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Take Control Of Your Divorce

Meet Amanda J. Cook, Family Law Attorney

The lawyers at the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC can help you understand your rights to child custody and visitation when you and your spouse are seeking separation or divorce. Whether you are a mother or father, we believe that all fit and loving parents have the right to custody or visitation with their child, and want to assist you in understanding the laws and how to navigate the legal process. 

We Provide Solutions-Driven Representation to Parents in Custody and Visitation Cases

At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC, our Gig Harbor child custody and visitation attorney is an experienced, compassionate, and solutions-focused advocate for parents. We are a full-service firm that is devoted exclusively to family law. If you have any questions about child custody issues or child visitation, our legal team is here to help. Contact us at our Gig Harbor office to set up your fully confidential consultation with a Washington family law attorney.

Understanding Child Custody in Washington: Parenting Plan Cases

In Washington State, the terms “child custody” and “child visitation” are technically not used in official family law proceedings. While you will still frequently hear these terms used informally, the state uses concepts like “decision-making authority” and “residential time.” A key thing to know about custody and visitation cases in Gig Harbor is that Washington courts use parenting plans. A parenting plan is a framework that helps to define each parent’s rights, responsibilities, and role in a child’s life. Indeed, a parenting plan typically outlines the specific details of how parents will share responsibilities and make decisions affecting their child’s welfare, including living arrangements, education, health care, and religious upbringing.

Note: Washington strongly favors some form of joint custody (shared custody). While it is possible that a parent in Gig Harbor could be awarded sole legal custody of a child, state law holds that it is inherently in the best interests of the child to have a positive, ongoing relationship with both of his or her parents.

Washington is the Best Interests of the Child State

How are child custody disputes resolved in Washington? Our state uses the best interests of the child standard. Under RCW 26.09.002, courts strive to determine a parenting plan that “best maintains a child’s emotional growth, health and stability, and physical care.” A wide range of different factors can be considered when determining what is in a child’s best interests, including:

  • The relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent;
  • Each parent’s past performance of parenting functions and current parenting ability;
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment;
  • The emotional needs and developmental level of the child;
  • The child’s relationship with siblings and other important adults;
  • The wishes of a child—old enough and mature enough to give input;
  • Any history of misconduct by a parent (abuse, addiction, neglect, etc); and
  • Any other factor that the court deems to be relevant.

Our Firm Puts an Emphasis on Collaborative Solutions in Custody/Visitation Cases

In Washington, parents are encouraged to work collaboratively to find a parenting plan that is effective for their specific situation. At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC, we know that parents want low-conflict solutions in custody and visitation cases. With extensive experience in family mediation, our Gig Harbor child custody lawyer puts a strong emphasis on helping our clients work towards collaborative parenting plans that are truly best for their families. At the same time, we are already ready to take whatever legal action is needed to protect your parental rights. While amicable solutions are desirable, our firm knows that some parents are dealing with more challenging situations.

Why Rely On Gig Harbor Custody and Visitation Lawyer Amanda J. Cook

Whether you are going through a divorce, separation, or a reorganization of your family, navigating a child/visitation case is never easy. It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your parenting plan options. Our founder and principal attorney Amanda J. Cook is a passionate, proactive representative for clients. Our Gig Harbor family law lawyer has extensive experience and is prepared to:

  • Hear your story and answer questions about your case;
  • Help understand all of your available options for custody and visitation;
  • Gather and organize all of the documents, records, and evidence to support your case;
  • Represent your negotiation of a parenting plan with your former spouse/partner; and
  • Take whatever legal steps are needed to protect your parental rights and your kids.

Contact Our Gig Harbor Child Custody and Visitation Attorney Today

At the Law Office of Amanda J. Cook PLLC, our Washington child custody and visitation lawyer is a skilled and experienced advocate for parents. Have questions about custody? We are here as a resource. Contact us today for a completely confidential, no obligation consultation. With an office in Gig Harbor, we handle child custody and visitation cases in Pierce County and across the region.

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Areas of
Practice

We recognize the value of preserving civility in the legal process, particularly when working with families.

Divorce & Legal
Separations

Contempt & Enforcement of Decrees

Division of Assets &
Liabilities

Child & Spousal
Support

Child Custody &
Visitation

Collaborative
Law

Words
from our
clients

Each and every client and their case matter to us.

…Divorce and child custody issues are stressful enough to continually go through ,but Amanda always knew how to ease some of that stress. There’s no better feeling than having the utmost confidence in your attorney. Amanda was always there whenever we had questions or needed clarification. She’s hands down one of the best around!

Steve & Marissa

Amanda went above and beyond to help us in every way when it came to our custody issues. She was there for us every step of the way. Her knowledge and expertise helped us at every turn. She is a wonderful person and even better lawyer to have on your side. Thank you ever so much Amanda for your time and effort.

Heidi