Modifying Child Custody in Seattle

Child custody issues are often the most difficult aspect of a divorce to negotiate. Even once a Seattle divorce is finalized, problems may arise that motivate a parent to seek custody agreement modifications from the court. This action sometimes results in anger and resentment from one or both parents, but Washington State family law requires that Seattle parents do what's best for their children. For some parents, this course of action isn't easy, which is why help from experienced Seattle child custody modification lawyers can be beneficial.

Raising a child after a divorce is hard and requires some tough choices, such as deciding on visitation and residential placement. One parent may believe that an alteration of the custody agreement is best for their child, while the other completely disagrees. If you are currently faced with child custody modification issues, speak with one of our qualified Seattle family law lawyers before taking the next step and make sure your legal rights are acknowledged.

Parents want the best possible future for their children, but our Seattle custody attorneys have seen firsthand that parents don't always agree on how the present will best mold that future. Civility and cooperation is required during Seattle custody modification negotiations, because if they fail the court will likely render its own judgments regarding the child's future.

Once the custody agreement is modified it will need to be approved in Seattle family court, so keeping emotions under control will help both parties reach a more reasonable agreement. The main goal of our Seattle family law lawyers is to protect your personal interests, but we will also urge you to maintain clear focus on what is truly important throughout this difficult process - your child.

You may be wondering why child custody modifications may need to be made. Because this action requires changing an existing parenting plan, it's necessary to petition the court. You may be able to petition for a custody modification if you current do not have custody of your child but would like to, or if you want to alter the amount of time your child is spending with the other parent.

The latter would be considered a minor custody change and the former a minor modification. For the court to decide on either modification, it's necessary to explain why you want to alter the parenting plan. If the other parent disagrees and challenges the modification, you will most likely go to trial.

For either modification to be successful you must prove that there has been a substantial change in the child's circumstances, and this may not be easy. One example would be to prove that the child's living situation is no longer safe, which could motivate a judge to approve the modification.

There are a lot of variables to consider when considering a modification of child custody. However, our family law lawyers are well versed in the law and familiar with the King County courts, so contact our law office today and fins out what we can do to help.

Sometimes even the best effort falls short and negotiations with an ex-spouse stall or become overly contentious. Our Seattle child custody modification attorneys always urge that parents cooperate, but if the situation deteriorates entirely, we may need to involve the Seattle Family Court.

Keep in mind that bitterly contested custody modification court hearings often take a significant emotional toll on everyone involved; especially children. Thoroughly develop a plan of action that minimizes confrontation with help from one of our experienced Seattle child custody modification lawyers.

Washington State family law judges are motivated to render decisions that cause the least amount of disruption in a child's life. Once a judge makes their final decision, both parents must agree to their child's custody agreement, and only a dramatic change in a parent’s situation can motivate the consideration of a modification.

Contact one of our Seattle custody attorneys today and schedule a free consultation, and one of our Seattle attorneys will help you better understand family law issues involving child custody. With more than five decades of combined experience handling family law cases, our Seattle custody attorneys are well-prepared to assist you with any urgent child custody modification issues.