For anyone co-parenting with another person not living with them, a parenting plan is essential. Parenting plan modification is a serious decision because it can affect the welfare of the children involved. If you want to know how to file a modification of parenting plan in Washington state, you’ve come to the right place.
The reason you need to change the plan must be something that has changed since the filing of the last parenting plan, and unknown to the court at that time. It’s also required to have a good cause for your change, and it must be in your child’s best interest.
Table of Contents
- 1 How to File a Modification of Parenting Plan in Washington State
- 2 How To Win A Child Support Modification Case
- 3 Can You Modify a Parenting Plan Without Going to Court?
How to File a Modification of Parenting Plan in Washington State
Parents modifying a parenting plan in Washington State must first determine if the change is major or minor. Then, file for a Notice of Hearing for an Adequate Cause Hearing. There, parents either get a temporary plan, a dismissal, or are sent to begin mediation.
Determine Which Changes You Want to Make
Changes to parenting plans can be made for many different reasons, and fall into two categories: major and minor changes. Your first step is going to be figuring out precisely what changes are needed, and why. Your next step will be deciding what kind of change it is.
For minor changes, there may be no hearing necessary. In the case of major changes, parents must appear at an “adequate cause hearing.” At that hearing, a judge will review the proof that change is needed.
When parents agree on these parenting plan modifications, in Washington state, courts will often process the paperwork and approve them without much fanfare or questions. However, when a co-parent contests the change, the court requires that the parents back up their need for a change with clear evidence.
Identify Whether It Is a Major or Minor Change
There are many different reasons that people need to make changes to an established parenting plan, which we cover in detail in this article, along with how to prove a major change.
Minor changes are small ones, such as for a parent whose work schedule moves to a different shift, making the current plan impractical. They do not exceed 24 days a year or change the child’s primary residence.
In general, that type of change will not alter the agreement significantly, leaving it mostly intact.
On the other hand, major changes are those that alter a plan significantly. That kind of change happens when one parent either gains or loses a significant amount of time.
For minor, uncontested changes, you probably don’t need a lawyer, but for major ones, you should contact a family law office to make sure you have everything in order.
Can The Custodial Parent Change Visitation?
Yes. Any parent that wants to modify their custody arrangement in Washington State must file the proper legal forms with the court. They must file what is called a “Petition for Modification of Adjustment of Child Custody Decree/Parenting Plan.” The filed petition must then specify whatever changes to the custody agreement the parent is seeking.
Speak to Your Family Law Lawyer
While learning how to change a parenting plan in Washington state, you find that an important part is determining what kind of change you are making. If you are making a significant change, or are not sure what kind of change to make, you should contact a parenting plan lawyer you trust.
They can help you determine the changes needed, and give you the peace of mind that all of the necessary paperwork is in order. They can also structure your proof in the most effective way if the other parent chooses to contest the change.
Complete Necessary Forms
You can find every form you must complete online at the Washington State Court website. One of the primary forms required is the “Petition for Modification of Adjustment of Child Custody Decree/Parenting Plan.” There are other forms; your situation will determine which you need.
A petition to modify your parenting plan begins the residential schedule in Washington State.
The change goes through several stages before a hearing. Those steps include serving the petition to change the agreement to the other parent unless they sign onto the change request.
Here is the more detailed step-by-step breakdown of modifying a parenting plan in Washington State:
- Gather All Necessary Forms and Info
- File a Petition to Change the Custody Order – This is the primary form you need to file with your county’s court, which outlines the specific changes you are requesting to the parenting plan.
- Proposed Parenting Plan – Include your own proposed parenting plan or modification that outlines in detail the changes.
- File a Confidential Information Form – This is a requirement that details specific information about your case.
- Case Cover Sheet – This is the listed information about your case.
- Washington Child Support Schedule Worksheets and Sealed Financial Source Documents Cover Sheet – Additional required forms if child support is being modified.
- Motion for Temporary Orders – In some cases, temporary orders may be required while the modification is pending, such as in instances of child abuse or misconduct.
- Filing Fee – There may be filing fees involved based on your court system or circumstances.
- File Your Petition for Parenting Plan Modification
- File your petition, the summons for your ex-spouse, and any other required documents. Your attorney can help you with these steps.
- File two sets of copies or as otherwise directed by the court.
- Serve the Other Parent their petition and summons
- Schedule a Hearing
- Attend the Hearing
- Present your case with evidence, demonstrating why circumstances have changed and why it’s necessary to modify the parenting plan/custody.
- Your attorney will help you present your argument and why this modification is in the child’s best interest.
Notice of Hearing
While simple, the notice of hearing step is crucial. The Notice of Hearing tells the other parent clearly that there will be a hearing, the date, location, and time of the hearing; that hearing will determine whether there is adequate cause to change a parenting plan.
Adequate Cause Hearing
This is the hearing at which you will present your evidence that there is sufficient cause to modify your previous parenting plan. If the change is needed, and in the best interest of the child, they will probably allow it.
