Parenting plans are often included in cases involving child custody or parentage. In Washington State, a judge may approve a parenting plan that determines the primary caregiver, the child’s living arrangements, and how any legally recognized caregivers will resolve child-related disputes. If both parents or involved caregivers reach an agreement on the parenting plan before appearing before the court, the judge is more likely to approve the arrangement. However, if there is a dispute, the judge will review the plan in court and make a decision based on what would be best for the child’s welfare.
When overseeing a parenting plan, the judge will consider several factors. The child’s age, emotional development, and relationship with both parents and other first-degree relatives are considered when determining the child’s living arrangements. Each parent’s circumstances, including stability, financial situation, health, and other responsibilities, are also taken into account. In addition, the judge will consider neglect or other charges that indicate either individual is unfit for parenting.
In Washington State, the parent who has legal and physical custody of the child is designated the primary residential parent. In this case, the child lives with the primary parent, who also has the ability to make legal decisions on the child’s behalf. The other parent or caregiver may have visitation rights, or have custody of the child on weekends. In some cases, both parents share legal and physical custody equally; this is defined as shared residential custody.
Once the court approves the parenting plan, it is very difficult to modify. Most judges will only change the plan in the wake of a life-altering event, or if one of the caregivers does not uphold their obligations under the plan.
There are different types of parenting plans that accommodate various scenarios. The typical parenting plan is usually applied to caregivers residing within a short drive of one another. In this arrangement, the non-custodial parent will have residential custody of the children every other weekend and for several weeknights.
Long-distance parenting plans are more suitable for caregivers who live considerable distances apart. Since short-term travel is not feasible, the non-custodial parent may only have physical custody during school breaks.
In a shared residential custody parenting plan, each caregiver has the child for the same amount of time. This may be arranged on a weekly basis. This plan is only considered when both parents live close to the child’s school.
Since newborns have a biological dependence on the mother, this is taken into consideration in an infant parenting plan. While the non-custodial parent, usually the father, cannot have overnight custody, they do have the right to more-frequent visits. In some cases, the non-custodial parent may arrange short visitations with the child every day.
Finally, the judge may order a restricted parenting plan if one of the caregivers is determined to be a danger to themselves or the child. Non-custodial parents on a restricted plan may only have supervised interactions with their children. Both infant and restrictive parenting plans can be modified as the child gets older, or if the non-custodial parent enters recovery.
