Bellevue Mother’s Rights Lawyer

If you are involved in custody or divorce proceedings, a Bellevue mother’s rights lawyer may be able to help. You deserve legal counsel you can trust to enforce your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Instead of acting on your own, let a seasoned family lawyer at Twyford Law Office help you with your case. 

The relationship between mother and child can be a lifelong bond. When someone gives birth, they have several rights and responsibilities related to the care of their children. However, conflicts can arise when the other parent is not on the same page. 

Mothers and Fathers Have the Same Legal Rights

Mothers hold the same rights regarding child custody or visitation as fathers. Washington state law does not use gender to determine which party is awarded custody or support. Instead, these decisions are made based on the best interests of the child. 

There is a common misconception that mothers are always given priority in custody cases. While many mothers are ultimately awarded primary custody, that outcome is never guaranteed. It is crucial to make the strongest case possible during divorce or custody proceedings, as the order issued by the court will have a lasting impact on the parent-child relationship. 

The stakes are high in these situations, and having the support of strong legal counsel is vital. It is never a good idea to go into these proceedings without the guidance and support of an experienced mother’s rights lawyer in Bellevue. 

What Is the Best Interest of the Child Standard?

Judges tasked with deciding any issue involving a juvenile must make that decision based on the child’s best interests. That involves considering an array of factors, including the following:

• The strength of the relationship between parent and child
• Criminal convictions for abuse or neglect
• The child’s preferences
• The child’s health and welfare

A skilled attorney could make the case that the mother should have a prominent place in their child’s life. 

Establishing Rights at Birth

The only difference between men and women when it comes to parental rights is that a mother is granted the authority to make decisions on behalf of the child from the moment they are born. The same is not true for fathers, as their paternity must first be established. 

In some situations, this is little more than a formality remedied by signing a form and agreeing to be placed on the birth certificate. The spouse of the mother is also presumed to be the father, simplifying the process further. However, these individuals cannot formally seek custody or child support until they are formally recognized by the state. 

Paternity issues can be contentious at times, but mothers have the right to legally establish the identity of the father. They may file a petition with the court seeking a DNA test that could resolve the question and secure a formal paternity finding. Working with a qualified Bellevue mother’s rights attorney in these cases is beneficial, as these questions can often be answered amicably between the parties without drawn-out litigation. 

Reach Out to a Bellevue Mother’s Rights Attorney Today

The prospect of a court order limiting your access to your children can be daunting, but you do not have to face these challenges alone. With the right attorney, you could secure the best possible outcome for you and your child. Contact a Bellevue mother’s rights lawyer at Twyford Law Office for a private consultation.