Child Custody
If you are a parent going through a divorce or separation, child custody is probably your biggest concern.
To make sure your children's best interests are protected, schedule a free consultation with lawyer David Partovi.
Partovi Law in Spokane, WA, serves parents in eastern Washington.
Responsive, Personable Help
When You Need It Most
Call Our Spokane Law Office Today
For a Free Consultation
Legal issues can be daunting, especially when they concern your children. Having a child custody lawyer in your corner can help you navigate the complexities of child custody cases and family law to ensure you and your children are protected.
David Partovi has been a practicing lawyer since 2000, is licensed in both Washington State and Idaho, and he has the knowledge to help you handle all aspects of your custody case. Mr. Partovi personally answers his own calls, and he limits his caseloads to ensure each of his clients and their unique cases get the attention they need and deserve.
Don't fight a child custody battle alone. Call our law office or request a free consultation online with our lawyer today.
(509) 638-3247
When Parents Need a Child Custody Lawyer
Child custody situations are stressful and complex. You should always have a child custody lawyer who advocates for you and your child's needs. These are major reasons parents come to our Spokane law office to get our lawyers on their team.
They Are Getting Divorced
It is wise to contact our child custody lawyers at the beginning of any divorce. Our knowledgeable family law lawyers can fight for you and your child's rights from day one. Too often, what starts as an amicable separation devolves into a painful battle and drawn-out divorce. If this does happen, you will already have legal advocates who can defend you from your ex-partner and their attorneys.
They Want to Change
or Maintain a Custody Agreement
Custody agreements are not set in stone. Sometimes, you were wronged when the agreement was first made. In other cases, the circumstances of your or your ex-partner's lives have changed and you must modify your agreement. Our attorneys can diligently work to alter your custody arrangement, or to maintain it if your co-parent wants unjust changes.
The Agreement Was Broken
Custody agreements are created to protect parents' rights and their children's happiness. The court expects all aspects of the agreement to be followed. If your ex-partner violates any portion of your agreement, they should be held accountable. In especially severe situations it is even possible for your ex-partner's parenting rights to be totally revoked.
"They are amazing." Reviews from the Greater Spokane Area
Kristie Lee Murphy
Spokane, WA
2022
I was looking for the top rated child custody lawyer for a case I had, it was after hours and was shocked when I got an immediate call back and had an appointment set. I was prepared to put down a retainer only to find out after my consultation I didn’t need one, I got all my questions answered and they even sent over paperwork I could file in the court with no cost to me. I will definitely come back if I ever need an attorney as they are amazing, and easy to work with. Thank you again
View on GoogleTerri Hill
Spokane, WA
2023
My attorneys and paralegal became part of my family as they walked me through the worst experience in my life. Always very professional, caring and understanding, willing to listen and push me in the right direction. I would highly recommend them to everyone.
View on GoogleThe Benefits of Having Our Child Custody Attorney Working on Your Side
Enjoy Peace of Mind
Family law disputes can feel isolating, overwhelming, and complex, especially when children are involved. Having an attorney like Mr. Partovi to navigate you through this difficult, critically important time can put you at ease since he deeply understands complicated family law and how to achieve the most favorable outcomes. When you choose our attorney, you can rest assured you and your child's best interests will be represented.
Protect Your Rights
Many parents without legal representation are blindsided when their former partner's attorneys seek to infringe on their parenting rights. Having Mr. Partovi and his Spokane legal team on your side from day one of your child custody case ensures you have dogged advocates who will do everything in their power to obtain the best possible custody arrangement.
Reach a Timely Resolution
Legal battles are often time-consuming and frustratingly lengthy, especially without the help of a lawyer. People who try to navigate the law on their own frequently make errors that lead to delays and face aggressive attorneys that may try to wear them down and take advantage of their lack of legal education. David Partovi can protect you from your legal opposition and ensure everything is filed correctly, on time, and without error, so you can put this stage of your life behind you.
Your Child's Best Interests The Guiding Legal Principle
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When the courts in Washington are reviewing a proposed custody arrangement, their primary goal is to serve the best interests of the child. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve joint custody or granting sole custody to one parent.
There Is So Much at Stake
in a Child Custody Case
Speak with a Child Custody Attorney Today
Even if your divorce or separation is amicable, you should consider working with qualified child custody attorney David Partovi. When you hire Spokane-based attorney David Partovi, he will be by your side through every step of the custody process. Family law in Washington is simply too complicated - and there is too much at stake - to proceed without a legal advocate.
- Mr. Partovi can help you fill out the necessary parenting plan forms, with or without the cooperation of the other parent.
