Creating Parenting Plans in Bellevue and Redmond

Creating Fair Parenting Plans in Washington State

Building on a court's custody decision or a general agreement between the parents, a parenting plan details the who, what, where and how of parenting. This is both a handbook and a legally binding document that governs day-to-day life after divorce and protects each parent's rights.

At the law firm of Alpine Family Law, we understand the vital role of a good parenting plan in creating a conducive environment and limiting conflicts. Our experienced family law attorneys strive to ensure that these documents are clear, comprehensive, flexible and enforceable.

If you have questions about creating a parenting plan in WA State. please contact us online or call (425) 276-7677 to schedule a confidential consultation about your case. We serve clients on the Eastside and throughout the Seattle area.

How to Get a Parenting Plan in Washington State

To obtain a parenting plan in Washington State, several options and resources are available:

• Filing a Parenting Plan: You can file a petition to establish a parenting plan or child support order through the Washington State courts. The process involves completing the necessary forms and submitting them to the Superior Court. Each Superior Court provides the forms for filing a parenting plan.
• Accessing Court Forms: The Washington State Courts website offers a range of court forms related to parenting plans, custody decrees, and modifications. These forms are essential for initiating legal proceedings and documenting the details of the parenting plan.
• Modification Process: If there's a need to modify an existing parenting plan, specific forms and instructions are available through the court system. This process typically involves petitioning for a modification and following the required steps outlined by the court.
• Requesting Certified Copies: To obtain a certified copy of an acknowledgment, denial of paternity, or birth certificate related to the parenting plan, individuals can contact the Washington Center of Health Statistics or a similar agency.
• Accessing Public Records: The Odyssey system can be utilized for smart searches by name to retrieve case numbers related to parenting plans. Once the case numbers are obtained, individuals can make a public records request for the file.
• Legal Guidance: Seeking legal guidance from attorneys or law offices specializing in family law in Washington State can provide additional support and assistance throughout the process of obtaining a parenting plan.

Understanding Washington State Parenting Agreements

A parenting plan is a formal document that must be approved by the court. We work closely with our clients to flesh out the specifics on favorable but practical terms, with the best interests of the child as the guiding principle.

Parenting agreements must cover a lot of ground, including:

• The residential schedule — The specific days and overnights that the child will spend at each household, in accordance with the custody determination
• Holidays and vacations — Assigning in advance where the child will spend time, including arrangements for spring break, summer vacation and out-of-state trips
• Exchanges — Detailing times and terms of picking up and dropping off children
• Decision-making — The rights of each parent to make day-to-day decisions and obligations to involve or inform the other parent regarding the child's education, health care, spiritual upbringing and general welfare
• Dispute resolution — Designating the forum for resolving disputes and stipulating how attorney or court fees would be shared

Can I Modify My Parenting Plan?

Washington law requires parents to go through a dispute resolution process before they can petition the court for modification of court orders or scheduled "visitation," although there are exceptions to that general rule. The parenting plan may designate a family counselor, mediator or arbitrator to deal with conflicts that arise.

Starting Off On The Right Foot

The family courts are favorable to the parent who is most likely to be cooperative and amicable in dealing with his or her ex. In custody determination and development of parenting plans, our lawyers encourage clients to be civil and accommodating while standing their ground on their bottom-line principles and priorities.

To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our Bellevue parenting plan attorneys, call us at (425) 276-7677 or email our firm today.