The moment child custody issues affect you or your children, your relationship with your kids can deteriorate. Get legal help if you want to establish or modify a child custody agreement with your co-parent. Talk with a child custody lawyer in Sammamish, and your attorney will walk you through your legal options.
Dellino Family Law is the only family firm you should trust. Our team has more than 180 years of combined experience. We will use what we know to help you with your child custody case and position you to get an outcome that works well for you, your co-parent, and your kids. To learn more, speak with a family lawyer in Sammamish from our team.
Why Hire a Child Custody Lawyer?
Your child custody attorney in Sammamish understands that when it comes to the legal dispute between you and your co-parent, you want to keep your kids out of it. In your child custody case, your lawyer will help you in many ways, including:
Teaching You About Washington’s Child Custody Laws
In Washington State, child custody laws center around the best interests of children. Your lawyer will explain these laws and answer any questions you have about them. They will also provide insights into common reasons why parents lose child custody.
Handling Your Legal Matters
Ultimately, you want shared parenting between you and your co-parent. Regardless, legal proceedings may be required for you to achieve your goal.
Your attorney will submit child custody legal paperwork to a family court on your behalf. They can advocate for and represent you in child custody negotiations, mediation, and family court.
Supporting You During a Difficult Time in Your Life
Tension can run high in your child custody case. If you are not careful, your emotions can overwhelm you to the point where you make rash decisions that hurt your relationship with your children.
Your lawyer will help you remain focused on your case. They will offer objective legal guidance, ensuring you consider the short- and long-term implications of your case decisions.
At Dellino Family Law, we will help you get where you need to be. Our family attorneys can share child custody FAQs and other legal resources with you. Let us assist you with your child custody case. Contact us today.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Washington State?
To determine child custody, a Washington State family court will account for how a parent cares for and supports their child’s well-being. Outside of these things, factors the court will evaluate as it decides your child custody case include:
- Whether you or your co-parent is well-equipped to provide your children with a stable environment
- If you and your co-parent can put together a parenting plan in which you share the responsibilities of raising your kids
- If you and your co-parent are doing things to disrupt the other parent’s relationship with your children
Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.16.125, you and your co-parent are entitled to equal parental rights for child custody in the absence of misconduct. Your Sammamish child custody lawyer will protect your legal rights as your case moves forward.
In addition, they will describe what your case will entail so you can set realistic expectations for it.
What to Expect in a Child Custody Case in Sammamish
Generally, your child custody case will begin with a temporary orders hearing. Your Sammamish child custody attorney can accompany you to this hearing. At the hearing, a temporary parenting plan can be created for you and your co-parent while your case is ongoing.
Child custody negotiations or mediation may be necessary to resolve your case. In negotiations, your lawyer can help you and your co-parent agree on the terms of custody of your children. Alternatively, in mediation, a neutral third party will collaborate with you and your co-parent in the hopes of helping both of you settle your custody dispute.
If you and your co-parent cannot come to terms, both parents may be subject to a custody evaluation by Family Court Services or a guardian ad litem.
This evaluation is an opportunity to assess each parent and make child custody recommendations. Following the evaluation, if no child custody agreement is reached, a trial may be used to decide your case.
Our Child Custody Lawyers in Sammamish Truly Care About You and Your Case
You want your children to have positive and healthy relationships with their parents. With help from our child custody attorneys in Sammamish, you and your co-parent are in a great position to finalize an agreement that meets the needs of all parties involved in your case.
The team at Dellino Family Law will give your child custody case our personalized attention. We focus on building lasting relationships with our clients and offer you a friend in the legal community.
Allow us to help you with your child custody matter. To get started, request a consultation with us.