Navigating child custody in Washington can feel like a very overwhelming process for most parents. After all, child custody is very important and completely changes how you care for your child and interact with the other parent. Because of this, you will need to understand the different types of child custody in Washington and how this decision is decided upon.
At Allen Fischer PLLC, our goal is to provide our clients with exceptional and compassionate legal representation. Keep reading to understand the child custody options in Washington and how the court will come to a decision.
How Is Child Custody In Washington Determined?
For some parents in Washington, all they need to do is hire a mediator to help them come to an agreement for their children. If that is not a good fit, the parents will need to go to court, where custody will be determined.
A family law judge will head over the court and determine the type of custody each parent will have. When they are deciding on this, they will take several things into account, including:
- The child’s relationship with each parent.
- The child’s primary caretaker in the past.
- How physically, emotionally, and mentally capable each parent is.
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child.
Other things to keep in mind that the judge or commissioner will consider are employment schedules, location, lifestyle, home stability, and any history of domestic violence or abuse.
Because so many different factors are taken into consideration, every child custody case is going to be very different. That is why it is so crucial to hire an attorney to help you with the child custody hearing so you are knowledgeable of how this process works.
Washington Child Custody Terms
Now that you understand more about how Washington child custody works, you need to understand the types of custody you could receive. Here are some examples of the four types of custody a family law judge may order:
- Sole Legal Custody: This type of custody is awarded if there are serious parenting issues and a child can only live with one parent.
- Joint Custody: With joint custody, both parents have responsibility for the child and work together to care for them and spend time with them.
- Sole Physical Custody: A judge may choose sole physical custody, which results in a child living full-time with only one parent.
- Joint Physical Custody: The term joint physical custody means that the child will live part-time with each parent.
Hire the Best In Washington Child Support Hearings: Hire Allen Fischer PLLC
Navigating the complexities of child custody can feel very difficult and emotional, which is why you need to understand what to expect. At Allen Fischer PLLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing parents with the legal representation they need throughout this process. For dedicated and compassionate legal help, reach out to Allen Fischer PLLC at (509) 466-7770.
