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The Steele Law Firm | Tacoma, WA
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Your Dedicated
Family Law Attorney

Guiding You Through Parenting Plan Modifications

Life changes, and sometimes, your parenting plan needs to change with it. I’m here to help. My name is Patricia Steele, and I’m a lawyer based out of Tacoma, Washington. Come to my Piece County firm, The Steele Law Firm, for dedicated support and guidance tailored to your parenting plan modification goals.

What Can Be Grounds For A Modification?

In Washington, a custody and visitation order can be modified in response to significant changes in circumstances. Common reasons for pursuing a modification include:

  • Work schedule changes
  • Relocation of one parent
  • Changes in the child’s needs
  • Safety concerns

I can help you determine if you have grounds for seeking a change.

How Do You Modify A Parenting Plan In Washington?

The process involves several steps:

Seek an agreement: If you and the other parent can agree on a modification, you can then seek court approval.

  • Filing: If an agreement isn’t possible, file the appropriate paperwork for a petition for modification.
  • Service: Legally notify the other parent about the petition.
  • Adequate cause hearing: This hearing will determine if your case will progress
  • Preparation: Gather evidence, build your arguments and explore possible amicable resolutions
  • Modification hearing: Both sides will argue their case, and the judge will make a decision

Having an experienced attorney by your side can be crucial for protecting your rights and your child’s best interests. I can guide you through every stage of the process.

Major Vs. Minor Changes

Judges consider different factors in modification cases depending on whether the requested change is major or minor:

  • Minor Changes: Judges look at various factors to determine if the modification is in the best interest of the child.
  • Major Changes: A major change, also known as a Major Modification, seeks a change of primary custody of the child from the custodial parent, to the non primary parent.

The Court uses the best interest analysis when determining whether to permit a major modification to go forward. A basis for a major modification is commonly related to risk to the child’s health/safety in the custodial parent’s home, or other special circumstances.

Generally, to be minor, the change can’t shift the residential schedule more than 24 days in a year or alter who has primary custody.

Take The Next Step – Connect With Me Today

You can request a modification at any time when significant changes in circumstances occur. Call me at 253-697-0421 or send me an email to set up a consultation to discuss the process. Let me help you pursue a better child custody arrangement for your family.