The Competent and Thorough Representation You Need When Navigating Child Custody

As a parent, nothing matters more to you than your child. So, when child custody matters come up, you want a resolution that meets your family’s needs and sets your child up for success. Find the right path forward with an experienced  Pierce County child custody lawyer. I’m Patricia Steele, and I’m here to guide you.

My Tacoma practice, The Steele Law Firm, is dedicated to helping individuals navigate child custody and other sensitive family law matters. With over 10 years of experience, I take a personalized approach to guide you through each step of your Washington child custody case process. I care deeply about helping you pursue your goals for your family.

What Are Your Parental Rights?

After you and the other parent get divorced or separate, your parenting rights will ultimately be spelled out in a child custody arrangement. In Washington, such arrangements are known as parenting plans. They cover three main areas:

Decision-making authority:, this involves the right to make decisions about a child’s education, health care, and other key issues. Such authority can be given to one parent or shared between both. Residential schedule: Also known as physical custody and visitation, this determines where a child lives and how parents split time with the child. Such schedules can include joint custody arrangements where both parents share residential time nearly equally. Dispute resolution: This outlines how to address any future custody disputes.

As an experienced lawyer, I can help you with all aspects of crafting and pursuing a parenting plan that safeguards your rights and your child’s best interests. I am especially knowledgeable in helping fathers navigate the unique issues they can face regarding custody.

Who Will Get Custody Of Your Child?

The specifics of your parenting plan, including custody, can be determined in two main ways. The first is that parents can reach an agreement on their own and submit it for court approval. The second is that if parents can’t agree, under Wash. Rev. Code § 26.09.181 (2023), each submits their own proposed parenting plan, and a judge will decide the specifics.

What Factors Do Courts Consider?

Washington courts consider a wide range of factors when determining the right parenting plan for a child, including:

• The relationship between the child and each parent
• Any history of neglect, abandonment or abuse
• Parental history
• The wishes of each parent
• The wishes of the child, if they are mature enough
• The child’s other key relationships and connections
• The child’s emotional needs

I can help you determine what these factors might mean for your child custody case.

Creating A Parenting Plan That Works For Your Family

Reaching a parenting plan through a mutual agreement has significant advantages over a custody battle fought in Court. Some of the possible benefits include:

• Reduced stress
• Faster resolution
• Lower costs
• More control and flexibility

I understand the value of amicable child custody solutions, and have experience pursuing Court ordered parenting plan if an agreement simply cannot be reached with the other parent. I am here to help you explore all options for negotiating a parenting plan that fits your unique family’s situation.

Helping You Address Life’s Changes

When a parent relocates or other significant changes occur, you may need to modify your parenting plan to better reflect the new reality. There are legal routes for doing so, but this area of law can be complex. Having reliable legal support from a skilled child custody lawyer is critical. I can help you understand the modification process and walk you through every step.

Let Me Guide You Forward

I am committed to helping you pursue the effective child custody solutions you and your family need. Learn more about my child custody services in a consultation. Contact me via email or by calling 253-697-0421 to schedule one.