- Mr. Partovi can advocate for you before a judge to ensure that your children's best interests are protected in court.
- Mr. Partovi can defend you from false claims of domestic violence or other criminal charges that can affect your child custody case.
To learn more about how Mr. Partovi can assist you in your custody case, contact our law firm for a free consultation.
Call Us Today
(509) 638-3247
"David partovi is awesome he gave me really good information and advice on what to do with my divorce. I also like the fact that that he is straightforward with everything." Kameron Danforth, 5-Star Google Review
Physical and Legal Custody In Washington
Washington distinguishes between physical custody (also known as "parenting time") and legal custody. Keep in mind that even in joint custody arrangements, one parent could spend more time with their child than the other parent.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to where a child resides. Time may be split between both parents, or a child may spend more time with one parent than the other.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to decision-making authority. This includes the ability to make decisions about health, education, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing.
Parenting Plans
In Washington, arrangements related to child custody and visitation are established in a court-approved parenting plan.
When a couple with children decides to divorce, they are expected to work together to design a parenting plan that they then submit to a judge for approval. If they are unable to collaborate, they may submit competing parenting plans. A judge will take both into consideration before issuing a custody order.
A family law attorney can help draft a parenting plan that upholds the best interests of your child while also considering your needs as a parent. In amicable joint-parenting situations, we can help smooth out differences and come to a mutual agreement. Should a custody dispute arise, we can advocate for you and explain why you are better suited to ensure the well-being of your child.
Washington Courts Granted Mothers More Time Than Fathers
in Nearly Two-Thirds of Parenting Plans Approved in 2016
According to the Washington State Center for Court Research, 65.4% of children were scheduled to spend more time with their mothers than their fathers.
What a Judge Will Consider
When Determining Custody
After submitting your parenting plan, a judge will consider several factors to determine whether sole or shared custody is appropriate. These factors include:
- The parents' ability to work together
- Each parent's participation in decision-making for the child
- Where each parent lives
- The parents' desire to share custody
- Each parent's mental health, employment, and wishes
- The child's relationship with each parent
Get the Custody Help You Need From Our Team in Spokane, WA
A divorce itself already causes suffering. The added threat of losing the ability to fully raise your child can make it feel like your life is out of control. For many parents, coming to our Spokane law office is the first step in securing parental rights and taking back their life. Reach out to our family law attorney over the phone at (509) 638-3247 or write to us to request your free consultation.
"My attorneys and paralegal became part of my family as they walked me through the worst experience in my life. Always very professional, caring and understanding, willing to listen and push me in the right direction. I would highly recommend them to everyone." Terri Hill, 5-Star Google Review
Visitation Rights
Courts generally find that it's in the best interests of a child to spend time with both of their parents. When one parent has primary physical custody of a child, regular visitation rights may be granted to the non-custodial parent.
Visitation Schedules
In Washington State, the non-custodial parent is granted a minimum of one weeknight visit a week and visits every other weekend. The visitation schedule will be outlined in the parenting plan.
Supervision May Be Necessary
If a parent has a history of abuse or negligent behavior, but still has visitation rights, a judge may require these visits to be supervised to ensure the safety of the child.
When Custody Disputes Arise Our Child Custody Lawyer Can Help
When custody issues arise, they could get heated. Whether these disagreements revolve around paternity or parenting schedules, our Spokane family law attorney can help resolve these issues.
Disagreements Over Parenting Decisions
Choices about schools and education, medical care, and religious beliefs could get heated even among amicable co-parents. Our child custody attorney can consider both sides of the dispute. Mr. Partovi can either help mediate a discussion, or fight to ensure your child's best interests are upheld.
Moving and Relocation
Life is full of unexpected changes. Relocating for a job or a family obligation can lead to arguments over parenting time and custody arrangements. Our child custody lawyer can help work out an agreeable compromise that always keeps the reality of the situation and your child's needs in focus.
Seeking Sole Custody
There are times when your child needs to be protected from your former spouse. In these cases, our child custody lawyer can fight for you to receive sole physical and legal custody. We are ready to present a compelling case in the interest of your child's safety.
We Can Fight for Emergency Custody Contact Our Spokane Law Office for Assistance
If you believe your children are in immediate danger, it is always best to call the authorities first and then contact an attorney like Mr. Partovi in Spokane to help you file the necessary paperwork. While authorities can't do much in regards to civil situations such as child custody disagreements, if a child is in imminent threat of life or limb, they can help while we create compelling legal arguments to keep your children safe.
