Spokane Child Custody Lawyer

How Do You Create a Parenting Plan in Spokane, WA?

The State of WA uses parenting plans for custody decisions. The parenting plan will include detailed information about where the children will live, where they will spend weekends and holidays, how they will make decisions about the children, and how disputes that arise between parents will be resolved. The judge will decide on parenting time and ensure that the plan provides a stable relationship between the child and each parent.

When determining child custody rights, the court will consider:

• The children’s relationships with siblings
• Which parent has acted as primary caregiver
• The wishes of the child, if they are old enough
• The physical and psychological health of both parents and the children
• The ability of each parent to care for the children, including work schedule and lifestyle

When the parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan, a judge may have to make these decisions. Judges consider the best interests of the child in custody arrangements. When bringing the case to court becomes necessary, you need an experienced child custody attorney in Spokane to look out for you and your children’s best interests. Our hard-working, dedicated family law legal team will guide you through the process.

How Do You Enforce a Parenting Plan?

Unfortunately, disputes arise that cannot be resolved. When one parent does not abide by the details set forth in the parenting plan, you must follow the dispute resolution steps in your parenting plan. If this does not work and the other parent continues to violate the parenting plan, it may become necessary to return to court.

Benefits of Mediation for Child Custody Disputes

When it comes to resolving child custody disputes, mediation can offer numerous benefits for families in discord. Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that allows parents to work together with the help of a neutral third-party mediator to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Here are some key benefits of choosing mediation for your child custody issues:

• Reduced conflict: Mediation promotes open communication and cooperation between parents, reducing conflict and creating a more peaceful environment for the children involved.
• Greater control: Unlike going to court, mediation allows parents to have more control over the decision-making process and the final outcome. This can lead to more personalized and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of the family.
• Cost-effective: Mediation is often more cost-effective than litigation, as it typically requires fewer court appearances and legal fees.
• Quicker resolution: Mediation can often lead to a quicker resolution compared to the lengthy court process, allowing families to move forward and establish a stable routine for their children sooner.
• Preservation of relationships: Mediation focuses on finding common ground and fostering positive communication, which can help preserve and improve the relationships between parents and their children.

If you're facing child custody issues in Spokane, WA, consider the benefits of mediation and reach out to the Law Office of Benjamin D. Platt to learn more about our mediation services.