Columbia Family Divorce Law Blog

When people think of co-parenting, it’s most often related to a divorced couple. But Washington couples with minor children who separate go through the same challenges as divorced parents.

Standing before a judge in a Washington family court to resolve disagreements regarding your children as part of a divorce is undoubtedly not an experience you would want to endure. It’s not uncommon, however, for a set of parents to disagree about numerous issues, including where their kids should live or go to school, or other important matters.

Every family is different, which means that a divorce will impact you and your kids in unique ways. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all custody and visitation order, and you will be able to create a strategy that allows you to meet the needs of your Washington family in specific ways that are meaningful and sustainable.

There is no perfect solution to the issues faced by families going through a divorce. What works for your family may not work for the next, and it is sometimes difficult to determine exactly what the right approach for child custody should be.

Your divorce will bring significant changes to your life, and simply because your divorce is final does not mean that these changes will stop. In fact, you may find that your life continues to change to a point where it is difficult to adhere to the terms of your original divorce order — specifically, your parenting plan.

You know that the decision to end your marriage will impact your entire family, including your children. The changes brought by divorce are sure to affect the kids, perhaps most of all, which is why many Washington parents take intentional steps to make sure they provide their kids with as much stability and security as possible during this time.

In the past, Washington courts tended to give preference to the mother when deciding which parent should have the children after a divorce. There was an assumption that the mother would provide the children with the highest quality of care, and dads would often receive minimal visitation opportunities – for example, alternate weekends.

The end of a marriage is a complex process, and it can be even more difficult when you and the other party are unable to negotiate terms on your settlement. If there are significant disputes remaining, and you are facing a contested divorce, it may be in your interests to learn more about how you can protect your long-term well-being.

As you consider divorce and its potential implications for your life, you may not want a divorce, but also may not want to remain in living together. Many Washington couples choose to file a Petition for Legal Separation instead, giving themselves the opportunity to live apart with clearly defined rights and duties without a divorce.

Being a grandparent can be a joyous time in your life. You may envision an exciting future of playdates and adventures from the moment they are born.