Custody proceedings are most often triggered when parents file for divorce. Since both parents must continue to provide for their child, they must make decisions that ensure their child has a stable and healthy environment. To navigate this process more confidently and ensure all factors are considered, hire a child custody lawyer in Marysville to represent you.
Dellino Family Law helps you navigate the emotional and legal highs and lows of reaching a custody agreement. We understand how stressful this process can be, and a Marysville family lawyer is a source of support and counsel throughout proceedings. Our team has over 180 years of combined experience, and we provide solutions and help you reach an agreement that works for your family.
Creating a Custody and Parenting Plan Agreement in Marysville
Children bind parents together long after they cease to be married. Custody agreements ensure that both parents have access to their child and can maintain a relationship with them, provided that it is in the best interest of the child. Physical and legal custody detail who a child lives with and who makes decisions. Depending on the situation, parents can have primary or joint custody of their child.
This only scratches the surface when it comes to custody. Dellino Family Law can walk you through what you need to know about parenting plans in Washington state so you and your partner can create one that works for your family. This document includes the details about where a child lives, how their basic needs are met, how they are educated, and more. Communication and dispute resolution methods should also be factored in so there is an established process to turn to, especially if conflict arises.
Parents are expected to work out all the details of their parenting plan before finalizing their case. Washington courts want to ensure that children have stability and a routine to rely on and that the impact of divorce on their lives is eased. They prioritize the best interest of the child in custody cases, and your lawyer can help you create an agreement that meets these standards.
Child Support Agreements Must be Included Within a Custody Agreement
Child support is a necessary part of providing for children after a divorce. Parents must share the costs associated with providing for basic needs, education, healthcare, and more. Generally, the non-custodial parent is responsible for making child support payments, but costs may be shared differently depending on how parents decide to distribute their parenting time.
Parents can review Washington’s resources on child support as they are considering their options. A Marysville child custody lawyer can also provide insight based on your family’s specific situation. We can also help ensure that all required steps are completed. Parents must complete the appropriate forms and provide detailed income and financial information.
Formulas are used to determine child support payment amounts. This is generally based on the combined net income of both parents and the number of children the parents have together. Once child support arrangements are approved by the court, a judge can issue a binding order. Failing to meet payment obligations can result in serious consequences and entitle the receiving spouse to legal action.
A Child Custody Attorney in Marysville Can Help You Navigate Custody Disputes
Navigating custody decisions is often difficult for both parents. The thought of being separated from your child, expectations that are different from your spouse’s, fears that your child will not be raised the way you want, and so much more, can cause emotions to escalate and conflict to break out. This can make it harder to make decisions and reach a custody and parenting plan agreement.
This is where a lawyer can be beneficial. Dellino Family Law can recommend mediation or arbitration as a way to work through your disputes. Both alternative dispute resolution methods can improve communication, provide objective insights or decisions, and help you find a path toward a satisfactory agreement. These options can also help you retain more control over the outcome.
If you and your spouse cannot reach a custody agreement, or the relationship is too contentious, then litigation may be required to reach a resolution. Each parent can present their case before a judge, who can review the circumstances and make a decision based on the best interests of the child. This may leave you with less control over how custody and your parenting plan are allocated.
Modifying Child Custody Orders in Marysville
Custody, parenting plans, and child support are generally set once the court approves and issues an order. These are considered binding, which means that action can be taken if they are violated or changed without court review and approval. To ensure stability for the child, Washington takes order modifications seriously and only makes changes under certain conditions.
Generally, the safety, stability, and well-being of the child must be threatened in order to make custody or parenting plan modifications. In these situations, evidence must be provided to demonstrate that a child is in danger or is receiving substandard care. A custody or parenting plan may also be altered if a parent relocates. Child support orders may be changed if a parent’s income drastically changes.
It is important to talk with your lawyer about modifying your custody, parenting, or support order before taking actions. Our team helps you determine what your options are under the law and take the appropriate steps to petition the court for a modification order. We advocate for you throughout the court process so you are not at risk of any legal violations and can secure a favorable decision.
Dellino Family Law Helps You Fight for Your Child
Dellino Family Law can help you with all aspects of your child custody case. We advocate for you, your rights, and the well-being of your child throughout your case.
A Marysville child custody attorney ensures that you have a customized case strategy to help you secure a favorable outcome. Schedule a consultation with our team today and let us help you determine how to proceed.
