Child Custody Attorney

Whether you’re negotiating a brand-new parenting plan or trying to modify an old one, Washington courts ask a single overriding question: What arrangement serves your child’s best interests? The guide below—grounded in RCW 26.09 and local Clark County practice—explains the factors a judge must weigh, the rules for relocating with your child, how mediation compares with trial, and what to bring to your first meeting with a Vancouver, WA child-custody attorney. Free court-form links are included at the end so you can take action right away.

Washington Parenting-Plan Factors (RCW 26.09.187)

Judges evaluate seven “best-interest” factors, beginning with the strength, nature, and stability of each parent-child relationship. They also consider:

• Each parent’s past and potential care‑taking role
• Any agreements the parents have already made
• The child’s emotional and developmental needs
• Each parent’s mental health and any history of domestic violence
• Sibling, school, and community ties

Practical takeaway: Show the court consistent involvement—school drop‑offs, medical appointments, extracurriculars—to demonstrate that you actively support your child’s growth.

Relocation Rules: Moving With Your Child

If you plan to move, Washington’s relocation act (RCW 26.09.430–.520) requires the parent with primary residential time to give at least 60 days’ written notice to every other legal custodian. The court presumes relocation is allowed, but the other parent can object by weighing eleven statutory factors—such as:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The reasons for moving
• The feasibility of preserving contact after the move

Clark County tip: The Family Court Facilitator provides step‑by‑step packets—Form FL Relocate 706 (notice) and FL Relocate 735 (objection)—that mirror the state pattern forms.

Mediation vs. Trial: Which Path Works for Your Family?

Clark County generally requires mediation before a parenting case can proceed to trial unless domestic‑violence safeguards are necessary. Mediation is private, faster, and usually far less expensive; statewide studies show 70–80 % of cases settle during mediation. Trial, by contrast, is public, adversarial, and leaves the final decision to a judge.

First‑Consultation Checklist

Bring these items to make the most of your first meeting with our attorneys:

1. Existing court orders (parenting plans, restraining orders)
2. School and medical records showing involvement in daily care
3. Proposed schedule ideas (e.g., week‑on/week‑off, 2‑2‑3)
4. Evidence of stability: pay stubs, lease or mortgage, character letters
5. Relocation documents if a move is pending (notice letter, new school details)
6. List of questions—anything from case timelines to co‑parenting apps

Pro‑tip: Scan these documents to PDF before the meeting; digital files speed up strategy planning.

Free Resources (Clark County Family Court)

• Family Law Facilitator Instructions & Checklists – packets for parenting plans, modifications, relocations
• Washington Pattern Forms – official statewide templates (e.g., Parenting Plan FL All Family 140)
• Clark County Law Library Guides – in‑depth relocation and modification self‑help materials