Get free answers to your Child Custody legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am concerned about emotional and mental abuse and there was an altercation recently. My son would like to be with me always.

answered on Feb 10, 2022
It can be difficult when dealing with an ex who has their own emotional problems. While Washington law favors parenting plans where both parents are able to parent according to their own style, it can be possible to limit and condition the time the other parent spends with the child.
For... View More
She was assaulting me and recorded me when I finally lost my cool . We’re broken up and she won’t let me see my son . She’s trying to cut me out of the picture and has another man around him . I just want to be able to see my son . Do I stand a chance in court ?

answered on Feb 3, 2022
The short answer is yes. She can present all evidence that you are not good to be around your son because you have anger problems.
But because no one is perfect, I'm sure that you have evidence that shows you are patient and a good dad. In fact, you likely have a history since that... View More
We filed a custody case in 2020 for our daughter. We decided in 2021 to work things out in the middle of our custody case. I got pregnant again and now just gave birth to our 2nd child. The case is still pending but it doesn’t include our newborn son. Can I add him to the case or will I have to... View More

answered on Feb 3, 2022
Yes. You will need to amend the petition that started your case. But that is possible to do when there are new facts. You may want to find an attorney to help so that you don't waste your precious time trying to figure out how that works.
The father will, of course, need to be on the... View More
I am just needing to know what I do when he turns 18, do I need to go to court to terminate those 2 things, or do they just end automatically when he turns 18? I obviously do not want to keep paying child support at 18, but do owe a small amount of back support, and also obviously don't either... View More

answered on Feb 3, 2022
The parenting plan will terminate automatically when your child turns 18.
Child support can be a little different. There is a termination date on the order. It will state something like this order ends when the child reaches 18. Often it is after he or she graduates high school or turns... View More
My daughters mom (my ex) will on occasion freak out when it's my weekend with my daughter and will coerce my daughter to say anything she feels justifies her to come over and take my daughter back and threaten me with calling the police etc when I have done nothing. She's done this... View More

answered on Oct 15, 2021
Your residential time is defined by the parenting plan. Unless the parenting plan says that she can pick your daughter up during your time because your daughter says she wants her to, then she shouldn't be doing this. You should both be following the parenting plan as best you can.

answered on Sep 9, 2021
The lawyer needs to be licensed in the state where the court case is. The relocation will likely be litigated in the same court where you got your parenting plan, so that is where the attorney should be licensed.
We live in Washington state. I am receiving support from the non custodial parent until he graduates high school per the support agreement.

answered on Feb 2, 2021
An 18 year old is considered an adult and is no longer subject to a court order for parenting time.
Is this possible with him being in jail

answered on Jul 15, 2020
Yes, it is possible to divorce your husband while he is in jail. You will need to serve him, in jail, with a divorce petition and follow procedures required by law. You should hire an experienced divorce attorney in your state to help with you with the process.
I’m from Washington state and I’m 18. My girlfriend is from Maryland and is almost 17. She just ran away due to her household being unsafe for her to stay in. If I were to let her stay in my parent’s house, would I get in trouble? Would my parents get in trouble? Is there anything I could do... View More

answered on Feb 6, 2020
You did not share too many facts. And, more facts may change my answer, but the answer is basically no. What you can do is set up an appointment with an attorney or even call the local shelters, the YWCA, domestic violence organizations, or the local attorney Bar Association for some specific... View More
In my case at original time case opened no set visitation plan was written down and the parents signed only tempery custody till they got back on there feet but parties have diened visitation for a year and a have with minor

answered on Jan 12, 2020
Speak to an attorney. There are a lot of facts left out, but it sounds like there is an open case with the court. To find an another key, there are local Bar Associations referral services, pro bono clinics in many areas, and the court itself will likely have resources on area programs.... View More
For instance:
- My children told me that their mom isn't working anymore, but that she told them not to tell me or else I would try to take them away from her.
- She told my children that I didn't want to share Easter with her (which is the opposite) and that I wasn't... View More

answered on May 7, 2019
As your question indicates, it is not in a child's best interest to discuss the Court case with children, involve them in parenting decisions, or disparage the other parent to the children. Your remedies regarding this situation depend on a lot of contingencies, such as if you already have a... View More
We are both petitioning for full custody.

answered on May 7, 2019
It's difficult to answer this without more information regarding the cause of the absences. Neglect in Washington is defined as negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. In... View More
Yes he is 18 but he is still in high school & his dad claims he is the custodial until my nephew graduates.
Hello, I am trying to file for a divorce in Washington state, I am trying to do this on my own, i was wondering what documents I would need. I have the summons, Petition for Divorce and Agreement to Join Petition (Joinder) documents that my ex signed already. I am trying to expiate the beginning... View More

answered on Jan 10, 2019
Have you researched the process at your local law library and online via the WA state court's website? Those are great places to start when representing yourself in a divorce and seeking forms and guidance. Have you considered limited scope representation as a more affordable way to hire a... View More

answered on Jan 10, 2019
Have a lawyer review the Power of Attorney document you signed to determine how to properly rescind that POA. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as myself. You can read more about me, my... View More
I was served with contempt. But the additional relief that was stated in the documents I was served with were not in the court papers filed with the court

answered on Dec 26, 2018
You may be able to object to service of process if you were not served a full copy of the filed documents, at which point you may need to be re-served. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such... View More
Husband is emotionally abusive and has been physical 2 times with me. He is terrible to my dog (hits him, threw him once). I’ve grown to hate him, and during one incident I feared for the safety of my son (emotional well-being too)

answered on Dec 26, 2018
You might be able to seek a restraining order, child custody, child support, spousal support, and attorney's fees, depending on the facts. You can report domestic violence to the police. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an... View More
Said child is living with father and wants to live with mom cause father is an alcoholic and she is afraid of him. Father has been in jail for this. Mom wants child but is also afraid of father. He threatens her.

answered on Dec 26, 2018
It sounds like it may be time to file a request for a modification of child custody and to call child protective services, if not also the police. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney such as... View More
I have had my son here with me since June 16th. He was only supposed to be with me until July 5th but his mom asked me to keep him longer as their home situation has changed and she had no where for them to live. She is currently homeless and staying with family. At this time it is getting closer... View More

answered on Aug 7, 2018
If this is your son, you need a custody order. If there is already a custody order in a custody or divorce decree, then you should file a petition to modify the custody order. Usually, that has to be done in the same court that entered the custody order. If there is no prior custody order, then... View More
Her ex when she let's him know he's suppose to pay half of child care tells her to take him to court what are he options since she can't afford an attorney and the parenting plan is 5 yrs old and his montly payment is $500 for three children. How should she go about taking care of... View More

answered on Apr 2, 2018
She can contact DCS (Division of Child Support) and ask that they collect for her. Although all past due child support bears interest, they will not collect that for her. It can take DCS a long time but they will do this for her at no charge.
If EX has a job, she should consider hiring a... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.