In the realm of family law, child custody and support cases are among the most sensitive and emotionally charged. It’s crucial to understand your legal rights in these situations to ensure the best outcome for you and your children.
The primary principle underpinning child custody laws is that all decisions should be made in the best interest of the child. This means that courts will consider a variety of factors such as each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs, their mental and physical health, stability of home environment, and even sometimes, depending on age, the child’s preference.
There are different types of custody arrangements available. Legal custody refers to who makes important life decisions for a minor like education or medical care while physical custody pertains to whom the child lives with. These can be sole where one parent has exclusive rights or joint where both parents share responsibilities.
Your right as a parent does not end at deciding where your child resides or who makes significant choices about their upbringing. You also have visitation rights unless there is a court order denying you this privilege due to reasons like abuse or neglect. Visitation plans vary widely – some parents might have their children every other weekend plus an evening during the week while others may split time equally.
Child support is another crucial aspect in these cases. Both parents are legally obligated to financially contribute towards raising their children regardless of who has physical custody. The amount paid by noncustodial parents depends on several factors including income level, number of children involved, cost of childcare and healthcare expenses among others.
It’s essential that you promptly pay court-ordered support payments as failure can lead to serious consequences including wage garnishment, loss of driver’s license or even jail time in extreme cases.
If circumstances change significantly after initial agreements – say there is a job loss or relocation – modifications can be sought through court proceedings but until then existing orders must be adhered to strictly.
The process navigating through these matters can be complex and emotionally draining. It’s advisable to engage a family law attorney who can guide you through The role of a child support lawyer in custody cases. cases, ensuring your rights are protected.
Remember that while courts decide on these matters based on what they perceive as the best interest of the child, as a parent, you too have significant rights. Understanding them is the first step towards ensuring that you continue to play an active role in your child’s life post-separation or divorce.
Northwest Family Law, P.S.
1207 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033
206-737-1806
