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Helping clients make the best choices for their children...

A divorce or separation is, of course, the end of one type of relationship, but it is also the beginning of another relationship when children are involved. Children's needs are paramount in any family law case. Children are most profoundly affected by divorce and separation. When you choose to separate, you don't stop being parents, but you must consider what form your new co-parenting relationship will take. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your options and make educated decisions as a parent.

seattle child custody

Your Custody Options:
There are two facets of child custody: legal custody, meaning the authority to make decisions, and physical custody, or where the child will actually live. Within these two categories, there are many ways to structure a custody agreement so that one or both parents have certain rights and responsibilities.

Physical Custody:
In Washington state, physical custody is referred to as a residential schedule. It is important to carefully consider the children's needs when determining this schedule so that schoolwork, friendships, and other relationships are disrupted as little as possible.

Legal Custody:
One or both parents may be given the authority to make decisions for the children regarding health care, education, and religious and cultural instruction. The limits of shared legal custody should be determined in detail to avoid future disputes. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny help clients determine their legal custody options based on their goals for the child and the realities of each family situation.

Child Support:
Whether you are planning a divorce, are an unmarried parent, or are involved in a paternity suit, you may need a lawyer to ensure that child support issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Your attorney can help you determine your child support options, whether you are the primary caregiver seeking support or are being asked to pay child support to another party.

Parenting Plan:
In Washington State, every custody agreement must include a parenting plan. The parenting plan makes clear provisions for the care of children from the time of their parents' divorce until they reach the age of 18. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny will work with you to develop a customized parenting plan that fits your family's needs.
If parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan in divorce and custody cases, we always consider mediation before going to trial. You and the other party may be able to avoid the emotional and financial strain of a court hearing if you are able to agree on a custody and parenting plan in an informal setting or in the mediation process.
If parents are unable to agree on a custody arrangement through mediation, the court may appoint a professional to evaluate the family situation, including:
     The strength of parent-child relationships.
     Who is the primary caregiver?
     Who is best equipped to care for the children?
Whether you make custody arrangements in mediation or settle the issues in court, your lawyer can educate you on the full range of your options, protect your interests, and help you build a strategy to achieve a satisfactory and legally binding co-parenting relationship.
Relocation:
Washington state law is based on the assumption that it is important to the welfare of a child to have access to both parents. It is illegal for the primary parent to relocate without giving the other parent an opportunity to object. Whether you are the primary parent and you wish to relocate, or you are the non-primary parent and wish to object, you need an attorney who can help you understand your situation and your legal options.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny are here to help.
In order to protect children and help parents better plan to meet their psychological and emotional needs, Molly Kenny has access to therapists and mental health experts who can offer insight and advice to parents and children during this transition.
At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, we focus on communication and education, ensuring that you understand your situation and your options. You will be given every document that pertains to your case as soon as we receive it. Your lawyer will be in touch with you by phone when there is a development in your case, and your calls and emails will be returned promptly.
If you live in the Greater Seattle Area...
If you are planning a divorce or legal separation where children are involved...
If you want to renegotiate your custody agreement or draft a parenting plan...
If you plan to relocate and have an existing custody agreement...
Please call the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny at (425) 460-0550 or fill out the online contact form.
The Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny is located in Bellevue and serves the Greater Seattle, Washington Area including:

King County: Seattle, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland, Kenmore, Bothell, Kent, Tukwila. Snoqualmie Falls, North Bend.
Snohomish County: Bothell, Everett, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Woodway, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Snohomish, Monroe.

Blog for Child Custody and Support

Library for Child Custody and Support:

