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Reputation: 23

What will make the state change a parenting plan?

Once a parenting plan is in place and the divorce final, is there anything, outside of the parents themselves agreeing, that will move the court to change the parenting plan?

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  • Dominik_musafia_sm_small
    Reputation: 21

    In some circumstances one parent can unilaterally start an action to modify a parenting plan. For more information on modification you should consider RCW 26.09.260 found at this link: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.260.

    Also, if one of the parents wants to move out of the area this may result in a need to change the parenting plan. Parenting plans typically have a summary of the relocation statutes contained within them. The statutes on the subject begin with the ‘Notice Requirement’ RCW 26.09.430 found at this link: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.430.

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2 Other Answers

  • Bw_headshot_small
    Reputation: 3

    The court does not monitor parenting plans, therefore without notice from one of the parties, it will not modify a parenting plan. To change the parenting plan, one of the parties needs to file a Petition to Modify the Parenting Plan. So the short answer to your question is no - a court will not, on its own, change a Parenting Plan.

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  • Lisa-gilmore-color-low-res_small
    Reputation: 25

    This is a very complicated question - but the short answer is that there must be a major change in the circumstances of the child or the other parent AND the changed parenting plan must be in the child's best interest. If you are making small changes in the plan, the hurdles are a bit lower. However, without agreement of the parents, you do have a challenge in changing the plan. Courts do not like to change parenting plans generally, as stability is important to the child. However, there are lots of exceptions to the rule. Safety and stability of the child are most important.

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