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At Modern Family Law, a child custody attorney in Seattle helps you create, change or enforce a parenting plan under Washington law, with your children's well-being guiding every step. Seattle custody cases are heard in King County Superior Court, and your first consultation is free. You don't have to face a custody case alone.
Parenting orders are made when parents divorce, legally separate or have a child together without being married. Washington doesn't use the word "custody" in its parenting statutes. Instead, the court approves a parenting plan (RCW 26.09.181–.187) with two main parts: a residential schedule and decision-making.
We know custody cases are hard on everyone, especially your kids. Our Seattle child custody attorneys give you clear, honest information so you can keep your children's best interests at the center of your case. When you understand your options, you can make confident decisions for your family's future.
Schedule a Free ConsultationParents can agree on a parenting plan together, or a judge can decide it. Either way, every Washington parenting plan covers two main parts.
Decision-making is the right to make major choices about your child's education, non-emergency health care and religious upbringing. It can be joint, where parents decide together, or given to one parent. Each parent still makes day-to-day decisions while the child is in their care.
The residential schedule sets where your child lives on school days, weekends, holidays and summer break. Some Seattle families share time closely, such as a 2-2-5-5 or week-on, week-off schedule. Others have the child live mainly with one parent. Washington has no automatic 50/50 rule. A judge looks at factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, who has done most of the parenting and what the child needs. The court can also limit a parent's time when there are serious safety concerns.
We built these calculators so you can plan ahead with fewer surprises. Try the parenting time calculator to compare schedules.
Seattle parenting cases are filed in King County Superior Court and usually heard at the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Ave. You can ask for a parenting plan as part of a divorce or legal separation, or file a separate parenting plan case if you aren't married to the other parent.
In most cases, Washington can only make custody orders if your child has lived here for the past six months. King County requires both parents to complete an approved parenting seminar within 60 days of service. If you can't agree, the court generally requires mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution before trial.
Our Seattle child custody attorneys can handle the filing, guide you through each requirement and help you ask for a parenting plan that truly fits your child and your family. Reach out to Modern Family Law for a free consultation, and take the first step toward a steady, secure future for your kids.
The right plan depends on your child's age, each parent's work schedule, the distance between homes and more. A plan that looks simple at first often needs details for holidays, school breaks and transportation.
If you and the other parent agree on a parenting plan, the court will usually approve it. If you can't agree, a judge decides based on your child's best interests. That includes the strength of each parent's relationship with the child, the child's needs and, for a mature child, their wishes. A child custody attorney in Seattle helps you build a plan that works in real life.
In the Seattle area, a few miles can mean a long drive, a bridge or a ferry. A good parenting plan sets exchange times and places that work with I-5 and I-405 traffic, school locations and each parent's work hours. If one parent moves to the Eastside or out of King County, the plan should say how transportation and school-year time will work.
Every family's story is different. Our Seattle custody attorneys will listen to your concerns and goals, then give you clear next steps tailored to your family. Your first consultation is free.
At Modern Family Law, we view custody from your child's perspective, not just the parents'. Better understanding leads to smarter choices, and smarter choices lead to better outcomes for your family.
Custody has many parts, and no two cases are the same. The more you know, the easier the process will be.
Frequently asked questions
The biggest factor is the level of conflict. Cases that settle through negotiation or mediation cost much less than those that go to trial. We explain our fees up front, so you can plan with confidence.
No. Washington has no automatic 50/50 rule. Many parents agree to equal time, but a judge decides based on the child's best interests.
There is no set age. A judge may consider the wishes of a child who is mature enough to express a reasoned preference, but it's one factor among many.
Usually, yes. King County generally requires parents in a parenting dispute to try mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution before trial, unless the court waives it.
Yes, but you usually need to show a substantial change in circumstances. Small schedule changes are often easier to make than a change to where your child mainly lives.
If you have a parenting plan, Washington law usually requires you to give the other parent notice before moving with your child. The other parent can object, and the court may decide.
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We’re not fans of surprises and we suspect you aren’t either. We built these divorce calculators just for you, so you know what to expect every step of the way.
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