At Robinson & Hadeed, we know how important your children are to you, whether you are seeking more time in a parenting plan or establishing visitation for the first time. Our attorneys have effectively represented hundreds of clients in contested child custody and parenting plan matters. As a result of our extensive experience, we can offer clients proven strategies in negotiating and litigating these cases. We approach our custody and parenting plan cases with intensity and respect. We recognize our responsibility not only to our clients, but also to promote and protect the best interests of the children. The practice of family law has become increasingly complex. It is important to have an advocate who knows how to navigate through the legal process to achieve a positive resolution.

A divorce can be a major hurdle in a child’s development, so contacting a lawyer to go over your rights to visitation in your Gig Harbor divorce should be your first priority if you think a divorce is coming soon. Divorces can be messy and painful for everyone involved, and while there may be animosity between you and your spouse, children can be hurt just by being stuck in the middle. Children shouldn’t have to suffer through seeing their parents argue, and they should never be neglected in the event of a divorce. If you have children and you’re going through a divorce, you’ll need to take every step to ensure what’s best for them – before, during, and after divorce proceedings.

If your divorce results in satisfactory terms that you and your ex can easily agree on, then your child (or children) will benefit also. If you and your former spouse can put your differences aside to provide the best upbringing possible for your children, you can reach a joint custody agreement: In a joint custody agreement, both parents work together and share the responsibility of raising a child, despite having ended their marriage. This means a child will also split time evenly between his or her parents, so you and your ex will each have an equal share of time spent with your son or daughter.

But what happens if you and your spouse can’t come to agreeable terms? If neither party in a divorce is willing to cooperate, a divorce can become much more complicated. In these instances, a court will have to determine a custody arrangement.

Your Custody Arrangement

Nobody wants to have their child taken away from them, and nobody wants to miss watching their child grow. It’s painful being put in any situation that prevents you from spending more time with your children, but if a joint custody agreement is out of the question, you might have to come to terms with missing out on some of the best days of your child’s life. It’s the court’s job to determine who should be awarded sole custody of a child, and this decision is typically dependent on who would provide the best upbringing. What’s best for the child is what’s best in the eyes of the court, and if the court rules against you, all you’ll have are visitation rights.

If you are awarded sole custody, it means you’re responsible for the growth and development of your child. This means housing them, clothing them, feeding them, taking them to school, taking them to medical appointments, and anything else that comes with being a mother or father. If you aren’t the sole custodian, the court will determine the rules of visitation in your Gig Harbor divorce.

Contact a Family Lawyer Today

The prospect of losing precious time with your children is stressful and overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to let your divorce completely ruin your relationship with your children. Having a qualified family lawyer on your side can make all the difference if you’re trying to make sure you are still able to see your kids after a divorce, and at Robinson & Hadeed, we’re with you through every step of this potentially painful process. If you’re fighting for visitation in your Gig Harbor divorce, don’t hesitate – reach out to us today.

If you aren’t being allowed to regularly see your child, you need an experienced family law attorney who has helped many parents see their kids more. Through our deep research of your case, and our 54 years of experience, we will help the courts realize you are entitled to quality time with your children.