It is possible to file a Motion for Temporary Order, which causes a temporary plan for parenting to be put into effect on that same date. So urgent changes can happen on that day. After that order, discovery may continue if the co-parents wish it.
If the parents can agree on the changes, then presenting an “Agreed Order” will end the case. If they can not, then the case proceeds to mediation, and from there, either an agreement or a trial.
Be aware that if the court finds there is no “adequate cause,” they will dismiss your petition. If they find that you have filed frivolously, such as to harass the co-parent, you may end up paying for it, literally. The court could award that co-parent a judgment for the costs of the hearing.
Mediation
In mediation, a neutral party attempts to help the parents to come to an agreement without having to go to trial. However, they can not make decisions for either party. If you had mediation during your divorce, the rules are basically the same for parenting plan changes.
Mediators can be anyone unbiased in the issue, but in most cases, it’s best to have someone that understands the law. You can use a lawyer as a mediator if you wish. It’s a good idea to make sure that the mediator you choose is someone you both trust.
In some cases, mediation can be waived, such as for domestic violence.
Can I file an emergency modification of custody?
To file an emergency motion to modify child custody, you need to determine that you have an emergency cause. Then, file a motion laying out all evidence that the modification is necessary. After it is filed as an emergency, you will be brought into court quickly for a hearing on the issue. The judge will typically make a determination that day.
How To Win A Child Support Modification Case
When and How to Adjust Custody Agreements
Some situations arise in which custody agreements may need to be updated. Washington Parenting Plan Modification is a step-by-step process where you must give the courts your reasons for the modifications, supported by evidence, supporting documentation, significant life changes, relocation, the needs of the child, etc.
The court system will typically consider parenting plan modifications if:
- There is a move or relocation
- A permanent change to one parent’s job or schedule
- An alteration to a parent’s ability to care for their child
- Significant life changes
- Changes to a child’s needs, including age, health, residency, etc.
You must provide adequate supporting evidence that the modification is in the child’s best interests. Washington State infamously prioritizes the child’s needs—the courts and your judge will ensure a child’s basic needs and safety are met first, but they will respect the fundamental importance of the relationship between parent and child. There are reasons a judge will change custody, but they are serious, and the evidence for them must be extensive.
Here is some evidence that you meet the requirements for a Washington Parenting Plan Modification:
- A detailed report comparing parenting time to scheduled time.
- Custody journals with notes on problems, including a timeline of events.
- Police records, court-enforced custody orders, etc.
- Documents supporting a parent’s new work schedule, job, or relocation.
- Statements from teachers, doctors, caregivers, and other witnesses.
- Official records such as work, school, medical, or criminal records.
- Unofficial records, including emails, texts, photos, and social media posts.
The time of year may affect your ability to make parenting plan modifications. If you need to make changes to the custody agreement for holiday breaks or a new school year, for instance, or you need to change your child’s school, you should file the motion well beforehand, at the end of the previous school year or earlier.
Sudden changes to a child’s routine or environment are not recommended; a judge will look harshly on you, expecting adequate evidence and reasoning. Changes are more likely to be accommodated between school years.
A parenting plan lawyer is an enormous help during this process. Parenting plan modifications take time, as does anything that involves petitioning the courts. If the other parent doesn’t agree with the modifications, it could take weeks or months to have a hearing set and then weeks or months for both sides to file their motions and the court to rule upon them. Don’t push for or expect sudden changes to custody modifications—if you need a temporary order because of an emergency, this may be the better route while you wait for the system.
Can You Modify a Parenting Plan Without Going to Court?
No. Any parent that wants to modify an existing parenting plan must file all appropriate legal forms through the court, including a petition for modification. When requesting modification of a parenting plan or child custody, the petition should specify all custody changes.
Resolution
Parenting plan modifications in Washington State are a process that involves summons, petitions, evidence, supporting documents, and court hearings. The common resolution is an “agreed order” where both parents agree to modifications and submit that order to the court.
The earlier mentioned “Agreed Order” is the resolution to your case unless it goes to trial. For cases that go to trial, the judge will determine what is best for you and your child. The agreed-upon new parenting order is then in effect, and the old order is invalid.
When cases proceed to trial, the final decision rests with the judge’s determination of the child’s best interests, and the outcome may not be favorable. Skyview Law has helped many parents reach positive outcomes with their Washington State parenting plan modification cases. We want to reassure you that many times custody modification is necessary and important—there is great value in legal representation and what a family law attorney can do for you and your case.
It is possible to modify your child custody arrangement if both parents agree to the changes and jointly file a petition with the court. In many cases, this is a more sound way to modify the parenting plan, and if you and your ex-spouse disagree on potential changes, it may be better to enter mediation with your attorneys first than deal with costly court battles and lengthy hearings.
Skyview Law is here to provide the legal representation you deserve. We continue to work hard to support families across Washington. Contact us today.