Serving Your Child's Best Interests - Seattle Attorney
In matters of child custody, it is generally important for both parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their children. If one parent is harming the children, or undermining the other parent's relationship with the children, it is possible to seek a parenting plan modification from the courts.
At Clement Law Center, we work with clients who seek or oppose a modification of their parenting plan. With more than 30 years of experience as a family law attorney, Bruce Clement, has a strong understanding of the issues involved in child custody modification cases. He works with you to set achievable outcome goals that serve the best interests of your child.
To arrange a free consultation regarding parenting plan modifications, call us toll-free at 877-517-3111. We are available to meet with you at any of our three convenient office locations - Federal Way, Seattle, or Kirkland, Washington.
Modifying Your Child Custody and Visitation
It is true that parents who share child custody can amend the terms of the parenting plan on their own. However, informal changes are not legally binding and will not hold up in court. Parenting plan modifications need to be done through the court system if parents wish for them to be enforceable.
Family court judges examine many factors when considering a petition for a change in custody:
- Child custody can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original parenting plan was implemented. These changes could include a job change, a change in working schedule, or relocation.
- A change in custody may be granted if it is proven to be in the best interest of the child. This normally reflects a major shift in the lives of the parents, such as chronic drug or alcohol use or criminal behavior. If the child is endangered in any way, a parenting plan modification may be granted.
- A modification may be in order if one parent is intentionally alienating the affections of child toward the other parent.
Relocation for Military Parents
When a parent moves away, it can be very disruptive to the visitation rights of the other parent, effectively cutting them off from their child. Washington State recently enacted statute stating that military duty shall not be used as a factor in modifying a parenting plan or reducing visitation. Relocation due to military service can no longer be held against a service member.
Contact Clement Law Center
If you are interested or involved in the modification of a parenting plan, contact us.
