Life can be full of unforeseen circumstances that can impact the parenting plan you and your co-parent have in place. Whether your situation has changed or the child’s safety is in question, parenting plans may need to be modified to address the child’s evolving needs. A parenting plan modifications lawyer in Spokane can walk you through your options and each step of the process.
Dellino Family Law is here to provide legal guidance to ensure your child’s best interests and well-being are prioritized at all times. Our team can help you determine whether you have grounds to request a change and build a case to support your request. We have over 180 years of combined experience, and your Spokane family law lawyer can skillfully serve you and provide peace of mind.
What to Expect When You Entrust Your Case to Dellino Family Law
Modifying a parenting plan is taken seriously in Washington since stability is prioritized for children. However, Dellino Family Law knows that changes are sometimes necessary, and we are here to help you navigate the process as smoothly as possible, without excessive stress on your parenting relationship or your child. Our team handles many custody cases and can provide valuable insight.
We can sit down with you if you are considering a modification or have been notified of a request for one. We provide counsel on what a change could look like, its implications for your child, and what to expect from the legal process. We can also help you determine and collect what forms of evidence you need to provide during your case.
When you hire our team, we provide accessible, excellent service to ensure you get the support you need. We never stop fighting for you and adapt our approach to your needs and developments in your case. Reach out today to retain the legal support you seek.
Grounds for Modifying a Parenting Plan in Spokane
Parenting plans are designed to be drafted carefully and thoroughly so that, once approved by the court, they are binding and can provide stability for the child. However, changes in life and circumstances can sometimes necessitate a change, and Washington allows for parenting plan modifications under very particular circumstances.
According to RCW 26.09.260, the grounds for modifying a parenting plan include significant changes to a family or child’s circumstances, such as moving to a new location or changes in military responsibilities. These situations may require parents to adjust their parenting schedule or the child’s living situation, such as integrating the child into the family with the parent’s agreement.
A parent can also request a parenting plan modification if a child’s health and safety are in jeopardy, or a parent is in contempt of court or has been convicted. Since these situations are not in the child’s best interests, the parenting plan can be changed to reallocate or revoke custody, change the child’s living arrangements, and more. Consult a lawyer before taking action to determine how to proceed.
A Spokane Parenting Plan Modifications Lawyer Can Guide You Through the Modification Process
To modify a parenting plan, a lawyer can help you follow the legal steps to submit your request and have it approved by the court. To begin the process, you must gather evidence to support your modification request and demonstrate the need for the change. Communication records, documentation, reports, and statements about changes in your child’s safety or well-being can be used.
Next, you must complete the required paperwork, submit your evidence, and provide notice to the other parent. Parents can choose to resolve their modification case through mediation or through court proceedings. The method of resolution should be considered based on the extent of the requested change and how well spouses can work together to reach an agreement.
Depending on the method they choose, parents must attend mediation proceedings or court hearings to review the request, determine its viability, and reach an agreement on the new terms. Once settled, a judge signs off on the modification request, and the new terms go into effect. The modified order is just as binding as the initial parenting plan agreement and must be followed; otherwise, penalties may be imposed.
Failing to Follow a Parenting Plan Has Legal Repercussions in Spokane
There are serious consequences of not following parenting plans in Washington. If one parent fails to follow the terms outlined in the agreement, whether it be abusing the parenting schedule, not paying child support, or deviating from how decisions are to be made, the other parent can take legal action to have the court enforce the terms of the parenting plan by holding them in contempt until they comply.
If, after legal review, the court finds a parent in contempt for violating a parenting plan, it can penalize them. These penalties can be used to ensure the parent fulfills their duties. Courts can impose wage garnishment, fines, parenting-time restrictions, and even jail time. The circumstances dictate what punishment the court may use and the extent of the penalty.
A parenting plan modifications attorney in Spokane can help you if you need to take action against the other parent for not upholding their responsibilities outlined in the parenting plan. We can guide you through the legal process to protect your child. We can also help you if action is being taken against you so that your rights are protected and the impact of the outcome is minimized.
Dellino Family Law Finds Solutions for Your Family
Dellino Family Law can help ensure that your parenting plan works for your family and ensures your child’s stability and safety. We take your situation seriously and work diligently on your behalf.
A Spokane parenting plan modifications attorney from our team guides you through the paperwork and applicable court hearings and provides customized counsel. Reach out to us today for a consultation.
