Washington Child Custody Attorney
When a couple decides to end a marriage, and the children are involved, the parents must determine where the children will reside and how much time the children will be allowed to spend with each parent. This is known as child custody and parenting plans.
In some cases, custody issues are simple and handled amicably through mediation. However, in other, more complex cases, child custody issues must be addressed in court so that a judge can determine what is in the child's best interest. Child custody issues can also affect parents dealing with factors such as relocation, divorce agreement modification, non-parental matters, and more.
Our Washington child custody attorneys understand that the health and well-being of your children are of the utmost importance to you. Therefore, please call us if you are contemplating divorce and want legal guidance to protect your child's future.
Understanding Child Custody Laws
In the State of Washington, a child's residential schedule and other parental rights and responsibilities are typically addressed in a court order called a "Parenting Plan." The Parenting Plan is determined by agreement or by the court, typically with the guidance of a Washington State licensed divorce attorney or child custody lawyer. Under the law, it is the court's responsibility to ensure that the Parenting Plan arrangements serve the child's best interests.
The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child resides most of the time. Frequently, the non-custodial parent retains their parental rights under the parenting plan, which often includes residential time and decision-making, regardless of custodial designations.
It is important to remember that parental rights are determined based on parent-child relationships and legal findings such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, alcohol, drug abuse, or other factors that can negatively impact the child's best interests.
Understanding Grandparent Custody and Non-Parental Custody
In non-parental custody cases, it is typical to have increased restrictions on parental rights if the court finds the parents unfit or unwilling to meet parental responsibilities. In such cases, courts will often award custody to the petitioner, who is typically a family member, such as a grandparent.
McKinley Irvin Child Custody Lawyers
Each of our attorneys is experienced in handling parenting plans, residential schedules, and child custody cases. Over the years, we have successfully represented hundreds of clients in divorces and other family law actions involving contested and agreed-on child custody and parenting plan matter. We understand that these cases are often highly emotional and can be profoundly consequential to our clients and their children, so we work diligently to help our clients make informed and safe decisions.
Suppose you are considering filing a divorce, parenting plan modification, non-parental custody action, paternity case, or other family law action involving child custody. In that case, we invite you to contact our team. For almost three decades, our firm has built a legacy of success in representing clients involved in Washington State divorce and family law matters, particularly child custody cases.
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Client testimonials
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"I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!- Christine P.
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"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.- P.O.
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"I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.- T.M.
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"We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.- P.M.
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"I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!- M.L.
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"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.- R.R.
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"You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.- M.F.
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"Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.- R.C.