For parents
Parenting plans
A schedule and decision plan written around your child's real week, so there is less to argue about later.
In Washington, the parenting plan is the core of any custody arrangement. It sets the residential schedule, holidays, school breaks, who makes major decisions and how disagreements get solved. A good plan is specific enough that nobody has to guess on a Friday afternoon. We draft plans by agreement, help parents in mediation, and argue for a plan in court when there is no agreement.
Who usually calls us about this
Separating parents
You need a first plan, whether you were married or not.
Parents who mostly agree
You have a rough deal and want it written properly.
Parents who don't agree
Talks have stalled and you need a plan you can defend in court.
What we do
- 1 Walk through a normal school week, summer and holidays with you, hour by hour
- 2 Draft the residential schedule, decision-making and dispute steps in plain words
- 3 Plan for the things that cause most fights: exchanges, travel, phones and new partners
- 4 Prepare you for mediation, which most counties expect before trial
- 5 File the final plan and explain exactly what each part means
How Washington usually handles it
In general terms. Your facts, your county and recent changes in the law all matter, so ask us how this applies to you.
- Courts approve parenting plans that serve the child's best interests.
- Plans cover the residential schedule, major decisions (school, health care, religion) and a way to settle disputes.
- Agreed plans still need a judge's approval, which is usually straightforward when the plan is clear and child-focused.
- Limits can be placed in a plan when there are safety concerns. We handle those cases with extra care.
What to bring
- The children's school calendar and activity schedules
- Both parents' work schedules, as best you know them
- Any current plan or temporary order
- A list of the three things you most worry about
The honest part
The best plans are rarely the ones either parent first imagined. We will push for what serves your child, even when that means a compromise you didn't plan on.
We never promise a custody, parenting time or support outcome. Anyone who does is guessing.
Common questions
What's the difference between custody and a parenting plan?
Washington uses parenting plans instead of the old custody labels. The plan says where the child lives and when, and how decisions are made.
Can we write our own plan?
Yes, and many parents start that way. We can review a plan you wrote and flag gaps before a judge sees it, for a smaller flat fee.
Not ready to call?
Start with our plain-language guides on support, parenting plans, paternity and grandparents' rights.
Read the guides
Book a consultation
Tell us about your parenting plans question in five short steps. We call back within one business day.
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