Modifying Child Custody in Bellevue
Child custody issues are one of the most challenging aspects of any divorce. Even after a divorce is finalized, problems sometimes arise that motivate a parent to seek custody modifications. This action can quickly become contentious, but it's important to remember the child's best interests and work toward a fair resolution. This may not be easy for some parents, but our experienced Bellevue child custody modification attorneys can help you address this situation swiftly.
The parent who has primary custody of a child plays a major role in their development, but parents with visitation rights also must have their interests protected. Whether you're worried about your child's current custody arrangements or are seeking an uncontested modification, you should speak with one of our qualified Bellevue family law attorneys and see how best to proceed.
Most parents want what is best for their kids, but our King County custody attorneys often encounter parents who have very different opinions about what's "best” for their children. Custody modification negotiations in the State of Washington must be civil if they are to be successful, because failure to maintain amicable discourse will likely force a judge to determine custody arrangements.
Any custody alterations must be approved in Bellevue family court, but it won't happen if the agreement isn't fair and balanced. Our Washington State family law attorneys fight to protect your personal interests to ensure you are treated fairly when dealing with custody modification issues.
What would Motivate Someone to Seek a Custody Modification?Parents in Washington seek custody modifications for a variety of reasons, but it requires an alteration to your parenting plan. This isn't an easy task to accomplish, but you can petition the court for a custody modification if you don't have custody of your child and want to obtain custody, or if you want to change the amount of time the other parent spends with the child.
Attempting to alter the primary custodial parent is a major modification of a parenting plan, which is not an easy task to accomplish. Slight changes to visitations to accommodate one parent's schedule are considered minor, and are more likely to be approved. Either way, a hearing will be scheduled where you can explain your position to a judge. If the child's other parent challenges your reasoning, the case will most likely go to trial in family law court.
Major petitions for modification will only be successful if you're able to prove that the child's living situation has changed dramatically. One example of such a change would be if the child's living environment was no longer safe.
Proving this may not be easy, but your attorney understands the importance of protecting your child's best interests and will fight to pursue your goals.
Our Bellevue Family Law Attorneys Protect Your Parental RightsNegotiations focused on child custody may become contentious. Our King County child custody modification attorneys always urge clients to control their emotions because it often leads to a better resolution. We understand that this may not always be easy. If your ex-partner and their lawyer refuse to treat you fairly, we aren't afraid to take your case to trial.
Bitterly contested court hearings where parenting plan modifications are on the table can be emotionally draining, especially on children. Working to create a fair and balanced custody agreement is made far easier when working with a Bellevue child custody modification lawyer whom you trust.
Family law judges in Washington do everything they can to keep children's lives free from unnecessary disruption, which makes alterations in custody arrangements difficult to procure. Once a judge renders a decision , both parents are required to adhere to any changes in the child custody agreement.
Contact one of our experienced Bellevue custody lawyers today for a free consultation, which is a chance for you to get questions answered from a qualified legal professional. With more than fifty years of collective experience handling sensitive family law cases, our Bellevue custody lawyers are well-equipped to help you in whatever way possible.