Marysville Child Custody

Your children are your everything, which makes child custody cases the hardest things parents ever have to face. Acknowledging this, our child custody attorneys who understand the sensitive nature of child custody battles are here for you.

We fight hard to safeguard the rights of our clients and their children, making sure they are treated fairly under Washington state laws. If you're facing a child custody battle, here's what you need to know.

A Snohomish County county court will have jurisdiction over your child custody case if it meets one or more of the following conditions:

• Washington is the child's home state at the commencement of proceedings or was so within six months before the proceedings began, with the child now absent from the state but a parent or a person acting as a parent still residing in it.
• No other state has jurisdiction, or another state's court has declined jurisdiction because Washington is considered a more appropriate forum.
• All courts with potential jurisdiction under the above conditions have declined to exercise it, deferring to Washington as the most appropriate forum.
• No court in any other state would have jurisdiction based on the specified criteria.

In Snohomish County, parental rights are protected under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.16.125, which states that both parents of a child have equal rights and responsibilities, meaning both parents have a right to fight for custody of their children.

In Marysville, Washington, family courts decide child custody based on the child’s best interests, which is outlined in RCW 26.11.040.

Part of the custody arrangement is to develop a permanent parenting plan that meets the child's physical and emotional needs. This document minimizes the need for future modifications, encourages parental responsibility, and protects the child's welfare.

Washington courts consider many factors when awarding custody, including:

• The strength and character of the child's connections with their parents and other key family and community figures
• The stage of the child's growth and their physical and developmental needs
• The record of participation and the capacity of each parent to collaborate on decisions impacting the child
• Any recorded instances of abuse, maltreatment, or neglect of the child
• The child's preference, considering their age and level of understanding
• How the proposed parenting arrangement will influence the child's relationship with each parent
• The alignment of the parents' work schedules with the child's requirements
• The financial and material capabilities of each parent

The details of these factors determine the parenting plan.

In Washington State, a parenting plan typically encompasses important things like:

• Location your child will live
• Decision-making responsibilities regarding your child's welfare
• Details on how custody will be shared or divided
• Arrangements for your child's physical care and emotional stability
• Plans for your child's development and changing needs
• Methods for resolving future disputes between you and your child's other parent
• Schedules for your child's time with each parent, including holidays and special occasions

The goal of a permanent parenting plan is to minimize children's exposure to harmful parental conflict and encourage parents to meet their responsibilities through agreements rather than judicial intervention, with the child's best interests in mind.

As outlined in RCW 26.09.015, the parenting plan can usually be decided between the parents or through mediation proceedings. However, in complex or contentious cases, child custody cases may need to be settled in court.

To ensure you and your children's rights are fully protected, hiring a child custody lawyer is crucial. They will guide you through the paperwork, deadlines, and procedures to meet all legal requirements and avoid potentially costly mistakes, helping you navigate the overwhelming and complex Washington legal system.

Consider working with a Marysville attorney who specializes in child custody in the following situations:

If you are initiating a separation or divorce and children are involved, it's wise to consult a custody lawyer immediately. Child custody attorneys ensure you understand your parental rights and what to expect throughout the custody process.

You need an attorney if you anticipate a contentious custody battle or if your situation involves complex legal issues like parental relocation, abuse allegations, or international custody laws.

For parents whose rights are threatened or who face false accusations that could affect their custody rights, a lawyer’s assistance can be crucial in protecting their interests.

If you need help enforcing a custody order or modifying an existing one due to changed circumstances, a lawyer can effectively present your case to the court.

Suppose you or your ex-partner experience significant changes in circumstances like a remarriage, job loss, or relocation that impact custody arrangements. In this case, a lawyer can help navigate these changes legally and fairly.

Even in amicable separations, having a lawyer review any agreement before you sign it is always beneficial. Child custody attorneys ensure the agreement serves your child's best interests and protects your parental rights.

Ultimately, whenever you feel unsure about the custody process or your ability to handle it alone, seeking a child custody lawyer's advice can provide clarity, peace of mind, and a pathway to securing the best possible outcome for your family.

With years of experience representing clients in Marysville, our attorneys are here to address all your queries. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about child custody in Marysville:

As child custody attorneys who live and work in Marysville, we're always available to answer your questions. Whether you are in the process of separating or need to amend your existing child custody arrangement in Snohomish County, our legal team has your back.

With our experience in the Snohomish County courts, we'll fight to protect your and your child's rights through these challenging times. Contact our law firm today to understand your options under Washington law.