Four Common Washington State Child Custody Mistakes Parents Make
Don’t lose custody of your kids in court because of a preventable mistake. In this article, learn about four common mistakes people make in custody court.
Depression & Your Washington State Child Custody Case
Depression is a common and manageable mental illness – but could a diagnosis of depression affect your Washington State child custody case?
Washington State Child Visitation Issues: Spending the Holidays Without Your Kids
Read these tips on how to have a Merry Christmas as a divorced parent in Seattle even if your kids will be staying with your ex over the holidays.
Childhood Obesity: A New Topic In Seattle Child Custody Cases
Recently the issue of childhood obesity and neglect has emerged as a topic of discussion in a handful of Washington State child custody cases.
When a Child Wants to Live With the Non-Custodial Parent
Years after a divorce, your child may express a wish to live with their non-custodial parent or make other significant changes to the agreed parenting plan.
Seattle Divorce Attorney: How To Have A Successful Visitation With Your Kids Post-Divorce
A Seattle child custody attorney shares tips for parents who want to have successful visits from their kids after a divorce.
Disabled Children And Child Support In Washington State
In some cases, you may be obligated to pay child support long after your child reaches the age of 18 if they are too disabled to financially support themselves.
Understanding Both Sides: “Disneyland Dads”
After a divorce, one parent may begin to placate their children with gifts, trips, and less strict parenting - find out why in this article.
The Role Of A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) In Washington State Courts
A guardian ad litem is sometimes assigned to child custody cases in Washington State in order to better determine the best interests of the child in question.
Talking To Your Kids About Child Custody And Visitation
Talking with your kids about child custody can be even more difficult than telling them about the divorce. Read four helpful tips for the conversation here.
When Child Support Payments Come To An End In Washington State
Does Washington State child support always end on your kid's 18th birthday? In this article, we discuss a few exceptions to the rule.
Washington State Child Custody Law Loophole Puts Children In Limbo
A loophole in Washington's child custody laws allows children to be adopted by foster parents even as their biological parents continue their fight for custody.
International Child Custody Laws Don’t Give Enough Weight To Domestic Violence
A new study conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle has found that international child custody laws given little consideration to the presents of domestic violence or domestic abuse. In far too many cases, children were sent to live with their fathers or relatives overseas despite a history of physical abuse, sexual violence, and emotional abuse.
When It Comes To Child Visitation, Email Could Be A Smart Way To Communicate With Your Ex
There are several good reasons to communicate with your ex-spouse through email when discussing important issues such as child custody, child visitation, or child support. Why is email communication a strong choice for many former couples? Email allows you to discuss issues after having thought them out and without getting overly-emotional. In addition, email leaves a full record of your communication.
For Christmas And Birthdays, Discuss Your Children’s Gifts With Your Ex
Having a successful and happy Christmas holiday or birthday with your children after a divorce can be difficult, especially if you are not communicating well with your spouse. Especially when it comes to Christmas presents and birthday presents, it is important to talk about who is getting what and which gifts will be appropriate.
Child Visitation Disputes Are Common At Christmas
While child custody is always a difficult matter for many parents to agree on, it can especially hard for ex-spouses or partners to come up with a workable parenting plan during the holidays. This legal article discusses why this is and what options parents have for settling child custody disputes during this busy time of year.
How Are Child Support Payments Determined In Washington State?
Child support in Washington State is determined by a number of factors, including your income, your number of children, their special needs, and your child's past standard of care. However, child support is ultimately decided upon by a judge and any special circumstances in your family will be considered.
The Consequences Of Not Paying Child Support In Washington State
In Washington State, the consequences of not paying your child support as agreed are harsh and can affect all areas of your life, from your finances to your job to your ability to travel. If you cannot afford your child support, you should talk to someone who can help.
Child Custody And Mental Illness In Washington State
If you or your ex-spouse has a history of serious mental illness, it could affect your child custody case and parenting plan. Below, read more about how certain mental illnesses and other mental health issues could play a part in your Washington State child custody case.
Relocation And Child Custody: What Happens When Someone Wants Or Needs To Move Away?
In the years after a divorce, it isn't uncommon for one parent or the other to want or need to relocate their lives in either miles, states, or even countries away. In this article we discuss how a judge might handle a relocation and how the child's best interests are considered in each of these difficult child custody cases.

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Frequent Questions for Child Custody and Support:

Web Resources for Child Custody and Support:

Child Support Schedule
Child Support Worksheets
Family Law CASA of King County
Description: Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) serves as the voice of children in court when their parents are involved in contested paternity, divorce, and third party custody cases.
Non-parental Navigation Class
Description: This free course is offered twice a month (the first and third Tuesdays of each month) in Kent and Seattle. This course will guide you through the non-parental custody process and the paperwork that comes along with it. Registration is not required. Visit the website above or call (206) 205-2526.
Parenting Plan
Washington State Department of Child Support
What About the Children? King County Parenting Seminar
Description: The "What About the Children" seminar is a mandatory seminar for all parents with pending family law cases in King County. The course goes into detail about determining a parenting plan, the family court process and procedures, parental communication, and the effects of parental conflict on the family. Sessions are available in Kent and Seattle, and the schedule is available online.

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