parent provide a working schedule of where the children would be during the weekdays, weekends, holidays, birthdays and vacations. The plan needs to be very specific with not only places, but a plan that explains how the children will be transported to and from each parent’s residence.
As final decisions are made the judge will consider some of the following:
- Do both of the parents have the ability to maintain a loving and stable relationship with the children?
- Do both parents have the ability to be involved with the educational needs of the children?
- Are both parents mentally and emotional capable of exercising sound judgment?
- Are both parents capable of providing for the children’s basic needs?
- Do the children need to remain in a specific location due to involvement in school, church or extracurricular activities?
If you have any concerns about what information you need to give a judge to help determine the best parenting plan, contact Lambert Law. They are committed to helping children through a divorce.
Call Lambert Law 360-737-1473. They have the experience necessary to handle even the most complicated divorces.