Filing for Child Custody in Washington: 5 Steps Step 1: Determine your case type. Step 2: Complete forms. Step 3: Open your case. Step 4: Serve the other parent. Step 5: Wait for the other parent to respond. Preparing for what comes next.
Factors The Washington State Court Will Consider To make this determination, the judge will consider multiple factors, including: The child's relationship with each parent. The child's relationship with siblings or other individuals in each parent's household. Each parent's ability to care for the child.
Parents cannot legally withhold a child without a court order. However. That being said, if the custodial parent refuses to allow the other parent contact with the child, the other parent will be required to contact the court. It is a ``civil'' problem.
Whether you can remove your child from the state of Washington without the others parent's knowledge depends on the court ordered parenting plan. If your plan says you have to have permission or give notice to travel to another state, then you have to ask permission.
If a parent withholds a child from the other parent for an extended period without good cause, the Court may preclude or limit residential time with the offending parent.
To ask for custody, you must open a case with the superior court where you live or where the other parent lives. It may be a stand-alone custody case or a divorce, legal separation, annulment or parentage (paternity) case. After filing the initial paperwork, serve the other parent to officially notify them.
These are some mistakes you're going to want to be mindful to avoid. TALKING BADLY ABOUT THE OTHER PARENT TO THE CHILD. FAILING TO TAKE ON CHALLENGING TASKS. NOT COMMUNICATING WITH THE OTHER PARENT. TRYING TO MAKE YOUR CHILDREN FEEL SORRY FOR YOU. PREVENTING THE OTHER PARENT'S ACCESS TO THE CHILDREN.
To start the case, file with the clerk of the superior court, the completed original Petition for Modification/Adjustment of Custody/Parenting Plan/Residential Schedule, Summons, Confidential Information Form, and Child Support Schedule Worksheets and the Sealed Financial Source Documents cover sheet, with financial ...
Washington prioritizes the needs of the child, and there are many scenarios in which evenly shared custody works best for the child. Washington does not have a specific law that gives a 50/50 custody presumption. However, the state does promote joint custody in many cases.
Mothers historically have won more custody battles due to traditional roles and perceptions of mothers as the primary caregivers.