Spokane Child Custody Lawyer

Understanding Child Custody in Washington State

The fact that your marriage is ending should not hinder your relationship with your children. However, it takes a powerful advocate to make sure that you do not end up with a parenting plan or custody decree that limits your ability to see your children.

At Maxey Law Office PLLC, we can help protect your interests in mediation and litigation. Our Spokane child custody lawyers have extensive experience representing Washington clients in child custody and other divorce-related matters.

Call Maxey Law Office PLLC today at (509) 652-3330 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child custody attorney in Spokane!

Child Custody Issues

Some of the major questions involved in child custody matters include:

• Who will be the residential parent?
• When will the child visit the other parent?
• How will grandparent visitations be handled?

We will provide powerful support to protect your relationship with your children for years.

How Is Child Custody Decided in Washington

In Washington, child custody determinations prioritize the best interests of the child. Courts in the state weigh various factors, including the child's physical and emotional needs, parental capacity for caregiving, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, the child's relationship with each parent, and the child's preferences if they're mature enough to express them.

At Maxey Law Office PLLC, we possess extensive expertise in navigating Washington's child custody laws. Our mission is to tirelessly advocate for your parental rights while ensuring your child's welfare remains paramount throughout the legal proceedings.

What are the Different Types of Custody?

Child custody in Washington involves two main aspects: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody provides the authority to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. On the other hand, physical custody refers to the child's primary residence and the day-to-day care they receive. Different arrangements can be made within these types of custody.

• Joint Custody: This arrangement involves parents sharing legal and/or physical custody, enabling collaborative decision-making and ensuring equitable time spent with each parent.
• Sole Custody: One parent takes primary legal and/or physical custody in this scenario. In contrast, the other parent may be granted visitation rights or have limited input in decision-making processes.
• Primary Custody: Here, one parent is granted primary physical custody of the child, while legal custody may be shared between both parents, allowing for joint decision-making on important matters.
• Split Custody: In cases involving multiple children, each parent can potentially receive primary physical custody of at least one child.

What Makes a Parent Unfit?

In child custody cases, the court may deem a parent unfit if they engage in behavior that could harm the child's well-being. Factors that may contribute to a parent being considered unfit include:

• History of domestic violence or child abuse
• Substance abuse or addiction issues
• Mental illness that impairs the parent's ability to care for the child
• Neglect or abandonment of the child
• Criminal activity or incarceration