How does a court decide who gets custody of the children in a divorce?

When it comes to deciding who gets custody of children in a divorce, courts in Washington strive to make decisions that are in the best interest of the children. When deciding custody, courts follow the “parenting plan” which is the Washington family law’s guidance on the key issues of the custody of children, based on the children’s needs and the best interests of the children. This plan considers a wide range of factors that help to decide how to allocate the rights and responsibilities of a child’s parents. The courts may consider the physical and mental health of the parents, each parent’s financial situation, the quality of the home environment, the parents’ work schedules, the quality of the parents’ parenting, and the age of the children. The plan also requires that the parents must agree to cooperate, strive to communicate with each other and positively communicate with each other to reduce possible conflict between them. When determining a parenting plan, the courts consider the wishes of the children as well as the parenting abilities of the parents. Ultimately, the court must decide what arrangement will be in the best interests of the children, and who will get primary custody and parental rights. The court may consider any additional factors that affect the child’s welfare. In Washington, both parents are expected to remain involved and share parental responsibilities if it is in the best interests of the children.

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How does a court decide who gets custody of the children in a divorce?

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