| Seattle Child Custody Lawyer: Major Modification of a | | | | party; or, |
| Final Parenting Plan | | | | -The child's present custodial environment is harmful to |
| Once a parenting plan is finalized there is a | | | | the child's physical, mental, or emotional health; and, the |
| presumption against major modifications to the | | | | harm that a modification will bring will be offset by the |
| parenting plan because major modifications can | | | | benefit of the change to the child. |
| seriously disrupt children's lives. Examples of major | | | | Because this is not a complete list, contact a McKinley |
| modifications include: changing the custodial parent, or | | | | Irvin Seattle child custody lawyer concerning the |
| significantly altering the visitation schedule. Seattle child | | | | circumstances of any individual case. |
| custody lawyers understand the seriousness of a | | | | For relevant statutory language on major parenting |
| major parenting plan modification. | | | | plan modifications, please see RCW 26.09.260: |
| Washington law requires using mandatory forms during | | | | Modification of parenting plan or custody decree. |
| parenting plan modifications and can be found at | | | | Seattle Child Custody Lawyer for a Minor Modification |
| Seattle child custody lawyer. | | | | of a Final Parenting Plan |
| A party may enter a parenting plan modification case | | | | Minor modifications require only a showing of |
| pro se (representing oneself) or with a Seattle child | | | | substantial change of circumstances for either party or |
| custody lawyer if a substantial change of | | | | the child. Such circumstances may include one parent |
| circumstances has occurred in the life of a child, or if | | | | moving, or a change in visitation schedule due to a |
| there are facts regarding the child or the non-moving | | | | change in one parent's work schedule. Minor |
| party that were unknown to the court when the | | | | modifications can also mean modifying the dispute |
| parenting plan was entered. The modification must also | | | | resolution process or minor changes in the visitation |
| be necessary to meet the best interests of the child. | | | | schedule that does not move the primary residence of |
| Some of the factors that can justify a major parenting | | | | the child. |
| plan modification include: | | | | Because the line between a major and minor |
| -Agreement by both parties to the modification; | | | | modification is sometimes fine, consulting a McKinley |
| -The child has been integrated into the family of the | | | | Irvin Seattle child custody lawyer who can advise you |
| party seeking modification by consent of the other | | | | on the law is recommended prior to starting an action. |