Recent Posts in the Child Custody Category

• 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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• Summer Break & Child Custody: Tips for Co-Parents

  May 31, 2024
  Making the Most of Your Parenting Time During Summer Visits Summer break brings a welcome change of pace for children, but for parents, it can raise questions about childcare and maximizing quality time. Read on to learn how to make the most of your parenting time during summer break. Parenting Time Tips for the Summer We understand that custody arrangements vary, with some parents enjoying full summer schedules while others share parenting time during the break. For some, summer might be the only time they have physical ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Child Custody & Religion

  Apr 19, 2024
  Religion can be a significant factor in a child's upbringing, often influencing their values, behaviors, and worldview. In Washington State's diverse landscape, parents may come from various religious backgrounds, each with its own set of traditions, practices, and holidays. This diversity can present challenges when creating parenting plans following a separation or divorce. According to RCW 26.09.184, the parenting plan shall specify how decision-making authority is allocated between the parents regarding the children's ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Four Family Law Myths Debunked

  Mar 18, 2024
  Just like other areas of the law, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions among the general public regarding family law. When it comes to family law disputes, don’t rely on advice from friends, relatives, or co-workers. Instead, become familiar with the law by using a trusted source. Below, we debunk four common family law myths. Myth #1: Moms Are Always Awarded Custody of the Children One of the most widespread misconceptions about family law is that courts will generally side with the mother in child custody cases. The ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Getting Divorced While Pregnant: The Legal Issues

  Jan 25, 2024
  When a couple is in the midst of divorce, pregnancy can be incredibly stressful. While some couples may choose to postpone the divorce until after the child is born, others may feel waiting isn’t an option. Can You Get a Divorce While Pregnant? Yes, in the state of Washington, you are allowed to finalize your divorce even if you are pregnant. Although the courts cannot prevent you from divorcing simply because a spouse is pregnant, you may encounter some legal issues as you begin the dissolution process. Will the Other ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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• Evaluators and Advocates in Child Custody Cases

  Jan 9, 2024
  In a disputed child custody or parenting time (commonly known as visitation) suit, judges make decisions that have life-long effects on a child and his or her family. To ensure that judges receive complete information and are acting in the child's best interest, either the parents or the court may seek the assistance of an expert witness or child advocate. Generally, the expert witnesses are known as child custody evaluators, and the advocates for the children are known as Guardians Ad Litem (a "GAL"). Custody evaluators and ...
  Posted By McKinley Irvin
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