Custody Lawyer Tacoma, WA
Few things in a divorce or separation are as contested as child custody and child support. As a parent, you want to spend as much time as possible with your child, and we understand that the possibility of not seeing them every day is painful. Perhaps you’re concerned about the child’s other parent’s ability to supervise them or keep them safe and wonder what your options are for primary custody.
Every family is different, which means that every child custody arrangement is unique. At Robinson & Hadeed, we work with you to find the options that are in the best interest of your child yet still fit within your preferences. As your legal advocate, we represent your interests and those of your child and fight to ensure their safety and security. If you are in the middle of a heated custody battle, when everything that’s most important is on the line, you need a tenacious, experienced Tacoma, WA, custody lawyer on your side, fighting for you. That’s what we deliver. Call us today to discuss your child custody case.
How Can A Tacoma Custody Lawyer Help Me?
Determining custody arrangements, from a straight 50/50 split of the children to the Washington State minimum or anything in between, can quickly turn contentious. In many situations, both parents want the maximum amount of time possible with their child and struggle to acknowledge that the other parent is also entitled access to their child. In other situations, having one parent take parental responsibility may be a struggle, even on a limited basis.
Our attorneys have seen just about every kind of situation, and we’re here to lend insight and advice to help you develop a cordial parenting relationship with your child’s other parent, preserve your relationship with your child, and create a custody and support arrangement that is in the child’s best interest.
We listen to you, get to know your family, and are prepared to fight hard for your preferred outcome.
Washington Child Custody Laws You Should Know
Washington family law judges typically award shared custody of the child or children, but that doesn’t always mean an exact split. They consider the preferences of older children when determining custody, any history of domestic violence or substance abuse, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable, nurturing environment.
We emphasize the best interest of the child and develop a strong case to support your petition for your preferred arrangement. We also carefully evaluate the other partner’s ability to pay child support and fight to ensure that your child receives the maximum amount so that your child can enjoy a more comfortable life.
Call Today For A Personalized Consultation
Are you worried about losing access to your child in a contested child custody battle? Perhaps you’re concerned that the other parent is unfit to raise your child, or you worry about the presence of alcohol or drugs around your child. Even when the situation is contested and messy, we’re here to provide strong advocacy and insight to help you protect your child. Contact Robinson & Hadeed today for a consultation with a Tacoma custody lawyer, and let us help protect your family.
Fighting For Child Custody When Your Job Requires You To Move
When your job requires you to relocate, it can add significant challenges to a child custody case, as our Tacoma, WA custody lawyer knows. Moving for work may provide new opportunities, but it can also complicate your ability to maintain your current custody arrangement. Courts typically prioritize the best interests of the child, which means they will look closely at how the move could impact the child’s well-being. If you’re in this situation, it’s essential to prepare for how a relocation may affect your custody rights and the steps you can take to fight for the arrangement that works best for your family. Attorney Nicole has practiced law in Washington state since 2019 and can help you with your custody needs.
Balancing Your Career And Custody Needs
Moving for work may be necessary for your career, but you’ll need to demonstrate how the move can still allow you to be an involved and supportive parent. Judges often view stability and continuity as important factors in child custody cases, especially when it comes to maintaining relationships with both parents. The court will consider the distance and how it may affect the existing parenting plan. This is why it’s essential to show how you can still prioritize your child’s needs and keep the relationship strong, even with a new location in the mix.
One of the best ways to handle this is by proposing a practical and detailed plan that includes a revised visitation or custody schedule. For example, you might suggest longer visits during school breaks or holidays if the distance is too great for frequent weekend visits.
Addressing The Court’s Concerns
Courts tend to be cautious when one parent moves for work, as they want to prevent the relocation from disrupting the child’s established routine and relationships. The burden is often on the relocating parent to prove that the move will not harm the child’s relationship with the other parent.
