Child custody disputes can be some of the most emotional and important family law matters a parent will face. Working with a knowledgeable child custody lawyer in Spokane Valley can help you feel supported through the process.
At Dellino Family Law, we have seen the toll that custody disputes can take on families, and we have been helping our clients move through these times with clarity and confidence since 2013. As your dedicated Spokane Valley family lawyer, we are here to help.
Common Child Custody Issues Parents Face
There are many disagreements that can happen during a custody dispute. Common issues that disagreements may stem from can include:
- Parenting time and residential schedules
- Holiday and vacation arrangements
- School and educational decisions
- Medical care and healthcare choices
- Transportation and exchange logistics
- Communication between parents and children
By creating a detailed parenting plan, many of these issues can be discussed and agreed upon early, helping to avoid problems later down the road. Working with a child custody attorney in Spokane Valley ensures you understand your rights as a parent and what to say and what not to say during child custody mediation.
Building a Parenting Schedule That Works
A successful parenting arrangement should fit the realities of a family’s daily life. Work schedules, school commitments, and extracurricular activities can all influence how a custody agreement is written and followed.
Creating a realistic custody agreement is the first step in reducing conflict and creating a more stable home for your child. Working with a Spokane Valley child custody lawyer can help you create a plan, utilizing their extensive knowledge and experience on what works and what doesn’t.
Separations are not easy for anyone, but with a solid plan in place and the guidance of a seasoned lawyer, you can help reduce friction with your co-parent.
While the goal is to create a plan that works for the foreseeable future, plans often need to be revised. An attorney with Dellino Family Law can work with you through every step of the process.
Legal Intervention Is Often Required
Ideally, disputes between parents will be resolved amicably and outlined in advance in custody plans; however, that is not always the case. Legal intervention is often needed to ensure that both parents have their rights protected. Common disputes often involve:
- Disagreements regarding overnight visitation
- Frequent schedule changes
- Communication breakdowns
- Relocation concerns
- Decision-making disagreements
- Allegations involving safety concerns
If you are frequently experiencing problems with your co-parent, it may be in your best interest to enlist the help of an attorney. Parenting plans only work if both sides abide by them, and if there are recurrent problems, your rights may be violated.
Modifying an Existing Parenting Plan
Life circumstances often change after a custody order is entered. A parenting plan that worked several years ago may no longer meet the needs of your child or family. Adjusting your current plan begins by filling out a Parenting Plan Modification form. Securing the help of an attorney can make this process go more smoothly.
While there are many reasons parents may need to modify a custody agreement, some common ones may include a change in work schedules, your child’s educational needs, your child’s medical needs, or relocation of a parent.
Even if both parents agree, a modification must be approved by the courts. This helps prevent issues later and makes the agreement legally enforceable should one party decide they do not want to abide by the plan.
Relocation and Move-Away Cases
Relocation can be a primary reason for custody disputes. When parents do not live close to each other, travel schedules, school districts, and medical needs can become complex. This is especially true if parents live in different states or a significant distance apart.
In Washington, a parent must notify the other parent of any relocation (RCW 26.09.405-560). From there, if parents do not agree on the child’s primary residence, then the court can step in and determine where they will live the majority of the time based on schools, doctors, and other factors that affect the child.
While in Washington, there is noage at which a child can choose which parent to live with, courts can take their desires into account when making a decision. This helps keep the process child-centered, ensuring the child has the opportunity to maintain a relationship with both parents.
Protecting Your Relationship With Your Child During a Custody Dispute
Your actions during a custody battle can have an impact not only on the outcome of the case but also on your relationship with your child. Courts often evaluate a parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent, comply with court orders, and provide a stable environment.
Following temporary orders, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and maintaining involvement in your child’s life are all often looked favorably upon by a judge. These can also directly affect your relationship with your child, as they show stability and that you are putting their best interests first.
Keeping accurate records and documentation can also help your case. By sharing this information with your attorney, you better position yourself to advocate if a judge needs to determine custody. Your relationship with your child is precious and deserves to be protected.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Family Matter
An experienced attorney can assist with every stage of a custody matter. Common tasks your lawyer can handle may include:
- Negotiating parenting plans
- Educating you on other potential avenues, such as mediation
- Gathering evidence to help build your case
- Filing forms and documents
- Representing you in court
Having proper legal representation is an essential part of ensuring that your parental rights are protected and your child’s well-being is put first. Beyond handling the legal process, a seasoned lawyer can act as an integral part of protecting your family.
Contact a Spokane Valley Child Custody Attorney Today
Custody battles are challenging for everyone involved, but they don’t have to be painful.
At Dellino Family Law, we use our experience, gained through over 180 years of combined experience, to fight on your behalf to ensure a fair plan is created and that your and your child’s best interests are at the center of it.
Contact us today to see how we can help.