• 509-325-0125
  • info@padlawoffice.com
DiNenna & Associates
  • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Parenting Plans
      • Parenting Plan Policy
      • Parenting Plans – What the Court Considers
      • Parenting Plan Modifications
    • Child Support/Modification
    • Child Relocation
    • Child Custody
    • Third Party Child Custody
    • Mediation
    • Appeals
  • Juvenile Law
    • At-Risk Youth
    • Child in Need of Services
    • Criminal Defense
    • Education Law
  • Criminal Defense
  • References & Links
  • About
  • Contact
    • Family Law
      • Divorce
      • Parenting Plans
        • Parenting Plan Policy
        • Parenting Plans – What the Court Considers
        • Parenting Plan Modifications
      • Child Support/Modification
      • Child Relocation
      • Child Custody
      • Third Party Child Custody
      • Mediation
      • Appeals
    • Juvenile Law
      • At-Risk Youth
      • Child in Need of Services
      • Criminal Defense
      • Education Law
    • Criminal Defense
    • References & Links
    • About
    • Contact

Third Party Child Custody

Browse:

  • Home
  • Family Law
  • Third Party Child Custody

Third Party Custody

Third party custody proceedings are often commenced by a relative or party who has assumed the custodial role of a child or children, who believes the child is being abused or neglected by his or her parents or custodians.

The parties to a third party custody proceeding include the petitioner, and as respondents, the child’s parent or parents, and any guardian or custodian of the child. Normally, the child is not a party to the proceedings, but the court may appoint an attorney, usually a guardian ad litem to represent the child’s best interests.

The Petitioner, usually a non-parent, must state and substantiate that either the child is 1) not in a parent or parent’s custody, or 2) that neither parent is a suitable or fit custodian.
When moving the court for third-party custody, the petitioner(s) must establish adequate cause in order to proceed with a third-party custody action. The petitioners must set forth facts that, if true, will establish that the biological parents are unfit or substantiate actual detriment to the child’s growth and development.

A biological parent is unfit if he/she cannot meet a child’s basic needs. Whether actual detriment to a child’s growth and development will occur if placed with a biological parent is determined on a case by case basis.

Although biological parents have the fundamental liberty interest to the care, custody, and control of their children, this right is not absolute: Children have the right to be free from abuse and neglect which are also important factors in guiding the court’s determination of custody.

Third party custody is guided by RCW 26.10. Third party custody actions are complex and challenging.
Knowledgeable legal representation and counsel will benefit you.

Phone for Free Consultation: 509.325.0125

Family Law

  • Divorce
  • Parenting Plans
    • Parenting Plan Policy
    • Parenting Plans – What the Court Considers
    • Parenting Plan Modifications
  • Child Support/Modification
  • Child Relocation
  • Child Custody
  • Third Party Child Custody
  • Mediation
  • Appeals

Address

7 S. Howard, Suite 425
Spokane, WA 99201

Phone Number

509-325-0125
Fax: 509-456-2085

Email

info@padlawoffice.com

I work hard for my clients and I am dedicated to obtaining the best possible results for them.

No matter what your family law issue, I can help you resolve it.

?>

© 2018 All Rights Reserved