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Parenting Plans
Washington law requires a parenting plan in any proceeding
for divorce, separation or annulment where minor children
are involved. Washington no longer uses the terms “custody”
or “visitation”. Instead, the parents by agreement or
through the courts must develop a parenting plan.
The court
will decide the outcome of the proposed parenting plans by
deciding what is in the best interests of the minor
children. All parenting plans contain provisions for;
residential care schedule, who is responsible to make
decisions; and provides for dispute resolution.
The law
includes provisions to protect the children from abuse or
neglect or exposure to violence, substance abuse and the
like. As always, the best interests of the child standard
is the hallmark for decision making. Family law disputes
often involve allegations of abuse, substance abuse and
neglect. Dealing with these types of allegations can be
complicated and have far reaching consequences regarding
limits a parent may face in a parenting plan. Consulting
with an experienced attorney may help keep unnecessary
restrictions from being imposed or visitation and custodial
status being lost. |
