Concerned About Access to Your Children?
Seattle, Washington, Child Custody and Visitation Lawyer
The right to visitation is established under Washington law. If the parent with primary custody is trying to keep you from seeing your kids, or if your visitation rights are in jeopardy because of allegations, contact Engel Law Group immediately. Our attorneys represent clients in courts of King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County.
Free Initial Consultation • 206.625.9800
We handle all legal issues involving visitation, including custody hearings, paternity actions, enforcement actions, and defense against accusations of abuse or neglect. Legal intervention by an experienced attorney can mean the difference between retaining visitation and losing access to your own children.
Interference with Visitation
Once you are awarded custody or visitation, the other parent does not have the right to refuse access simply because she or he objects to your presence. Unless a judge or commissioner has determined that you are a danger to the child, you have the right to exercise your court-ordered visitation.
It may be necessary to document, with witnesses, any violations of the parenting plan. This can include refusing to turn over the child, refusing to leave you alone with the child, or repeated and significant delays (without prior notice) in dropping off or picking up the child at the designated time.
We can then petition the court for a hearing to address the interference. The commissioner can find the other parent in contempt. The parenting plan can be subject to modifications by the court to curtail the other parent's custody if they are found in contempt a second or third time. The judge may also put that party in jail.
Restrictions on Visitation
The court can limit your parenting time or cut off visitation rights all together if it finds any of the following justifications. As your attorneys, we will vehemently challenge any allegations that you are unfit. Contact us if you are accused of:
- Abandonment or failure to perform functions set out in the parenting plan
- Physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Drug or alcohol abuse that interferes with parenting functions
- Psychological abuse
- Relocation without court approval
- Restricting the other parent's access to the child
Our Goal Is to Help Parents Stay Parents
We believe that children are best served by having both parents actively involved in their life. For protection of your parental rights, contact Engel Law Group today. In a free half-hour consultation, we will explain your rights under Washington law and outline your legal options and the possible outcomes.
