Modifying Child Custody in Olympia

Child custody issues are undoubtedly some of the most sensitive and challenging in any Olympia divorce case. However, even after an Olympia divorce is finished problems may arise that motivate a parent to seek changes to an existing custody agreement. This process can reopen painful scars that lead to resentment and animosity, but Washington family law requires that Olympia parents work together to do what’s best for their children. Unfortunately, this is not always possible, and this is when you need help from one of our experienced Olympia child custody modification lawyers.

There are important decisions that must be made when it comes to how a child is raised, and these include child visitation and residential placement, among others. On many occasions, one parent thinks a change in the custody agreement is best for the child while the other disagrees wholeheartedly. No matter which side of the argument pertains to you, don’t take any action until you talk with one of our qualified Olympia family law lawyers.

While parents usually want to act in the best interests of their children, our Olympia custody attorneys have seen firsthand that they don’t always agree on what that entails. During Olympia custody modification negotiations it’s vital to maintain an atmosphere of civility; otherwise the court could end up being the final arbiter on the well being of your kids.

Ultimately, the final custody agreement must be approved in Olympia family court, so it makes sense to keep aggravation and heated emotions in check. One of the primary goals of our Thurston County family law lawyers is to help you maintain your focus throughout negotiations while aggressively fighting to protect your interests.

There are a number of reasons why a parent may seek modifications to a child custody arrangement. This action will require changing your parenting plan, and you can petition the court for a modification if:

• You don't have custody of your children but you want custody
• You want to alter the amount of time the other parent is spending with your child

The former would be considered a major child custody modification and the latter would be considered a minor child custody modification.

To make this determination, a hearing will be scheduled where you can explain your reasons for wanting the modification to a judge. If the other parent of the child does not agree then you will likely have to go to trial.

Either way, the only way your petition will prove successful is if you can prove that there has been a substantial change in the child's circumstances. For example, if you can prove the child's current residence is no longer safe, the judge may agree to a modification of custody.

Obviously, this may not be easy. However, your family law attorney will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well being of your child, so contact immediately if you have any concerns.

When negotiations stall or become contentious, our Olympia child custody modification attorneys work with their clients to help them find some way of moving forward. Still, no matter how much effort is made in this regard, sometimes there is no other choice but to directly involve the Olympia family court.

Bitterly contested custody modifications can take a significant emotional toll on everyone involved, especially the children. Before you take any action you should develop a strategy meant to minimize confrontation, with help from one of our compassionate Olympia child custody modification lawyers. Keep in mind that Washington family law judges are motivated to act is a way that causes the least amount of disruption in a child’s life. Once a final decision is rendered, both parents must agree to any change or there has to be a significant change in one parent’s situation.

Contact one of our Olympia custody attorneys today for a free consultation and let us help you deal with sensitive family law issues involving child custody. Our Olympia custody attorneys have over 30 years of collective experience handling almost every sort of family law case.