The custody and visitation order issued in your divorce clearly defines the schedule for each parent’s time with the child. Court orders are legally binding agreements. When one parent violates the court order for any reason, that can lead to contempt of court. There...
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Family Law
3 ways to maximize mediation
The decision to end a marriage comes with an array of issues to resolve. For people striving for an amicable divorce, mediation often eases associated stresses. On average, 59 divorces happened every day in the state in 2020, according to the Washington State...
3 tips for telling your kids about your divorce
When you and your spouse decide to divorce, one of your biggest concerns may involve how your children will react to this major change. You may worry about how your children will take the news and how they will cope with your divorce. Although divorces in the U.S. hit...
Modifying a child support order in Washington
When couples with children divorce, the process of separation becomes significantly more complex. When parents are not in agreement about support payments, they must follow the court-ordered agreements. However, situations can change, leading to modifications of child...
‘Birdnesting’ is an alternative to traditional shared child custody
Almost every time a Tacoma couple gets divorced, the exes establish separate residences. The children then shuffle back and forth between the parents' homes. This is the usual way shared child custody works in Washington. But for many divorced co-parents, the...
Can I prevent my ex-spouse from taking the kids out of state?
When spouses get a divorce, practically every aspect of their lives change. Your ex-spouse may have decided to move to a different state for employment opportunities, to be close to family, or because of remarriage. If they have sole custody of your children, this can...
What Happens to Your Child Custody Arrangement if You Move Across the Country?
Life goes on after your initial child custody arrangement is determined. A major life change, such as a new job opportunity, may lead you to move away from the Seattle-Tacoma area or from Washington entirely. In these situations, it is critical to understand...
Using Evaluators and Advocates in Child Custody Cases
Child custody disputes can often be contentious, and especially so when substance abuse, questionable parenting or children with special needs are involved. Depending on the circumstances, an evaluator or advocate may be requested by one of the parents or by the...
How Can a Parent’s Mental Illness Affect Child Custody and Support?
The best interest of the child is the standard that guides a court in deciding a custody case, and a parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment factors heavily into the evaluation. As such, the court will consider whether a parent has a mental...
How Will a Child’s Preferences Be Weighed in Child Custody Determinations?
In a Washington divorce, custody and visitation arrangements are incorporated into a parenting plan, defining how each parent will be involved in the child’s rearing and where the child primarily will live. When the spouses are unable to agree on key aspects of a...