Providing Legal Representation for Child Custody Cases
Child Custody
Get the aggressive representation you deserve.
At Prinz & Brozik PLLC, we work with clients that are disputing their current child custody arrangement or trying to establish it for the first time. These cases can be both complicated and difficult but Prinz & Brozik PLLC is experienced and will fight to get you the best possible outcome. If you live in Washington, don’t try to resolve your custody situation without the help of a skilled attorney because the judge’s determination can impact the future of both you and your children for years to come. To schedule a consultation, call (509) 338-0908.
When getting a divorce in the 99163 area, you can either try to mediate and negotiate the terms of your divorce or you can go to trial. As child custody attorneys in Pullman, WA, we recommend preparing to address each of these issues before you file for divorce or a change in custody. We can negotiate on your behalf and review the terms of all agreements so that caveats are built in to protect your interests.
If you and your ex cannot agree on an arrangement, you will have to go to trial. Prinz and Brozik PLLC has experienced litigators that can prepare for trial, present a strong case, and advocate for why your proposal is in the best interest of the children. In Washington, the judge is tasked with determining what is best for your children, not what is best for each of you. It is difficult, and at times impossible, for the judge to know the answer to this. As a child custody attorney, our job is to present the case in such a way that the judge is exposed to witnesses and evidence that proves why your request is best for the children.
The judge will likely review several factors when making a custody determination including their relationship with each parent and bonds with sibling and close family members. We recommend preparing to address each one of these issues before you file for divorce or a change in custody. For example, the bond the children have with each parent is typically proven by looking at the amount of time that they spend together and what types of activities they engage in. If you take them to baseball practice two days a week and games on the weekend, this is an example of how you spend time together and have a strong bond. When evaluating relationship with siblings and family members, the same thing applies. You need to demonstrate that a relationship exists by showing how much time they spend interacting. Whenever possible, identify a witness that can testify to the extent of the relationship.
The judge will also look at their school situation and existing routine. When meeting with clients that are about to separate, Prinz & Brozik PLLC typically recommends setting a routine at the beginning that they are comfortable living with later on. A lot of judges in Pullman want to keep the status quo because it is potentially easier on the children and the parents. If you set a routine, thinking that it is temporary, it may be what you end up living with it for years into the future. You can always call us at (509) 338-0908 to discuss your ideas prior to approaching your spouse. Simultaneously, if you plan on moving you may want to explore options for doing so first, even if it is only outside of the school district.
Relocation
The most difficult cases we see involve issues involved with relocation. When one parent wants to move a child outside of the 99163 area, and the other wants to stay, it creates an immediate conflict and need for litigation. These cases require a lot of preparation and savvy. At Prinz & Brozik PLLC, we understand the complexities of relocation cases and will work to present a strong case for why the children should or should not be able to move based on what our clients’ wishes are.
When making a determination of whether or not the children should be allowed to relocate outside of Washington the judge will need to determine if it is in the best interest of the children and whether or not the other parent would be able to maintain their relationship and bond. This is subjective at best, so Prinz & Brozik PLLC uses evidence and witness testimony as much as possible in order to present the case logically instead of emotionally.
Keep in mind that any time a child is moved outside of their school district it is a relocation case. If the judge decides that the children are not allowed to move, the parent may still do so since adults are free to live where they please. If the relocation request is denied and the parent moves anyway, the other parent will assume majority custody and a visitation agreement will need to be established. If you are considering relocation, call and speak with an attorney before you do anything else. You can schedule a consultation by calling (509) 338-0908.
Witnesses
In a custody case it is important to have witnesses that can confirm your version of the story. These can be character witnesses, teachers, coaches, etc. They should testify to the strength of the relationship you have with the children and the activities that you do together. In addition to character witnesses, Prinz & Brozik PLLC will often recommend that you obtain expert witnesses. These are people that are recognized by the court for being experts in their field, and their testimony is assigned a higher value. For example, a counselor could provide expert testimony. A guardian ad litem can also provide testimony. They can be extremely helpful in a custody case because their job is to observe each parent with the children and provide a report on what they saw. In cases where abuse or neglect is suspected, they can provide an inside glimpse into what really happens, something the judge would never see in court. To learn more about how to identify and work with witnesses call (509) 338-0908.
