Child Support
Child support is the monies a parent pays another person to take care of the children. It’s a legal duty and ensures that the child has enough money to meet their needs, such as clothing, food, medical care and housing expenses. The court uses the Washington State Support Schedule to determine the amount of child support. The schedule functions like an income tax table. The court uses each parent’s income and find the amount of child support on the schedule that applies to the ages and number of children. The amount is known as the basic child support obligation. It’s important to note that stepparents must pay child support until the divorce decree is final.
Divorce/Dissolution of Marriage
Sometimes, one or both spouses come to the conclusion that dissolving the marriage in court is in the best interests of everyone involved. People may reach this decision for many reasons, whether it be infidelity or simply an inability to get along. In the state of Washington, you don't need to have a specific reason to end your marriage. However, even if you and your spouse have both voiced a desire for divorce, it is still best to consult an experienced attorney before you proceed.
Modification of Parenting Plan
Modification of parenting plans is a legal proceeding in court. It’s a proceeding to change, modify or adjust the current parenting plan. It often centers on a change in physical custody, visitation or other provision outlined in the plan. Changes may be minor or major. The important point is that a parenting plan modification must be properly prepared, filed, negotiated and finalized. Attorney Sherry Collier is experienced in parent plan modification and can guide you through the process.
Parentage
Whether you are married to the other parent of your child or not, you have absolute rights as a parent in the eyes of the law. You also have absolute responsibilities. When a child is born outside of marriage, though, you may have to first prove you, or another party, are the parent of the child in order to execute those rights, or get the child's other parent to take their share of the responsibility.
Relocation
Life happens and in today's economy many families are relocating in pursuit of better opportunities. However, relocating a child away from a parent should be pursued only after careful consideration of the statutes that govern the relocation of a child. There are specific rules that govern the relocation of a child away from the other parent. The statutes are designed to provide order to the process of a request to relocate a child and to hopefully ensure the healthy continuity of an existing parent/child relationship if the relocation is allowed. Email attorney Sherry Collier today to schedule your consultation to discuss your intended relocation.