Sequim, WA asked in Family Law for Washington

Q: What can I do to get my son, 12, vaccinated for covid? His mother is anti-vax & thinks covid is a hoax & she refuses.

She is the custodial parent but we have 50/50 say regarding major medical decisions. She has stopped me twice now (during my visitation) by contacting every pharmacy in our rural area and complained saying she doesn't consent and now no one will give my son the vaccine stating they dont want to get involved between 2 parents who dis-agree and therefore they refuse to give him the shot. Do I need to file for contempt? Or, what course of action can I pursue to get him vaccinated?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Zachary C Ashby
Zachary C Ashby
Answered
  • Richland, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: When two parents disagree about medical decisions, the first step is always to follow the alternate dispute resolution provisions of your parenting plan. This can be mediation, arbitration or counseling.

After you have gone through that process, you would be able to directly to the Court. At Court you and she get the chance to provide your reasoning behind getting the vaccine or not.

If this is something that is important for you, getting an attorney for Court is important because the attorney will help you argue to the judge (different judges have different approaches) so that you have the best chance at success.

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