Spokane Child Custody Attorney
Child custody cases usually don't follow a formula. Where your child lives, who makes decisions about their education and health care, and how much time they spend with each parent. These are deeply personal questions that Washington courts decide based on facts, parenting history, and the specific circumstances of your family.
At Hodgson Law Office, our Spokane child custody lawyers understand what judges look for when evaluating parenting plans and custody arrangements. We represent parents clearly and persistently, whether that means reaching a workable agreement or taking a contested case to a hearing.
Free ConsultationAt Hodgson Law Office, our Spokane child custody lawyers understand what judges look for when evaluating parenting plans and custody arrangements. We represent parents clearly and persistently, whether that means reaching a workable agreement or taking a contested case to a hearing.
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Our Experienced and Passionate Child Custody Lawyers in Spokane
Hodgson Law Office focuses on family law across Spokane and the surrounding counties. Our attorneys have spent over 20 years representing parents in custody disputes, learning how Spokane judges weigh competing claims, what makes a parenting plan hold up in court, and how to build a case that reflects the actual relationship between a parent and their child.
In every custody case we take on, we focus on three things:
- - Where your child lives and how residential time is divided.
- - Who holds decision-making authority over your child's life.
- - How the custody arrangement protects your child's safety, stability, and relationship with both parents.
Estimate Your Child Support Easily
Understanding child support obligations is crucial during custody battles. Use our Washington Child Support Calculator to get a quick estimate and ensure you’re prepared as you navigate this process.
Calculate NowCommon Child Custody Issues We Can Help You With
Custody disputes go well beyond the initial question of where a child lives after a divorce. The only constant in life is change, and many of our clients’ circumstances change, including new relationships, new jobs, and moves to different areas. So, many of our Spokane clients come to us with situations that have already been decided once, but now need to be revisited, enforced, or challenged.
We handle:
- - Parenting plans and visitation
- - Enforcement of prior custody orders
- - Modifying an existing order
- - Relocations and move-away orders
- - Emergency or temporary custody
- - Custody in paternity cases
- - Domestic violence and child abuse cases
- - Grandparent custody and visitation
- - Termination of parental rights
In each of these situations, a judge applies the "best interests of the child" standard, which may sound simple but involves a detailed review of each parent's history, the child's current living situation, and the likely outcomes of different arrangements. Having an attorney who knows how to present that evidence clearly makes a real difference.
Contact an Experienced Spokane Child Custody Attorney Today!
Child custody disputes and family law cases require an attorney with experience fighting for families. Contact Hodgson Law Office to discuss how our Spokane family lawyers can help with your custody dispute or other family law matters.
Free ConsultationTypes of Child Custody and Arrangements
Custody disputes in Washington state cover several aspects of your child's life, including where they spend their time and who decides the direction of their life. When a judge addresses child custody matters, the court order can include the following types of arrangements:
Legal Custody
Physical Custody
Sole Custody
Joint Custody
Hybrid Custody
Legal custody determines which parent has the authority to make major decisions for the child, like schooling, medical treatment, religious upbringing, and participation in extracurricular activities. Courts can award legal custody to one parent (sole) or require both parents to share decision-making (joint). Shared legal custody works best when parents can communicate; when they can't, judges may assign specific decisions to each parent to avoid constant conflict.
Parenting Plans in Spokane
A parenting plan is the legal document that governs your child's life after a custody case is resolved. It covers the residential schedule, decision-making responsibilities, how disputes between parents are handled, and what happens when circumstances change.
Courts in Spokane don't just rubber-stamp whatever parents propose. Judges review parenting plans carefully and can require changes if the proposed terms don't serve the child's interests. A well-drafted parenting plan, one that anticipates conflict, addresses holidays and school transitions clearly, and reflects your child's actual routine, is far less likely to end up back in court.
Our attorneys draft and negotiate parenting plans for Spokane families at every stage: initial custody cases, modifications to existing plans, and post-divorce disputes where one parent isn't following the agreed-upon terms.
Custody Laws in Spokane, WA
Washington state laws provide a framework for child custody decisions in Spokane. Here's a concise overview of key laws:
- - Parenting Act (RCW 26.09): Establishes the process for creating parenting plans and outlines factors considered in custody decisions.
