Bellevue parenting plan modifications are legal actions taken to change some provision of an existing parenting plan. Bellevue parenting plan modifications may be either major or minor. Major Bellevue parenting plan modifications involve a change in the parent with whom a child lives the majority of the time or when the change involves more than twenty-four or more days in a year. Minor Bellevue parenting plan modifications typically involve adjusting residential schedules to fit a parent’s new work schedule or adjusting some other minor provision such as transportation arrangements.

Washington State family law begins with a presumption that an existing parenting plan shall not be modified unless certain conditions are met. The presumption can be overcome in Bellevue parenting plan modifications if the parties agree to the modification. Keep in mind though that the court must approve all parenting plan modifications even when the parties agree. Bellevue parenting plan modifications are often best done through agreement because even though a child’s parents are no longer together, they are usually the best source for what is best for the child.

Unfortunately, not all parents are able to work together on Bellevue parenting plan modifications. Courts do not look favorably at litigants who bring Bellevue parenting plan modifications in bad faith or for spiteful reasons. In fact, a Washington State statute allows a court to award attorney’s fees in favor of the non-moving party to a Bellevue parenting plan modification if it finds that the action was brought in bad faith. Needless to say, respect for the courts and for the existing parenting plan should be given in all Bellevue parenting plan modifications.

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