What Are the Types of Child Custody in Washington?

Navigating types of child custody arrangements in Washington can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions run high during a divorce or separation. Whether you're working toward a parenting plan, understanding types of custody, or preparing to file for custody, having the right information is crucial to making decisions that protect your child's well-being and your rights as a parent.

With over 20 years of experience being a Spokane child custody attorney, we’ve helped countless families in Washington find custody solutions appropriate for their unique situations. We understand how personal and emotional these matters can be, and we’re here to share our knowledge and experience to make this journey as smooth as possible for you and your child.

What Is a Parenting Plan in Washington State?

Navigating custody arrangements during a divorce or separation can be challenging. If there is a custody dispute — or custody is an issue in a divorce case — Washington requires the parties to reach a “parenting plan.” A parenting plan is essentially a custody/visitation arrangement. A parenting plan can emerge as part of an agreement or it may be imposed by a court.

Key aspects of a parenting plan include:

• Parenting time schedule: Specifies when the child will stay with each parent.
• Decision-making authority: Clarifies which parent can make major decisions regarding the child’s welfare, such as education, health care, and religious upbringing.
• Dispute resolution methods: Outlines steps for resolving future disagreements between parents, ensuring smooth co-parenting.

RCW 26.09.002 holds that a “relationship between the child and each parent should be fostered unless inconsistent with the child’s best interests.” In other words, Washington courts will presume that some form of shared parenting is better for the child — even if one parent is awarded primary physical custody and/or primary legal custody.

A well-crafted parenting plan not only fosters stability for at least one child but also reduces potential conflicts between parents. By addressing key elements like schedules, decision-making, and dispute resolution, parenting plans can create smoother transitions and better co-parenting outcomes.

Types of Custody in Washington State

Understanding the types of child custody in Washington is crucial for parents navigating a divorce or separation. The law distinguishes between different forms of custody, each affecting how decisions are made and how time is shared with your child. Let’s explore the key types of child custody arrangements and what they mean for your family.

Legal Custody

Legal custody refers to the authority to make important decisions about the child’s welfare. This includes decisions related to:

• Medical care: Choosing doctors, treatments, and healthcare plans.
• Education: Deciding on schools, special education programs, or tutoring needs.
• Religion: Determining the child’s religious upbringing or practices.

Parents can share legal custody, meaning both have equal input in decision-making, or one parent may have primary legal custody. Courts often encourage shared legal custody if both parents can cooperate effectively.

Physical Custody

Physical custody determines where the child resides and how much time they spend with each parent. This can take the form of primary physical custody, where the child primarily lives with one parent while the other has scheduled visitation rights, or it may take the form of shared physical custody, where the child spends equal or near-equal time with both parents.

Though ideal for fostering parental relationships, shared custody may pose logistical challenges depending on the parents’ locations and work schedules. Washington courts tailor physical custody arrangements based on the child’s best interests, including stability, school proximity, and parental availability.

Joint Custody

Joint custody involves sharing both decision-making authority and parenting time equally. This type of custody includes joint legal custody, where both parents share decision-making responsibilities about the child’s welfare, and joint physical custody, where the child splits their time equally (or nearly equally) between both parents.

In Washington, it’s possible for parents to have joint legal custody even if one parent has primary physical custody. Courts may favor this arrangement to maintain both parents’ active involvement in the child’s life.

Choosing the right custody arrangement is critical for your child’s well-being and your co-parenting dynamic. Each type of custody — legal, physical, and joint custody — has its nuances, and the best solution depends on your family’s unique circumstances. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate these decisions effectively.

How Does Washington Determine Custody Arrangements?

Washington uses the best interests of the child standard to resolve all custody and visitation matters. In a disputed custody case, a court must put an emphasis on finding a solution that is best for a child’s physical safety, emotional well-being, and social development. State policy supports shared parenting whenever possible, as long as it aligns with the child’s needs.

Washington courts evaluate several critical factors when deciding custody, including:

• The child’s emotional needs and safety: Courts ensure the child’s environment is safe by evaluating any history of substance abuse, child abuse, and neglect.
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child: Parental fitness is assessed, considering factors like employment stability, mental and physical health, and parenting skills.
• The child’s relationship with each parent: The court considers the depth of the bond between the child and the other parent.
• Washington-specific guidelines: According to RCW 26.09.002, fostering the child’s relationship with both parents is a priority, provided it aligns with the child’s best interests.

The “best interests of the child” standard ensures custody decisions prioritize the child’s well-being above all else. Washington law strives to foster meaningful relationships with both parents, provided it supports the child’s emotional and physical health. However, issues like domestic violence and child custody can significantly impact these decisions.

Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you understand how these factors apply to your case and advocate for the best possible outcome for you and your child.

Filing Steps for Custody in Washington

The process of filing for custody in Washington involves several critical steps that require careful preparation and attention to detail. Understanding the procedural requirements can help ensure you have a smoother experience and increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome. Below, we outline the essential phases of this legal process.

1. Prepare necessary documents
   Begin by gathering essential paperwork, including:
   • A completed custody petition form
   • Financial declarations
   • Supporting documents like parenting plans or evidence relevant to your case
2. Submit the petition to the appropriate court
   File your custody petition with the Superior Court in the county where your child resides. Include all required documentation and pay the filing fee. Some courts may offer fee waivers for those who qualify.
3. Attend mediation sessions (if required)
   Washington courts often mandate mediation to encourage parents to resolve disputes amicably before proceeding to trial. During mediation, a neutral third party helps facilitate agreements on custody and parenting plans.
4. Prepare for court hearings
   If mediation does not result in an agreement, the case will proceed to court. Preparation is critical — gather evidence, organize your testimony, and review any legal advice to ensure you’re ready to advocate for your child’s best interests.
5. Attend court hearings
   Present your case to the judge, who will evaluate all evidence and testimony to determine custody arrangements. The judge’s decision will be guided by Washington’s “best interests of the child” standard.

While the custody filing process can be complex, breaking it into manageable steps helps simplify the journey. For personalized guidance and to avoid common pitfalls, consult an experienced family law attorney who can help protect your rights and your child’s best interests.

#cta_here

Call Our Spokane, WA Child Custody Lawyers for Immediate Help

Child custody is one of the most sensitive and significant aspects of family law, with decisions that can shape your child’s future and your family dynamics. Understanding the legal framework in Washington — whether it’s creating a parenting plan, filing for custody, or navigating the emotional impact on children — can help you approach these challenges with greater clarity and confidence.

At Hodgson Law Office, our Spokane child custody attorneys are caring and compassionate advocates for our clients. If you have any questions about the different types of custody, we are here to help. Get in touch with us by phone or send us a direct message for a confidential review of your case. From our Spokane law office, we represent parents throughout Eastern Washington, including in Spokane Valley, Country Homes, Town and Country, Rockford, and Airway Heights.