As family dynamics change, uncertainty grows, and expectations diverge, custody cases can be hard on parents and children. While the best interests of a child are prioritized, parents may have difficulty agreeing on how to share their parental responsibilities. A child custody lawyer in Edmonds can provide valuable support to de-escalate tensions and help parents consider all factors.
Dellino Family Law has represented many clients as they work through custody decisions and find an arrangement that meets the needs of their family. When you hire an Edmonds family lawyer from our team, you can be confident that you can receive the guidance, counsel, and advocacy you need. Our team has more than 180 years of combined experience and is ready to provide clarity and solutions.
Why Choose an Edmonds Child Custody Lawyer From Dellino Family Law
Dellino Family Law understands the fears you may have about relinquishing your child for a period of time, or how your relationship may change after the divorce. You may be uncertain about the legal process and potential outcome of your case. Our team takes the time to sit down with you and discuss your options, fears, and our strategies and recommendations.
We also continue to walk alongside you throughout custody proceedings and advocate for a favorable outcome. Our attorneys know that the decisions you must make can feel daunting, but we work diligently to streamline the process and make it more accessible and productive. If you and your spouse are not on the same page, we can also help you navigate the pain points in the proceedings.
Our team has extensive experience and skill in representing families in child custody cases. We know you want what is best for your child, and we help ensure that their well-being is provided for and they have a high quality of life. To get these types of results, we take the time to understand your relationship with your child and consider various scenarios and arrangements that can help protect it.
Parents Must Determine What Custody Schedule Works for Their Family
Divorcing parents must continue to share parenting responsibilities after the marriage has ended. Physical custody determines who the child will live with, and legal custody determines who may make decisions for the child. One parent may have sole or primary custody, or both parents may share custody jointly. How custody is divided can vary depending on the parents’ situation and the needs of the child.
Parents may choose from different schedules when deciding on custody. Some of the most common custody schedules in Washington include a two/two/three split, a two/two/five split, and alternating weeks. Other schedules may also be used to meet a family’s unique needs, such as long-distance or military deployment. Parents can also work out the specific days a child spends with each parent.
Since minors cannot make their own decisions, parents must also determine how to share legal custody of the child. For example, one parent may make all the decisions, or parents may share decision-making responsibilities. How legal custody is divided is particularly important when it comes to big decisions. This is why parents must develop a parenting plan that outlines the details of these arrangements.
Parenting Plans Outline the Details of Custody Arrangements
Parents must work together to determine in detail how they will co-parent. An Edmonds child custody attorney can help you and your co-parent think through various scenarios and take all relevant factors into consideration. Parenting plans should be comprehensive so there is no uncertainty about how to care for the child. Courts also review these plans before issuing custody.
A parenting plan should outline the child’s living arrangements, custody schedule, and how decisions will be made. Additionally, where a child goes to school, whether or not they attend religious proceedings, how medical decisions will be handled, how vacations are handled, and more should also be included in detail. These decisions are important for ensuring the best interests of the child and giving them stability.
Communication is important for a successful co-parenting relationship and reducing a child’s stress following a divorce. How parents will talk to each other, handle exchanges, and make decisions should also be included. If parents are not on amicable terms, they may choose to handle interactions through a parenting app. This can help limit conflict and make the co-parenting relationship more manageable.
What to Expect During Custody Proceedings
Working through custody arrangements and parenting plans often take up the majority of this legal process, but these are not the only steps you must take. For example, you must attend a hearing after filing for divorce to determine the child’s living arrangements and parental authority during the legal process. A lawyer can prepare you for what happens at the first custody hearing to reduce your stress.
Additionally, if your child is in danger, you can also file a protection order with the court, which may also be addressed during the initial custody hearing. Once all initial decisions are made, you and your spouse must begin working toward permanent arrangements that you will follow after the divorce and custody proceedings are finalized.
It is important to be aware that any order issued by the court is binding. Disregarding these orders by violating an agreement or failing to uphold your obligations can result in penalties. They could even impact your future rights. If changes need to be made at a later date, you should work with your lawyer to go through the proper court channels to establish new terms before making changes yourself.
Entrust Your Custody Case to Dellino Family Law
A child custody attorney in Edmonds from Dellino Family Law helps you navigate your case more easily and provides solutions to challenges when they arise.
When you are uncertain about what the future of your family looks like, we provide support, clarity, and resources to help you through the process and prepare for your next chapter. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your custody options.
