Modifying Child Custody in Tacoma

Issues involving child custody are some of the most challenging parts of any divorce. Even after a divorce is finalized, problems may arise that motivate a parent to seek modifications to the custody agreement. This action may become contentious if the other parent opposes the modification, but it's important to remember that the child’s needs come first, and work toward a fair resolution. This isn’t always easy for parents, but our experienced Tacoma child custody modification attorneys can help you deal with unexpected problems that arise.

The primary custodial parent plays a major role in the development of their child, but parents with visitation rights must also have their interests protected. Whether you're worried about your child's custody arrangement, or seeking an uncontested modification, you should speak with one of our qualified Tacoma family law attorneys about your situation.

Obviously, most parents want what’s best for their children, but our Pierce County custody attorneys sometimes encounter parents who have very different opinions about what's "best” for their children. Custody modification negotiations in Washington must remain civil if they are to be successful. Failure to maintain amicable discourse in the best interest of the children will likely force a judge to make a ruling concerning custody arrangements, which is something that should be avoided in most situations.

Custody modifications must be approved by a judge in Tacoma family court, but it won't happen if the agreement isn't fair to each parent. Our Washington State family law lawyers fight to protect every client’s personal interests, ensuring that they’re treated fairly when dealing with custody modification issues.

Parents living in Tacoma seek custody modifications for a variety of reasons, but it requires making changes to an existing parenting plan. Changing a parenting plan is never easy, but you can petition the court for a custody modification if you want to obtain custody from your ex. IT may also be possible to change the amount of time the non-custodial parent spends with the child via visitation rights.

Attempting to change the status of the primary custodial parent is a major parenting plan modification, and this is not an easy task to accomplish. Slight changes to visitation schedules to accommodate another parent's schedule are considered minor, and are more likely to be approved by a judge. In either situation, a hearing will be scheduled where you can explain your reasoning to a judge. If your ex challenges your position, the case will most likely go to trial in Pierce County Family Law court.

Major petitions for modification have a chance for success only if you're able to prove that the child's living situation has changed dramatically since the parenting plan was created. One example of a major change would be if the child's living environment was no longer safe.

Proving an unsafe living environment exists may not be easy, but your lawyer understands the importance of protecting your child's best interests, and will fight to protect their safety.

Child custody issues can quickly become contentious. Our Pierce County child custody modification attorneys urge clients to keep their emotions under control, because it often leads to a more favorable resolution. We understand that remaining civil may not always be easy, especially if false accusations are made. But remember, if your ex and their lawyer refuse to treat you fairly, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial.

Contested court hearings involving parenting plan modifications can be emotionally draining, especially for children. Working to create a fair and equitable custody agreement is far easier when you work with a Tacoma child custody modification lawyer that you implicitly trust.

Family law judges in Washington State do everything in their power to keep children's lives free from unnecessary disruption. This is why custody alterations are often difficult to obtain. Once a judge renders a decision on your petition, both parents are required to adhere to any changes in the parenting plan.

Contact one of our experienced Tacoma custody lawyers today for a free consultation. You’ll be able to get your questions answered from a qualified legal professional with years of real-world experience. In fact, our attorneys have more than fifty years of collective experience handling sensitive family law cases, so you can put your trust in our Tacoma custody lawyers.