Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: children

Eighteen. Before that they are in the eyes of the law an infant, and thus presumed not capable to make decisions consistent with their best interests.

That said, judges abhor custody battles, abhor parents who try to alienate their children from their other parents, and most of all want to abide by the original custody decision.

Unless the non moving party can show that there are facts that have arisen since the original decree that compel the court to consider changing custody, and that the disruption to the child is outweighed by the benefit to the child, and that the switch is in the child's best interest, then it is not likely to happen.

Or on the other hand, the parents can agree to put the parenting plan in a drawer and do what is truly the best thing for the child.

Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell