Recent Posts in the Child Custody Category

• Mental Illness & Child Custody

  Nov 4, 2024
  Parental Mental Illness & Child Custody Navigating the complexities of a custody case is challenging for any parent. Still, when mental illness is introduced into the equation, the stakes and sensitivities can become even more pronounced. In this blog, we discuss how the court may view a parent’s mental illness and what evidence parents can use to show that their condition doesn’t impact the child’s well-being negatively. Mental Illness & Its Impact on the Best Interest of the Child While a parent's mental illness does not ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Tips to Make Long-Distance Co-Parenting Work

  Oct 14, 2024
  A non-residential co-parent is a parent who lives apart from their child but maintains a significant role in their life. This arrangement can arise from various circumstances, including divorce, separation, or other life changes. While the physical distance between parent and child may differ, the parental role and responsibilities remain intact. A non-residential co-parent continues to play an active part in their child's life, making decisions about their upbringing and maintaining a strong emotional connection. ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How Co-Parents Can Divide the Holidays

  Sep 9, 2024
  The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. However, for co-parents, this festive time can also present unique challenges in navigating child custody schedules. Dividing holiday time effectively becomes crucial in ensuring children can experience the magic of the holidays with both parents while minimizing disruption and stress. In this blog, we will explore the importance of creating a balanced holiday parenting plan, addressing common hurdles co-parents face, and offering practical ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How a Criminal Record Affects Child Custody in Washington State

  Aug 23, 2024
  Criminal Convictions Can Affect Whether You Are Awarded Custody A criminal conviction can raise concerns during child custody disputes. However, the impact isn't uniform. Judges focus on the child's best interests, and the specific circumstances surrounding your conviction play a crucial role in their assessment. The Specifics Matter Yes, a criminal record or conviction can impact your case outcome, but the details matter. Some of the factors surrounding the conviction that will be considered include: Recency. Recent ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• At What Age Can a Child Choose Where to Live?

  Aug 5, 2024
  At What Age Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With? Unlike adults, who have the freedom to choose their living arrangements at the age of 18, minors do not have an explicit choice. The decision regarding a minor’s custody is ultimately determined by the court, which considers various factors to ensure the child's best interests are met. Children Can Still Express Their Preference In custody cases involving minors, the court may consider the child's preferences, particularly if the child is mature enough to articulate a ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• How the Hague Convention Impacts Child Custody Cases

  Jul 12, 2024
  In an increasingly interconnected world, the dynamics of family life are more global than ever before. With international marriages and the mobility of families across borders becoming more common, the complexities surrounding child custody disputes have taken on an international dimension. This is where the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction plays a vital role. What Is the Hague Convention? The Hague Convention on Child Abduction, formally titled the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Examples of Joint Custody Schedules

  Jun 28, 2024
  Shared Parenting Time Schedules: 6 Examples Divorce or separation can be turbulent, and amidst the emotional upheaval, figuring out child custody can feel overwhelming. If you and your co-parent are committed to shared parenting, then a joint custody schedule might be the right fit for your family. Here are six potential options when it comes to joint custody schedules: 1. Alternating Weeks This schedule allows the child or children to spend one week with one parent and then the following week with the other parent, ensuring ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• What Are the Advantages of Arbitration in Family Law Matters?

  Jun 14, 2024
  Understanding Arbitration Arbitration is a private, contractual method of dispute resolution where the parties involved agree to submit their disagreements to a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator. Unlike courtroom litigation, arbitration proceedings are usually less formal and allow for a greater degree of flexibility in terms of scheduling. The arbitrator, who is often an experienced family law attorney or retired judge, listens to each party's argument, reviews the evidence presented, and then makes a binding ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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