Creating a child-custody arrangement is often the most emotionally charged, high-stakes aspect of divorce proceedings. Your relationship with your child and the input you have in their lives matters more than anything.
A Port Orchard family lawyer can help you work toward an agreement that protects your rights and your relationship with your children.
Best Lawyers has recognized Dellino Family Law as one of the “best law firms.” You can expect to see the service and results generating that acknowledgment when you partner with a child custody lawyer in Port Orchard from our team.
A Port Orchard Child Custody Lawyer Provides Critical Guidance
Our attorneys don’t only handle the legalities and documentation involved with your case. We offer loyal support throughout your divorce process.
We want the best for you and your children. Our years of experience have shown us how to support kids during a divorce, and we share that experience with you.
Our knowledgeable team can tell you what you need to know about parenting plans in Washington State, so that you feel invested and empowered as we create that plan for your family. “Parenting plans” is the term Washington State courts use to refer to child-custody matters. These matters fall into the general categories of residence and decision-making.
A parenting plan determines how much time the child lives with or visits each parent. It also establishes what role each parent has in making important decisions for the child, such as those regarding healthcare, education, and religion.
The Process for Creating a Parenting Plan
Finalizing a parenting plan can take time. A Port Orchard child custody lawyer can provide guidance in the days following your divorce filing and explain what happens at the first custody hearing. Typically, this hearing occurs 30 to 60 days after you file.
At the hearing, the judge will issue a temporary parenting plan. This plan establishes where the child will live and how each parent must contribute to the child’s financial support until a permanent plan is in place. Since these initial hearings aren’t immediate, parents have to decide where the child lives until then.
In some cases, parents come to a mutual agreement. Other situations are more contentious. If it isn’t safe for your child to live or spend unsupervised time with the other parent, our team can help you seek emergency orders, so your child can reside safely with you.
After the Initial Hearing
With help from your attorneys, you and your ex may create a parenting plan without much conflict. These are best-case scenarios. We can present your plan to the court for its ultimate approval. If there is disagreement, the judge may order mediation per RCW 26.09.015.
An experienced child custody attorney in Port Orchard can help you understand what to say and what you should not say in child custody mediation. Stress can prompt impulsive words and actions. We completely empathize with the intensity of your emotions, but want to protect you from doing or saying anything that could prevent you from securing the right parenting plan for your family.
The Types of Parenting Plans Explained
Parenting plans can take a variety of forms. Sometimes, one parent has sole physical custody. This means the child lives full-time with that parent, and the other parent has scheduled visitations. For example, the child may spend a certain number of evenings and weekends with the non-custodial parent.
Though one parent may have sole physical custody, parents may have joint legal custody. This means they both have equal rights and responsibility for making decisions for the child. If one parent presents a danger to the child, the court may grant the other sole physical and legal custody.
Parents may share both physical and legal custody of the child. This situation is often referred to as joint custody. Some of the most common custody schedules in Washington State are versions of joint custody that give the child equal time with both parents. These are 50/50 arrangements.
The Court’s Main Focus
As stated in RCW 26.09.002, the court’s primary goal when determining parenting plans is to serve the best interests of the child. The judge considers what situation supports the child’s “emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care.” To that end, the court reviews a variety of factors when making a decision, including the:
- Child’s relationship with each parent
- Child’s ties to the community
- Child’s age
- Parents’ respective physical and emotional health
- Stability of each parent’s home and finances
The team at Dellino Family Law can help you present your situation accurately and work to ensure full transparency from your ex.
How to Change a Parenting Plan
As your child grows and situations change, you may decide it is time to change your parenting plan. Per
RCW 26.09.260, you can pursue a modification of the parenting plan as long as you can prove a substantial change in circumstances warrants it. You cannot legally change a parenting plan without court approval.
Even if you and your ex agree to changes, you must go through the court system. If a later conflict erupts between you and your ex, your ex could accuse you of going against the court-ordered plan. A Port Orchard child custody attorney can represent you and present your petition for change to the court.
Modifications often apply if one parent’s financial situation changes or one parent wants to relocate. Changes in the child’s educational or social situation could prompt the request.
Whether you are petitioning for change or wish to challenge the request, go through the proper legal channels and let us represent your interests.
We’re Here to Help Your Family
Establishing the right child-custody agreement can be overwhelming. There are so many details to consider. The team at Dellino Family Law believes there is a solution to every problem, and a Port Orchard child custody lawyer from our firm can help resolve your child custody matters.
We have the experience needed to develop a plan that honors your rights and relationship with your kids.