Working out child custody is a challenging aspect of many divorce cases in Washington. However, child custody matters can arise in other situations. At Twyford Law Office, we handle custody cases involving grandparent’s rights, parental fitness, child neglect, paternity, visitation rights, and parental rights.
We have over three decades of combined experience handling divorces and family law matters. Attorney Julie Twyford is included in the Nation’s Top One Percent of Lawyers as compiled by The National Association of Distinguished Counsel. Our legal team has received top ratings and awards from Super Lawyers and other organizations.
Call our firm at (206) 590-7085 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Seattle child custody attorneys to discuss your situation. Your consultation is confidential.
Child custody cases are emotional family court matters. All parties may believe they know what is in the child’s best interest, but not everyone can be correct.
At Twyford Law Office, our Seattle family lawyers will fight to protect your child’s best interests and well-being. We’ll also fiercely defend your parental rights.
When you hire our top-rated child custody lawyers in Seattle, Washington, you can trust that we will:
We are available 24/7 to provide guidance, legal advice, and support to our clients. If you are facing a custody battle in Washington State, call our Seattle child custody lawyers for a free case evaluation.
Below, we answer frequently asked questions about child custody in Washington:
Parties are encouraged to develop a parenting plan that allows them to co-parent effectively and foster a parent-child relationship with each parent. The judge reviews a proposed parenting plan and visitation schedule to ensure it is in the child’s best interest. All custody decisions are based on what is in the best interest of the child.
When parents cannot agree or issues need to be addressed by the court, judges consider numerous factors to determine the child’s best interest.
Those factors include:
Judges may consider other factors, including but not limited to proof of child abuse or a history of domestic violence or neglect. The overall priority is to issue a custody order that meets the child’s needs in the best possible manner.
The court may grant joint custody or sole custody. Joint custody arrangements assign parenting roles for each parent to share. Sole custody gives one parent total control over all decisions for the child.
Legal custody refers to making decisions that impact the child. That could include issues related to their education, health care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities. Physical custody refers to which parent cares for the child’s daily needs and lives with the child.
Even in joint custody arrangements, the child typically resides primarily with one parent (the custodial parent). This provides stability and continuity for the child.
Washington courts recognize that circumstances may change that require modifications of an existing custody order. A parent can petition the court to modify custody. However, they must prove that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred that justifies modifying the parenting plan and child custody decree.
Child support is the financial support a parent pays to meet their child’s basic needs. The requirement to support your child financially continues regardless of your relationship with the other parent or your living arrangements with the child.
Washington uses standard child support guidelines to calculate child support payments. Each parent’s income, the number of children being supported, and other factors are used to calculate the base amount. However, Washington law allows judges to deviate from the standard child support guidelines for several reasons.
A parenting plan explains how the parenting responsibilities are divided. It also includes a time-sharing schedule for physical custody, visitation, and holidays.
The parenting plan states which parent will have legal and physical custody of the child or whether custody is to be shared. It also proposes a plan for how decisions are to be made for the child. A parenting plan may also place restrictions on a parent’s rights.
Parties may propose a parenting plan for the court’s approval. If they cannot agree on the plan’s terms, the judge will decide for them based on the child’s best interests.
Don’t go into court for a custody case without an experienced Seattle child custody lawyer at your side. Call Twyford Law Office today to request a confidential consultation with one of our lawyers. We are here when you need a trusted legal advocate for you and your child.
Twyford Law Office – Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 590-7085
Opening Hours: Monday through Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Our Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Our Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205
(509) 327-0777
Our Bellevue Office
1408 140th Place NE, Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517-3350.
