Spokane Lawyer ~ Attorney ~ Family Law

Spokane, Washington

Parenting Plans
What is the Policy of a Parenting Plan?

Washington Domestic Relations Statute RCW 26.09.002: Policy is the basis for the Spokane County Superior Court, as well as all other County Courts in this State, when formulating a parenting plan. The Statute is as follows:

• "Parents have the responsibility to make decisions and perform other parental functions necessary for the care and growth of their minor children. In any proceeding between parents under this chapter, the best interests of the child shall be the standard by which the court determines and allocates the parties' parental responsibilities. The State recognizes the fundamental importance of the parent-child relationship to the welfare of the child, and that the relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered unless inconsistent with the child's best interests. Residential time and financial support are equally important components of parenting arrangements. The best interests of the child are served by a parenting arrangement that best maintains a child's emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care. Further, the best interest of the child is ordinarily served when the existing pattern of interaction between a parent and child is altered only to the extent necessitated by the changed relationship of the parents or as required to protect the child from physical, mental, or emotional harm."
  
  [RCW 26.09.002]

As you can see, the following points are important:

• The best interests of the child is the standard by which the court determines and allocates the parties' parental responsibilities;
  
  
• The relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered unless inconsistent with the child's best interests;
  
  
• 
  and
  
  
  • A parenting arrangement that best maintains a child's emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care;
    
    
  • The existing pattern of interaction between a parent and child is altered only to the extent necessitated by the changes relationship of the parents or as required to protect the child from physical, mental, or emotional harm.
    
    
• Residential time and financial support are equally important components of parenting arrangements.
  
  

In essence, the court's policy is to ensure each child's best interests are met in implementing a parenting plan between parents.

Litigating a Parenting Plan:

Whether it is a dissolution (divorce) or paternity, you must move the court for a parenting plan or residential schedule respectively. The Spokane County Superior Court as well as surrounding Superior County Courts will order a parenting plan be implemented in two phases; 1) a temporary parenting plan and 2) a final parenting plan.

Phone for Free Consultation: 509.325.0125