Child Custody in Bellingham, WA

We understand that a child custody battle is a personal and highly emotional issue. This is why we’re so passionate about connecting you with Bellingham, Washington professionals that will help you fight for your rights as a parent.

What Is Child Custody?

When two parents separate, they must decide on how their children spend time between them. Child custody refers to the right of either or both parents to provide a home for their children and exercise parental rights. In Bellingham, WA not all child custody cases go to court, but when they do, courts make their decisions based on what they think is most beneficial for the child.

Types of Child Custody Arrangements in Bellingham, Washington

There are three main types of arrangements that can occur. These include full custody, sole custody, and joint custody. Bellingham custody cases are under the jurisdiction of the Whatcom County Superior Court.

What Is Full Custody?

In a full custody arrangement, one parent receives the majority of the parenting time and maintains physical custody. In most instances, this person also makes the majority of the decisions about the child’s upbringing and has control over decisions related to health, education, and religion. The parent awarded full custody is the primary custodial parent.

Washington legislation emphasizes finding a custody arrangement that provides the best physical and emotional care for the child. A Bellingham court will also try to minimize changes to the child’s current relationship and contact with each parent. The judge will also take the preferences of both parents and the child into account. In addition, any prior instances of abuse or criminal activity will come into consideration. If a parent wishes to change an existing custody order, they can request a modification. If both parents agree, the change will typically happen. Otherwise, the requesting parent must show a substantial change in circumstances that necessitates the modification.

Even when children only live with one parent, the other parent still has the opportunity to be a part of their lives. The custodial parent may allow visiting time or the children may spend a few weekends with the non-custodial parent. In some instances, a parent awarded full custody might still maintain joint custody in practice with their partner for the benefit of the children.

What Is Sole Custody?

Most people do not differentiate between one parent getting the overwhelming majority of the parenting time or rights and sole custody. However, it is important to note the possibility of some parents getting no parenting time or rights at all. The court will provide one parent with sole physical custody if the other parent is deemed an unfit parent.

In some cases, the court may go as far as to terminate the rights of the other parent. This may occur if the parent gets convicted of particular crimes that might endanger a child. An example is child abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct with a child. Washington state laws vary on what might result in parental termination.

What Is Joint Custody?

Joint custody describes the arrangement where both parents of the child split physical custody. When parents share equal custody, the child may spend a week or two on and off with either parent. Some families in Bellingham, Washington also practice “nesting”, where both parents move in and out of the home the child lives in when it is their turn to have custody.

Washington legislation favors joint custody in most cases but stops short of creating a statutory presumption. If both parents agree to joint custody, it will typically occur. In disputed cases, a Bellingham court will look at multiple factors, including:

• Any history of abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• Any reasonable opposition to joint custody by one or both parents
• The history, ability, and desire of the parents’ cooperation in making decisions about the child
• Any geographic limitations to joint custody

In many joint custody arrangements, one parent may retain complete responsibility. This is for any major decisions that have to happen concerning the well-being of the child. Also, joint custody does not always mean an equal sharing of time. In most instances, one parent still retains primary custody. In these cases, they may hold the larger portion of a 60/40 time split.

The Factors Courts Consider When Making a Decision

In Bellingham, Washington full custody is often awarded when one parent isn’t able to contribute to the responsibilities with raising the child. For example, if a parent is physically incarcerated, doesn’t have financial stability, or becomes involved in situations that may potentially hurt the child, the court may grant one parent full or sole custody due to the circumstances.

On the other hand, joint custody is often provided to the parents. Both parents assume the responsibilities required to raise a healthy and happy child. Both parents need to be able to work together to maintain consistent communication and follow the directions of the court. Sometimes parents do not work well together. Then the court is sometimes more likely to award one parent the majority of the parenting time to reduce friction.

With Bellingham joint custody cases, both parents need to coordinate resources and activities to support the needs of the child. The situation of your custody arrangements might vary. There may be a supervised custody arrangement for one parent. Another option is a public meeting place to pick up and drop off the child with the other parent.

The Basics of the Child Custody Process 

Custody arrangements in Bellingham, Washington are often subject to family court orders and decisions. However, this is not always the case. Even when the split is amicable, hiring a child custody lawyer can help. Navigate the troubled waters of your custody battle with legal help. Many parents are able to come together to find a solution that works well for the child. Oftentimes without needing to involve the court system.

Whatcom County Court Rules require mediation in almost all contested custody cases. However, there are some exceptions, typically for cases involving domestic abuse. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center is the county’s designated mediation provider. However, the mediation may also occur with any court-approved mediator.

Working with a Bellingham custody lawyer as a mediator can help to advise you on the best type of custody arrangement that would work for the unique requirements and needs of your child. Hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you better understand your rights as a parent and avoid costly mistakes.

Work With an Experienced Bellingham, Washington Child Custody Lawyer 

A child custody battle is a difficult and frustrating process. This is worse when there is animosity between you and the other parent. A Bellingham lawyer that specializes in this area can help to explain the entire process of the child custody battle and can help to make a positive impact on your case whether they mediate the arrangement or defend one party.

Hire a dedicated and passionate child custody attorney in Bellingham, Washington. Your chances of seeing a custody agreement and visitation rights that are favorable for you will be much more likely. If you’re looking to hire an experienced child custody lawyer to help you understand your rights as a parent, you’ve come to the right place.

The attorneys we connect people with can increase your chances of getting the arrangement you seek, even in complex cases. Connect with an experienced lawyer in your area today. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Washington state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!