- - Best Interests of the Child Standard (RCW 26.09.002): Mandates that custody decisions prioritize the child's best interests.
- - Parenting Plan Requirements (RCW 26.09.181): Outlines the necessary components of a parenting plan, including decision-making authority and residential schedules.
- - Modification of Parenting Plans (RCW 26.09.260): Sets forth the criteria for modifying existing custody arrangements.
- - Relocation of Children (RCW 26.09.405-560): Governs the process for relocating with a child when a parenting plan is in place.
Spokane judges have significant discretion in applying these statutes. They may order parents to mediate, hold evidentiary hearings, or speak privately with children who are old enough to express a meaningful preference. Knowing how local judges exercise that discretion (and how to present your case in light of it) is part of what our attorneys bring to every custody matter we handle.
Call Family Lawyers for Child Custody Battle in Spokane
Securing child custody can help you and your child maintain a relationship. Contact us for a free consultation to learn about your rights in a custody dispute.
Free ConsultationTestimonials
Testimonials
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I hired Mark Hodgson for a divorce in Spokane. He was open, friendly, and gave me great advice and counsel. Mark was honest with me about my case and worked hard to resolve all of my issues quickly. He responded to my phone calls and questions every time. He was WONDERFUL in my hearing and got me alimony, child support, and the parenting plan that my children needed. I had two other lawyers before Mark and he is far superior to my previous counsel. He fought hard for me and he knew the law. I would and will recommend him to everyone that i know.
Susan
These situations are never easy. Deciding to get a lawyer then choosing one was a very hard decision. I spoke to a few people that have been thru divorce and Mark’s name came up more than once. I went and met with him, his business partners and Casey his assistant. They were all friendly, professional and most importantly for me nonjudgmental. He is very educated on divorce with children and keeps in mind what is best for the kids! He answered my questions and didn’t make me feel belittled as other lawyers did. Thank you Mark Hodgson and team you are all very appreciated!
Tricia
Called Mark Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving. He got us in that Friday the day after Thanksgiving. We decided to hire him and he made the time to start the process of paperwork that Sunday. It was great he did this so my wife and I didn’t have to miss work and our case was a time sensitive issue. The few times I’ve had to emailed him he seem to get right back to us with answers.
John
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our team
Our Team
Our child custody attorneys and legal assistants have over 20 years of experience practicing family law. Working together, they have successfully resolved many child custody cases. Our team knows the laws governing the custody of minor children and provides comprehensive representation to protect your custody rights.
Attorney
Mark D. Hodgson
I am committed to helping my clients through one of the most difficult times in their lives....
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Our Spokane Child Custody Lawyers Will Fight for You
An experienced attorney often determines the outcome of your case. An attorney who understands the law and how to advocate on behalf of a client can resolve your case quickly and amicably or battle the other party in court. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
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FAQ
Do you need a lawyer for your child custody case in Spokane?
You can represent yourself, but if the other parent has an attorney, you're at a real disadvantage. An attorney helps you prepare evidence, respond to the other side's arguments, and make a case that holds up under a judge's scrutiny.
Do unmarried parents have parental rights?
Yes, a judge cannot discriminate against a parent because of their marital status (RCW 26.16.105). This means a parent can still get custody if the parents were unmarried. It also means a parent can seek custody if they are married to someone besides the child's other parent.
What are the main factors determining child custody?
In Spokane, WA, courts use the "best interests of the child" standard when determining custody. Key factors include:
- The child's relationship with each parent
- Each parent's ability to meet the child's needs
- The child's emotional needs and developmental level
- Maintaining the child's important relationships (siblings, relatives)
- The child's stability (school, community)
- Each parent's work schedule
- The child's wishes (if mature enough)
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
Judges balance these factors to reach a fair outcome that prioritizes the child's well-being.
How can parents create a parenting plan?
Parents can propose a plan together, or each submit their own, but the submitted plan must cover residential scheduling, decision-making authority, holidays, and a dispute-resolution process. The court reviews and approves the final version, so terms that don't serve the child's interests won't be accepted even if both parents agree.
Does Washington family law favor mothers or fathers?
Washington state law mandates that both parents, regardless of gender, are treated equally (RCW 26.16.125) in custody disputes. Courts can consider which parent can provide a more stable and consistent environment, and many judges assume that person is the mother. As a result, fathers often have an uphill battle.