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Custody

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Family Law Practice Areas

  • Alimony
  • Court Orders
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Fathers Rights
  • Grandparents Rights
  • Modifications
  • Prenuptial Agreement
  • Property Settlements
  • Restraining Order
  • Visitation Rights

Family Law FAQ

  • Do I Need a Lawyer?
  • How do I change my parenting plan?

Child Custody Attorney

In the State of Washington, a child’s residential schedule and other parental rights and responsibilities are typically addressed in a court order called a “Parenting Plan.” A Parenting Plan is determined by agreement or by the court. The court’s responsibility under the law is to ensure that the Parenting Plan arrangements serve the “best interests of the child.”

The non-custodial parent typically retains his or her parental rights under the parenting plan, including shared residential time and joint decision making. Parental rights such as residential time with the child, participating in decision making, and other aspects of the parent/child relationship are only limited upon legal findings of abuse, neglect, or other factors which the court concludes has or will negatively impact the best interests of the child, such as domestic violence, and alcohol or drug abuse.

“Grandparent Custody” or Non-Parental Custody

In non-parental custody cases it is fairly typical to have increased restrictions on parental rights, as the court must find the parents unfit or unwilling to meet parental responsibilities in order to award custody of the child to the petitioner, is typically a family member, such as a grandparent.

The Law Office of Donna Person Smith, PLLC Child Custody Lawyers

We have successfully represented hundreds of clients in divorces and other family law actions involving both contested and agreed child custody and parenting plan matters.

We understand that divorce and child custody cases are often highly emotional and can be profoundly consequential to our clients and their children. Helping each client understands the strengths and weaknesses of their particular case so they are enabled to make the best child custody and parenting plan decisions for themselves and their families is one of our highest priorities.

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Puyallup Office

3708 14th St Place SW Puyallup, WA 98373
Tel:253-840-0288


Tacoma Office

14718 Union Ave SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
Tel:253-840-0288

 

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COVID-19 UPDATE:
Additional Information for you.

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COVID-19 UPDATE

PLEASE NOTE: The State and Local courts in Pierce and King Counties have implemented changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such Court will not be held until late April or May, except for emergency hearings with a few exceptions. The court in Pierce County is also allowing for family law motions by scheduled and decided based on written motion only (no oral argument) so we are able to address family law matters without having to personally appear. If you have an emergency family law matter or domestic violence situation, those matters will still be heard in all courts and you will not have to wait to have your matter before the court for relief.

While our office will still be working diligently on your cases, for the health and safety of our community, appointments will be telephonic or via Skype if possible. To schedule an appointment please call the office at 253-840-0288.

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