Most family court judges would agree that children are adaptable and fare best in divorce when their parents are willing to compromise and cooperate for their sake. Washington parents are not always able to achieve amicable child custody agreements on their own, however. In fact, there have also been many celebrities who have sought the court’s intervention to help them resolve child-related disputes.
The court always has children’s best interests in mind when making custody, visitation or child support decisions. If a parent believes he or she should have sole custody of his or her children, a petition can be filed in court to request it. Superstar Janet Jackson made such a request on behalf of her son after receiving a phone call from the child’s nanny that expressed concern for his safety in the custody of his father. Actor/model Tyrese Gibson also sought full custody of his children for other reasons.
Gibson told the court his home was a lot more spacious than his ex’s residence, and that his children would be less exposed to paparazzi than they would at their mother’s house. The court apparently agreed with Gibson and granted his request. Another issue concerning many Washington parents is child support. While both parents must adhere to the terms of an existing court order, one or the other may request modification of the order if he or she can show just cause.
In the Britney Spears versus Kevin Federline case, the latter requested an increase of the $20,000 per month in child support Spears was paying after she secured a luxury home in Las Vegas. It seems like some of these celebrities are always in and out of court regarding child custody, visitation and support issues. Any Washington parent who wishes to avoid similar stress can seek guidance and support from an experienced family law attorney to help protect his or her parental rights and the best interests of the children in question.