(509) 638-3247
"David Partovi was incredible! I spoke to him on the phone and then he immediately met with me in his office. He represented me four days later and did an outstanding job. He was kind, thoughtful and very professional. We won our case! I will hire him again as needed in the future. Thank you so much Mr. Partovi!!" Kim Fox, 5-Star Google Review
Custody Violations Taking the Right Steps to Protect Your Children
If a co-parent violates a custody agreement, he or she can be held in contempt of court, which is considered a criminal offense punishable by either fines or jail time. It could also affect their parenting time. Mr. Partovi invites you to take a closer look at what can be considered a custody violation, and what you should do if you feel your child's other parent isn't honoring your custody agreement:
Common Examples of Custody Violations
- Failing to return the child to the other parent at the scheduled time
- Failing to pick up the child at the designated time
- Interfering with the other parent's visitation time
- Abusing substances in the child's presence
- Making major decisions regarding education without
consulting the other parent
Taking the Right Action
Get in touch with Partovi Law, and we will arrange to meet with you, discuss the violations, and determine the right action to take. The courts don't carry a black-and-white view of custody agreement violations; in other words, being five minutes late to bring a child to the other parent is not as serious as being a day late. Depending on the circumstances, we can file a motion on your behalf, or provide advice on how to address a violation that doesn't necessarily merit legal action.
We'll Help You
Take All the Right Actions
Violations of a child custody agreement can be disrespectful and exasperating at the very least, and utterly frightening at their most serious. But it's important to remember that every challenge you encounter as a co-parent can be approached in a way that is measured, legally sound, and ultimately beneficial to your kids.
Partovi Law will help you avoid taking any action that could make you look like anything other than a responsible, devoted parent who is focused solely on the well-being of your kids. With Partovi Law in your corner, you can rest assured that you are always taking the high road and never allowing misconduct on your co-parent's part to compromise the health or happiness of your children. If your co-parent isn't playing by the rules, we are ready to provide you with the legal support you and your children need. Complete our electronic contact form or call now:
Spokane Recommends Partovi Law
"David and his team are extraordinarily helpful, responsive, and above all so knowledgeable! They keep you informed from start to finish and make sure You feel like their only priority. Thank you again to the Partovi Law Team!" Andrew Swinford, 5-Star Google Review
Child Custody FAQ
What will the court consider when making a child custody decision?
The law directs judges to issue custody orders that serve the best interests of the child. Generally, judges in Washington want to approve some sort of joint custody so that both parents can maintain a relationship with the child. To determine if joint custody is best for the child, the court will consider many factors, including each parent's demonstrated care for the child, each parent's ability to work with the other parent, and, in some circumstances, the wishes of the child.
How are child custody and child support related?
Typically, the parent who has less physical custody must pay child support to the other parent. Calculating child support can be quite complicated. Our lawyer in Spokane, WA, assists parents with all aspects of the divorce process, including child support calculations.
If I don't get custody, will I at least get visitation?
Most likely, yes. Again, the courts want children to have relationships with both parents as often as possible, so if the other parent is awarded sole physical custody, you will probably receive visitation rights. A parent would only be denied visitation if they were convicted of a serious crime like domestic violence or sexual abuse.
I am in the military and deploying. How is custody handled then?
If you received orders for a temporary duty station or deployment, you can file a motion to have another person receive your parenting time. This can be the other parent or another family member or friend that has a close relationship with the child as long as that person is not limited by law. Generally, a motion must be filed with the courts and approved by a judge. If you have full physical custody, the same applies.How does custody differ if the other parent and I are not married?
In Washington State, fathers must establish parentage. Fatherhood can be determined through a paternity test, a court parentage case, adoption, or an acknowledgment of parentage filed with the state. Once this is determined, or if parentage is already established, the courts will then determine custody just like if the two parents were married.
Can a non-parent obtain custody of a child?
It depends on the situation and which state you and the child reside in. If you helped raise the child, took care of the child without expectations to be paid for that care, lived with the child consistently, had a parent-like relationship with the child, etc., then you can file a Petition for De Facto Parentage to obtain custody of the child. Again, the judge will consider what is in the child's best interest when determining if you can have physical custody.
Does the law favor either mothers or fathers?
Technically, no. However, statistics indicate that mothers receive primary custody more often than fathers.
Our Reviews Speak for Themselves Serving Parents From Our Spokane Office
Nick
2019
I can't say enough good things about how quickly, professionally, and well my situation was handled by Partovi Law. From my initial call to resolution of my issue was incredibly fast, and Mr Partovi did absolutely amazing work.
View on GoogleAna Trusty
2020
Mr Partovi was professional, fast-acting, knowledgeable, and caring. He took the case with little information and turned it around in the court room. It was a huge win for the family. We are so grateful for his work! Would definitely recommend!
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