Leading Family Law Attorney in Olympia, WA

Washington no longer uses the term custody. Courts enter a parenting plan that allocates parenting time and decision-making authority under RCW 26.09.187. The court evaluates statutory factors, with the strength and stability of the child's relationship with each parent receiving the greatest weight. Stability matters. Courts seek to maintain existing parenting patterns unless a change is necessary. A parenting plan must be clear, comprehensive, and workable, as vague provisions create conflict. At Smith Law Group, we draft parenting plans that anticipate disputes and protect your rights as well as your child's emotional and physical well-being.

Washington is a no-fault state, and a marriage may be dissolved after ninety days upon a finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken. During dissolution, the court divides community and separate property, allocates debts, establishes a parenting plan when children are involved, sets child support, and may award spousal maintenance under RCW 26.09.090. Judges have broad discretion in crafting equitable outcomes; proper financial tracing and accurate characterization of assets are usually considered a central issue. Smith Law Group prepares thorough financial analysis and advocates for fair and equitable property division.

Child support in Washington follows statutory guidelines set forth in RCW 26.19. The starting point is each parent's income. Disputes are common in child support matters. Further, the court decides healthcare expenses, daycare costs, and extracurricular activities. In limited circumstances, a deviation from the standard calculation may be granted when sufficient funds exist to support the child. Support generally continues until age eighteen or high school graduation, with possible postsecondary support through post secondary attendance.

A Committed Intimate Relationship, or CIR, applies when two people live together in a marital-like relationship without being legally married. Courts analyze factors such as intent, continuous cohabitation, duration, purpose of the relationship, and pooling of resources. If a CIR is found, the court may divide quasi-community property, which includes income and assets acquired during the relationship. The court cannot divide separate property, and spousal maintenance is not available. CIR litigation requires careful analysis of financial records and relationship history. Smith Law Group evaluates whether a CIR exists and protects your property rights accordingly.

A final parenting plan is not easily changed. Under Washington law, a party seeking modification must show a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child or the non-moving party. The burden of proof is high. Courts presume stability within final parenting plans and are reluctant to change them. The moving party must demonstrate actual detriment and that the benefit of change outweighs potential harm. Modifications may also address decision-making authority and dispute resolution provisions. Smith Law Group assesses whether the legal threshold can be met before initiating modification proceedings.

When a parent with primary residential time seeks to move, Washington's Relocation Act governs. Proper notice must be provided, typically sixty days in advance. There is a rebuttable presumption in favor of allowing relocation. The objecting parent must show that the detriment of the move outweighs the benefit to the child and relocating parent. Courts weigh eleven statutory factors under RCW 26.09.520. Relocation cases are fact-intensive and often urgent. Smith Law Group prepares detailed evidence addressing the statutory factors and the child's best interests.

Spousal maintenance, commonly called alimony outside of Washington State, is governed by RCW 26.09.090. Courts consider need, ability to pay, duration of marriage, age and health, standard of living during the marriage, and time necessary to obtain employment skills. Fault does not influence maintenance decisions. In shorter marriages, maintenance is often limited in duration. In long-term marriages, courts may seek to equalize financial positions of the parties. Maintenance awards vary significantly based on the facts. Smith Law Group presents thorough financial analysis to support or defend against maintenance claims.

Establishing paternity creates legal rights and responsibilities for parents. A parentage action may determine residential time, decision-making authority, and child support. Genetic testing may be used when parentage is disputed. Once established, the court applies the same best interest standards used in other parenting cases. Prompt action is important because delay can affect parenting time outcomes. Smith Law Group guides clients through parentage proceedings and works to secure stable, enforceable parenting arrangements.

Adoption proceedings establish permanent legal parent-child relationships. Washington law requires strict compliance with statutory procedures, including consent requirements and court approval. Step-parent adoptions are common, though independent and agency adoptions also occur. Courts review the best interests of the child and verify that all legal prerequisites are satisfied. Proper documentation and notice are critical. Smith Law Group assists families through the adoption process with careful attention to procedural requirements.

Domestic violence includes physical harm, threats of harm, stalking, coercive control, and certain forms of financial and psychological abuse. Washington law allows victims to petition for civil protection orders separate from divorce or parenting cases. Courts may issue immediate temporary orders restricting contact and removing an abuser from the home. Protection orders can affect parenting rights and residential time. These proceedings move quickly. Smith Law Group represents both petitioners and respondents in protection order cases with careful attention to due process and safety.

At Smith Law Group, strong representation starts with listening. Jennifer R. Smith works directly with every client, no associates, no rotating staff, combining assertive courtroom strategy with transparent communication and genuine compassion for the families we serve.

Ready to discuss your case? Jennifer R. Smith offers consultations for divorce, custody, support, and all areas of Washington family law. Call (360) 339-7488 or schedule online today.