Gig Harbor Divorce & Family Law Attorney

Preparing the temporary or final parenting plan requires a considerable amount of care and
preparation on the part of the parents and their attorneys. Negotiating custody is a very
emotionally challenging experience and can also be the most time consuming and expensive
matters involved in a divorce. It is best if the parents can reach an amicable agreement that is in
the best interest of their children without going to trial. Our goal is to educate and inform our
clients about their custody and visitation rights so that they are armed with knowledge entering
into the child custody negotiations and can make a fully informed decision as to their children's
future.

Ultimately, the court has the last word in approving the parenting plan whether it is entered as an
agreement by both parents or through trial in the courts. The court must seek the best interest
of the child and they do so by considering the following criteria:

The relative strength, nature and stability of the child's relationship with each parent,
including whether a parent has taken greater responsibility for caring for the daily needs
of the child (this factor is given the greatest weight);
Each parent's past and potential for future performance of parenting functions;
The emotional needs and development level of each child;
The child's relationship with other siblings and significant adults;
The child's involvement with his or her school, physical surroundings, or other significant
activities;
The wishes of the parents and the wishes of the child, who is sufficiently mature to
express his or her wishes regarding the residential schedule; and,
Each parent's employment schedule.

Each parent may propose a parenting plan. However, it the parents are unable to agree, then
they both submit a written statement called a declaration and the temporary parenting plan is
then decided by the court. To establish a temporary parenting plan the court considers the
above criteria in the previous 12 months of the child's life. Establishing a temporary parenting
plan can be the most critical step in litigating a child custody dispute. As courts disfavor
changing a child's environment, more often than not, the permanent parenting plan closely
resembles the temporary parenting plan. Please visit Revised Code Of Washington (RCW)
26.09.184 for more information on this statute.

Once the permanent parenting plan is ordered by the court it can be changed but only under
limited circumstances. There must be a major change in either the child's life or in the lives of
the parents since the original plan was entered. If one parent does not agree to the proposed
changes it can be a complicated matter to get the plan changed. If you are seeking to change
an existing parenting plan, please contact the offices of Mr. Reich to have him review the details
of your case.

It is important to your children that you try and keep their best interests in the forefront. Divorce
is difficult on children but the harmful effects can be mitigated if you follow some general
guidelines during and after your divorce.

General Guidelines for Parents During a Divorce