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Facing an Everett custody battle? Talk to a lawyer today!
Everett child custody attorney David M. Lux
Experienced Everett child custody attorneys.
Few things are as difficult and complicated as facing an Everett divorce. This is especially true if children are involved. For the vast majority of our Snohomish County divorce and family law clients, the issues of establishing primary residential custody, developing a workable parenting plan, and setting an appropriate amount of child support are among the most contentious issues they face.
There are many reasons for this friction, especially if the marriage is ending in chaos and turmoil. Many divorce are emotionally charged with each party blaming the other for the marriage failing. Tragically, many children are caught in the middle. These psychological and emotional impediments often cause parents to lose sight of what is truly in the best interests of their children.
Many women feel that if they are not designated as the child's primary custodial parent and end up with the majority of the residential time that society will somehow view them as a bad mother or incompetent. This causes many mothers to end up focusing on the wrong issue, which is what kind of a plan will truly provide their child with the best possibility of growing up and becoming a productive member of society.
On the other hand, many father's who have worked very hard to provide for their family feel as though they are being slapped in the face when they are presented a parenting plan that only allows them to see their kids a couple of weekends a month throughout much of the year.
If you are looking for an Everett child custody lawyer who will fight to protect your legal rights and your children, we're here to help. Our Everett child custody lawyers and Snohomish County family law attorneys have been assisting WA State divorce clients for over ten years.
Looking for a WA State or Everett custody lawyer?
If you have questions about Washington divorce law as it relates to Everett child custody matters, you're not alone. Many of our Snohomish County divorce and Everett custody clients are confused by the law and what it is intended to accomplish.
Our Everett child custody attorneys are to help you understand your legal rights and options. Let's start with some very basic principles regarding Washington State custody law.
CHILD CUSTODY IN WASHINGTON STATE
Many Everett divorce and Snohomish County parentage cases are initiated because of a dispute on where their children should reside and a lack of agreement regarding a set parenting and residential schedule. Child custody and visitation issues are one of the most difficult matters in divorce and parentage cases.
When separating spouses and parents cannot agree upon the residential schedule of their children, the family court system will look at several issues to decide this schedule. In Washington State, this residential schedule is called a Parenting Plan.
The following are many potential factors a family court judge and commission investigates to determine the residential and visitation schedule of a parenting plan. The factors include:
(1) The parent who has spent the most time with the child and provided the majority of the parenting functions before the parties have separated. This includes, shopping, bathing, cleaning, attending school and recreation activities for the child
(2) Any criminal history of both parents, especially alcohol and drug related crimes, sexual crimes, domestic violence, and other violent crimes.
(3) Whether either party has any alcohol or other substance abuse problem whether or not there has been criminal charges
The preference of child which parents he or she wishes to reside is usually not the determining factor of who will have primary custody of the child. With pre-teen children, it is usually not a factor at all.