The terms outlined in a custody order affect family dynamics until the children become adults. Parents who share custody should follow the court order consistently. The order may require regular custody exchanges and frequent communication between the parents. They...
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Child Custody
Preparing for a custody battle looming in the coming year
Facing the possibility of a custody battle in the coming year can feel overwhelming, especially for parents who are already juggling emotional stress, work demands and ongoing concern for their children’s well-being. While almost no one enters parenthood expecting...
Seeking visitation or custody after accepting limited access
Some people feel truly blindsided by divorce paperwork. When their spouses serve them, they go through a broad range of emotional reactions. In some cases, the depression that arises as a result of an imminent divorce may lead to one spouse basically withdrawing from...
Can one parent prevent the other from moving with their kids?
Parents rebuilding their lives after divorce often have to make significant changes. They need to find new living arrangements, improve their income and start re-establishing their social lives. In some cases, they may obtain job opportunities in another city. Other...
Staying involved in your child’s education with limited custody
While sharing child custody more or less equally may be the ideal scenario after divorce, it’s often just not practical. Distance, work schedules and other reasons may require one parent to accept a 70-30 or even more lopsided schedule. Depending on what kind of...
3 times when a parent may ask the courts for more parenting time
The division of parenting time in a custody order determines parental access. The family courts generally expect both parents to abide by terms included in a custody order and to cooperate with one another when minor, short-term adjustments are necessary....
Do unmarried fathers have custody rights in Washington?
Fathers responding to a divorce filing or choosing to end a marriage know that they can ask for custody. Finding ways to share parental rights and responsibilities is a standard component of most divorces involving minor children. Things become less clear in...
How can parents manage the holidays when sharing custody?
For parents, their children are often the focal point of the holidays. Their travel plans and meals may require special consideration for the children to be happy. They may budget for months to afford the gifts the children want and may work hard to create meaningful...
3 times when parents can request more parenting time
The terms included in a final custody order reflect either an agreement between parents or determinations by the courts. It is customary for both parents to receive a significant amount of time with the children even in high-conflict cases. Children need strong bonds...
What is co-parenting?
Parents who are splitting up generally have to come up with a plan for raising their children. There are many different parenting styles to consider. One of these is co-parenting, which requires parents to work as a team. There are several considerations about...