In a divorce involving parents with children, it is often difficult for the parties to come to terms on a child custody agreement. Rather than face a child custody dispute by yourself, request legal help.
A child custody lawyer in Redmond will protect your legal rights and the best interests of you and your children throughout your case proceedings.
Dellino Family Law has over 180 years of combined experience on staff. We will use what we know to help you with your child custody case. For more information, discuss your situation with a family lawyer in Redmond from our team.
The Benefits of a Child Custody Lawyer in Redmond
Unfortunately, child custody disputes are typically contentious. Thankfully, you do not have to face your child custody case alone. Get a child custody attorney in Redmond on your side.
Your lawyer will help you in many ways, including:
- Providing You With Legal Advice: You feel the pressure from your spouse to make quick decisions to finalize your divorce. However, with each decision you make, you could damage your relationship with your children. Your family attorney will explain the short- and long-term implications of your child custody decisions. They will help you carefully weigh the pros and cons of these decisions.
- Teaching You About Family Law: Sometimes, people lose custody of their children. Avoid this scenario by partnering with a child custody attorney familiar with Washington’s family law system. Your lawyer will address your legal concerns and questions. They will make sure you know your legal options and what to expect at each stage of your child custody case.
- Representing You During Your Legal Proceedings: You want shared parenting between you and your spouse after your marriage ends. Regardless, your spouse may want you out of your kids’ lives altogether. Your attorney knows the challenges you will face in your child custody case and the emotional toll that can come with them. They will represent and advocate for you, ensuring your legal needs are consistently met.
Dellino Family Law has received dozens of positive client testimonials. Our family lawyers strive to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your legal matters are handled with care. Trust us to help you with your child custody case. Contact us today.
Types of Child Custody Cases and Matters We Handle
With the guidance of our child custody lawyer in Redmond, you gain the legal insights and support you need even in tough situations. None of these decisions is easy, and all will impact your future and that of your child. Our custody attorney can help you with a wide range of child custody matters:
- Establishing your initial parenting plan: This typically occurs at the time of a divorce or separation, but can occur at any time if one is not present and the parents are not married.
- Managing custody disputes: In cases where the parents are not married, child custody disputes warrant legal representation for both sides. We handle all amicable and less-than-agreeable conditions.
- High–conflict matters: In these cases, which often must go to court for litigation and judge decision-making, our extensive experience works in your favor. We will navigate your rights at every turn.
- Parenting plan modifications: Life changes and child custody agreements sometimes must as well. We can help you request, navigate, or dispute parenting plan modifications between you and the other parent.
- Emergency custody matters: If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call the police. Then contact us for help obtaining emergency custody and placing protection orders.
- Third-party custody matters: If you are a third party, such as a grandparent, who believes you should have child custody, or you have a third party trying to seek custody of your child, reach out to us for immediate help.
- Matters related to inaccurate information: We often help parents facing complicated matters, including those involving domestic violence, substance misuse, and false allegations.
- Relocation matters: Modifications to custody orders and parenting plans are necessary when a parent must relocate. We can help you find a reasonable solution or seek help in court.
- Financially challenging cases: Some custody cases involve significant financial matters, including child support obligations. Let us navigate those legal matters for you.
With the guidance of our child custody lawyer in Redmond, you gain the legal insight and support you need to get results. Set up a consultation with us to go over what is happening in your case. We will then fight for fair treatment and the most structurally sound outcome possible.
What to Expect from a Child Custody Agreement
Your Redmond child custody lawyer will give your case their undivided attention. As your lawyer helps you and your spouse reach a child custody agreement, they will account for Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.09.187, which defines the criteria for a permanent parenting plan.
These criteria include:
- Making sure a parenting plan is in the best interests of a child and aligns with their physical, emotional, and developmental needs
- Detailing how a child’s time with their parents is divided and how birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions are coordinated
- Describing how decisions are made regarding a child’s health, well-being, and safety
You and your spouse could reach a child custody agreement outside the courtroom. In some cases, parents engage in mediation, in which a neutral third party works with both parents to resolve child custody and other outstanding issues in a divorce. If you and your spouse cannot agree on child custody terms, a judge will decide your case in family court.
Factors That Can Determine the Outcome of a Child Custody Case in Redmond
Just because you think you have a compelling case to be granted sole or primary custody of your children does not mean that a family court will agree.
Your Redmond child custody attorney will establish realistic expectations for your case. They will provide you with insights into the many factors that can dictate your case outcome, such as:
- Your children’s needs and well-being
- The ability of each parent to provide their children with care
- The geographic distance between the parents’ homes
- Each parent’s willingness to cooperate with the other parent
- Evidence of child neglect, domestic violence, or criminal behavior involving either parent
- If a parent has a history of substance abuse
Remember, what you do now has far-flung effects on your children. In your child custody case, collaborate with family attorneys who have core values that resonate with you.
That way, you can receive legal assistance from a lawyer who will commit the time and resources required to help you achieve your desired case outcome.
When Child Custody Matters Need Updating
Over time, it becomes necessary to update and modify child custody agreements and parenting plans. These are court orders, which means that, when changes are significant, you must get the court’s approval.
When your life changes and you cannot meet the terms of the child’s parenting plan, let our child custody attorney in Redmond help you present your case to the court.
- The child’s best interests still matter. The court’s decisions always come down to what is in the best interest of the child. It is up to you to demonstrate that the legal modifications you are making are specifically beneficial to the child.
- The cause must be adequate. The court makes changes only when there is a necessary reason to do so. That may include significant changes in a parent’s schedule due to a new job or a relocation to another area. Our attorneys will review your case.
- Determine the extent of the modification. A major modification is one that relates to primary residential custody, alters residential time, or warrants more substantial oversight.
In each of these cases, our child custody lawyer in Redmond can provide you with hands-on support and guidance throughout your case. We will provide you with the legal insight and strategy to help you make your case in the best possible way.
You can expect our legal team to be honest and transparent with you about your rights and the limitations you face.
Our Child Custody Lawyers in Redmond Are Here for You When You Need Us
If you feel overwhelmed as you figure out custody matters with your ex, take a step back. At this point, you have the right to get legal help. Child custody attorneys in Redmond will assist you with your case.
Your lawyer understands what you want to achieve and will develop a legal strategy specifically for the circumstances of your situation.
Founded in 2013, Dellino Family Law offers comprehensive legal services and support to parents in the middle of divorce proceedings. Our team empathizes with you, listens to you, and wants to help you with your child custody case in any way we can. To learn more, schedule a case consultation with us.