Child Custody Lawyer Bellevue

Navigating child custody can be one of the most emotionally challenging and legally complex aspects of any family law matter. Whether you’re going through a divorce, ending a long-term partnership, or modifying an existing parenting arrangement, having the right legal support is essential. At Enright Family Law, we help modern families in Bellevue, Washington, resolve custody disputes and build parenting plans that prioritize what matters most—the best interests of your child.

Our firm understands that today’s families come in all shapes and sizes, and our approach to child custody reflects that reality. Whether you’re a biological parent, a co-parent, a same-sex parent, or part of a blended family, we’re here to ensure your rights are protected and your child’s future is secure. With offices in San Diego and Bellevue, we are happy to help you with your family law case.

Understanding Child Custody in Washington State

In Washington, the legal framework around child custody is based on the development and approval of a parenting plan, which is required in any divorce or separation involving minor children. The court does not use the terms “custody” or “visitation” in the traditional sense; instead, it focuses on parenting time, decision-making authority, and residential schedules.

Key Elements of a Parenting Plan:

• Residential schedule: Where the child will live on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and school breaks
• Decision-making authority: Who will make decisions about the child’s health care, education, and other major life areas
• Dispute resolution: How parents will resolve future disagreements
• Transportation and communication logistics

The plan becomes a legally binding court order once it is reviewed and approved by a judge. A thoughtful, well-drafted parenting plan minimizes confusion and conflict while creating a sense of routine and security for the child.

Legal Standards: The Best Interests of the Child

When reviewing or deciding custody matters, Washington courts are guided by the principle of the best interests of the child. Judges consider a wide range of factors, including:

• The strength and stability of each parent’s relationship with the child
• The child’s emotional and developmental needs
• The parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate effectively
• Each parent’s history of involvement in the child’s upbringing
• Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or substance abuse
• The child’s preferences (particularly if the child is older and mature enough to express them)

The law favors arrangements that promote frequent, continuing, and meaningful contact with both parents—unless doing so would be harmful to the child’s welfare.

Types of Custody and Parenting Arrangements

Every family’s needs are different. At Enright Family Law, we help you explore a range of custody arrangements based on your child’s age, schedule, and specific circumstances.

Joint Parenting Plans

Most courts encourage joint decision-making when both parents are willing and able to work together. This can include shared physical time and joint authority over major decisions.

Primary Residential Placement

In some cases, one parent becomes the child’s primary residential parent, with the other parent receiving scheduled parenting time. This is often appropriate when one parent travels frequently, lives far away, or when there are safety concerns.

Split Schedules and Parallel Parenting

For high-conflict co-parents or families with unique logistical challenges, creative solutions such as parallel parenting or alternating weeks can work better. We help you design plans that work in the real world—not just on paper.

Modifying a Custody or Parenting Plan

Life changes. Parenting plans that worked at the time of a divorce or separation may no longer meet the needs of the child or family. Washington allows parents to request modification of an existing plan if there is a substantial change in circumstances.

Common reasons for modification include:

• One parent relocating
• A change in the child’s school, health, or special needs
• The other parent consistently failing to follow the current plan
• Concerns about safety or neglect
• A child growing older and needing a new structure

We assist with both agreed-upon modifications and contested modifications requiring court intervention.

Relocation and Move-Away Cases

Relocation cases—when one parent wants to move with the child to another city, state, or country—are among the most sensitive custody issues. Washington law requires parents with primary residential custody to give at least 60 days’ notice before relocating. If the other parent objects, a formal court hearing may be required.

Courts weigh factors such as:

• The reasons for the move
• The potential impact on the child’s relationship with the non-relocating parent
• The availability of alternative visitation arrangements
• The stability and opportunities offered by the new location

As your child custody lawyer in Bellevue, we help you prepare strong legal arguments for or against relocation, always focused on the child’s best interest and the preservation of the parent-child bond.

High-Conflict and Complex Custody Cases

Not all custody cases are amicable. In high-conflict situations—whether due to uncooperative co-parents, mental health concerns, or domestic violence—proactive legal strategy becomes critical.

In complex cases, we may seek:

• Temporary parenting orders
• Court-appointed guardians ad litem (GALs) to advocate for the child
• Supervised visitation orders
• Parenting evaluations or mental health assessments

Our firm is experienced in navigating complex custody issues while reducing stress on the child and maintaining professionalism throughout litigation.

Serving Modern Families in Bellevue

At Enright Family Law, we represent families that reflect today’s world. This includes:

• LGBTQ+ families: including non-biological parents and multi-parent arrangements
• Unmarried parents: navigating paternity, parenting plans, and support
• Blended families: handling step-parent roles and transitions
• Co-parents using surrogacy or assisted reproduction
• Parents with nontraditional or long-distance custody needs

We believe every family deserves a thoughtful, customized legal strategy—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Why Choose Enright Family Law

Clients in Bellevue choose us because we combine:

• Deep understanding of Washington family law
• Personalized, hands-on representation
• Child-focused legal strategies
• Strong negotiation and courtroom advocacy
• Modern, inclusive support for all types of families

Whether you’re starting a custody case or facing a modification, our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and supporting your child’s future.

How We Can Help

At Enright Family Law, we help families in Bellevue build and protect meaningful relationships with their children through clear, fair, and legally sound parenting plans. Whether you’re establishing custody for the first time or modifying an existing order, our mission is to empower you with smart legal solutions that put your child’s needs first.

We help you:

• Develop or review parenting plans
• File for custody or respond to a petition
• Handle mediation or settlement negotiations
• Represent you in court for contested matters
• Modify or enforce current custody arrangements
• Navigate relocation and high-conflict disputes

Contact Enright Family Law today to schedule a consultation with a trusted child custody lawyer in Bellevue. We’re here to guide you through every step of your parenting journey—with strength, clarity, and compassion.