Our custody lawyer in Tacoma knows that in addition to the logistics of the move, courts will also evaluate your motives for relocating. It’s important to show that the move is for legitimate career reasons and not an attempt to distance your child from the other parent. Being transparent about your reasons for moving and your plans for maintaining your child’s relationship with the other parent is key in these cases.
Considering Your Child’s Best Interests
Ultimately, the court’s decision will be based on what is best for your child. Factors like their age, ties to the current community, and the relationship with both parents will play a significant role. The court may also weigh the benefits of the move, such as improved financial stability or access to better schools or health care in your new city. As parents, we know that maintaining our children’s happiness and stability is the priority, and it’s important to communicate this in your custody case.
Reach Out For Help Now
At Robinson & Hadeed, we understand the unique challenges that come with fighting for child custody when a job relocation is involved. Whether you’re moving to a different city or out of state, we can help you build a strong case that prioritizes your child’s well-being while addressing the necessary career changes. We serve multiple counties–including Kitsap County and Pierce County–so we can reach as many people who need help as possible. Contact our Tacoma custody lawyer today to discuss how we can assist with your custody case and provide guidance throughout the process.
Fighting For Custody When You Aren’t The Primary Breadwinner
Our Tacoma, WA custody lawyer knows that when pursuing custody as a non-breadwinning parent, you might worry about how your financial situation will affect your chances. Courts prioritize the child’s best interests, and being the primary breadwinner isn’t the sole determining factor in custody decisions. Attorney Hadeed is a former Guardian ad Litem for children and knows how to put their needs first. At Robinson & Hadeed, we’ve helped many clients in similar situations secure meaningful custody arrangements.
- Focus on Your Relationship with Your Child. The quality of your relationship with your child plays a significant role in custody decisions. Courts look at your involvement in the child’s daily life, including activities like school drop-offs, bedtime routines, attending events, and emotional support. Be ready to provide examples of how you’ve been actively engaged in your child’s life and how you plan to continue fostering that bond.
- Highlight Your Parenting Abilities. It’s important to demonstrate your ability to provide a stable, loving environment for your child. Consider factors like a safe living situation, a consistent routine, and emotional support. If you’ve been a stay-at-home parent or played a significant caregiving role, emphasize those contributions. Your commitment to meeting your child’s physical and emotional needs matters just as much as financial support.
- Gather Evidence of Your Involvement. Document your role in your child’s life to support your custody case. This might include calendars showing time spent together, communication logs, or photos of shared activities. Also, keep records of any significant decisions you’ve made regarding your child’s education, health, or extracurriculars. These details can help show the court that you’ve been an integral part of your child’s upbringing.
- Be Prepared to Address Financial Concerns. Our Tacoma custody lawyer can tell you that while income is a factor, it’s not the sole focus in custody cases. Courts recognize that parenting is about much more than finances. However, be prepared to discuss how you will meet your child’s needs. If you require financial support, such as child support or spousal maintenance, explain how that will help you create a stable environment for your child.
- Keep the Focus on the Child’s Best Interests. Custody cases are centered around what’s best for the child. Avoid framing your arguments in terms of what you want; instead, emphasize how your proposed custody arrangement will benefit your child. Highlight aspects like continuity of care, maintaining strong relationships with both parents, and access to supportive environments.
- Work with an Experienced Legal Team. Having a strong legal advocate can make a big difference in your custody case. A knowledgeable lawyer will help you understand the process, build your case, and present your role as a parent in the best light possible. With support, you can approach your case with confidence and focus on what truly matters—your child’s well-being.
We understand how important it is to fight for the relationship you have with your child, regardless of your financial situation. We’re committed to helping parents create custody arrangements that work for their family and reflect their role as loving, capable caregivers. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to Robinson & Hadeed today. Let’s work together to protect your rights and build a brighter future for you and your child. With attorney Hadeed’s background in court, you know you are getting an attorney who is willing to fight on you and your child’s behalf. Contact our WA custody lawyer to schedule a consultation and get started.
