"BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD": PARENTING PLANS IN WASHINGTON

In Washington State, parenting plans are a central part of any divorce or separation involving children. Rather than using terms like “custody” and “visitation,” Washington law focuses on creating a detailed, child-centered plan that outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time. The goal is to promote stability, protect the child’s well-being, and encourage meaningful relationships with both parents whenever appropriate. The “best interests of the child” is paramount.

Controlling Law

RCW 26.09.184

Permanent parenting plan.

(1) OBJECTIVES. The objectives of the permanent parenting plan are to:

(a) Provide for the child's physical care;

(b) Maintain the child's emotional stability;

(c) Provide for the child's changing needs as the child grows and matures, in a way that minimizes the need for future modifications to the permanent parenting plan;

(d) Set forth the authority and responsibilities of each parent with respect to the child, consistent with the criteria in RCW  26.09.187and  26.09.191;

(e) Minimize the child's exposure to harmful parental conflict;

(f) Encourage the parents, where appropriate under RCW  26.09.187 and  26.09.191, to meet their responsibilities to their minor children through agreements in the permanent parenting plan, rather than by relying on judicial intervention; and

(g) To otherwise protect the best interests of the child consistent with RCW  26.09.002.

(2) CONTENTS OF THE PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN. The permanent parenting plan shall contain provisions for resolution of future disputes between the parents, allocation of decision-making authority, and residential provisions for the child.

(3) CONSIDERATION IN ESTABLISHING THE PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN. In establishing a permanent parenting plan, the court may consider the cultural heritage and religious beliefs of a child.

(4) DISPUTE RESOLUTION. A process for resolving disputes, other than court action, shall be provided unless precluded or limited by RCW  26.09.187 or 26.09.191. A dispute resolution process may include counseling, mediation, or arbitration by a specified individual or agency, or court action. In the dispute resolution process:

(a) Preference shall be given to carrying out the parenting plan;

(b) The parents shall use the designated process to resolve disputes relating to implementation of the plan, except those related to financial support, unless an emergency exists;

(c) A written record shall be prepared of any agreement reached in counseling or mediation and of each arbitration award and shall be provided to each party;

(d) If the court finds that a parent has used or frustrated the dispute resolution process without good reason, the court shall award attorneys' fees and financial sanctions to the prevailing parent;

(e) The parties have the right of review from the dispute resolution process to the superior court; and

(f) The provisions of (a) through (e) of this subsection shall be set forth in the decree.

(5) ALLOCATION OF DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY.

(a) The plan shall allocate decision-making authority to one or both parties regarding the children's education, health care, and religious upbringing. The parties may incorporate an agreement related to the care and growth of the child in these specified areas, or in other areas, into their plan, consistent with the criteria in RCW 26.09.187 and  26.09.191. Regardless of the allocation of decision-making in the parenting plan, either parent may make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the child.

(b) Each parent may make decisions regarding the day-to-day care and control of the child while the child is residing with that parent.

(c) When mutual decision making is designated but cannot be achieved, the parties shall make a good faith effort to resolve the issue through the dispute resolution process.

(6) RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE CHILD. The plan shall include a residential schedule which designates in which parent's home each minor child shall reside on given days of the year, including provision for holidays, birthdays of family members, vacations, and other special occasions, consistent with the criteria in RCW  26.09.187 and 26.09.191.

(7) PARENTS' OBLIGATION UNAFFECTED. If a parent fails to comply with a provision of a parenting plan or a child support order, the other parent's obligations under the parenting plan or the child support order are not affected. Failure to comply with a provision in a parenting plan or a child support order may result in a finding of contempt of court, under RCW  26.09.160.

(8) PROVISIONS TO BE SET FORTH IN PERMANENT PARENTING PLAN. The permanent parenting plan shall set forth the provisions of subsections (4)(a) through (c), (5)(b) and (c), and (7) of this section.

RCW 26.09.187

Criteria for establishing permanent parenting plan.

(1) DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS. The court shall not order a dispute resolution process, except court action, when it finds that any limiting factor under RCW  26.09.191 or  26.09.192 applies, or when it finds that either parent is unable to afford the cost of the proposed dispute resolution process. If a dispute resolution process is not precluded or limited, then in designating such a process the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(a) Differences between the parents that would substantially inhibit their effective participation in any designated process;

(b) The parents' wishes or agreements and, if the parents have entered into agreements, whether the agreements were made knowingly and voluntarily; and

(c) Differences in the parents' financial circumstances that may affect their ability to participate fully in a given dispute resolution process.

(2) ALLOCATION OF DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY.

(a) AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. The court shall approve agreements of the parties allocating decision-making authority, or specifying rules in the areas listed in RCW  26.09.184(5)(a), when it finds that:

(i) The agreement is consistent with any limitations on a parent's decision-making authority mandated by RCW  26.09.191 and  26.09.192; and

(ii) The agreement is knowing and voluntary.

(b) SOLE DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY. The court shall order sole decision-making to one parent when it finds that:

(i) A limitation on the other parent's decision-making authority is mandated by RCW  26.09.191 or  26.09.192;

(ii) Both parents are opposed to mutual decision making;

(iii) One parent is opposed to mutual decision making, and such opposition is reasonable based on the criteria in (c) of this subsection.

(c) MUTUAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY. Except as provided in (a) and (b) of this subsection, the court shall consider the following criteria in allocating decision-making authority:

(i) The existence of a limitation under RCW  26.09.191 or  26.09.192;

(ii) The history of participation of each parent in decision making in each of the areas in RCW  26.09.184(5)(a);

(iii) Whether the parents have a demonstrated ability and desire to cooperate with one another in decision making in each of the areas in RCW  26.09.184(5)(a); and

(iv) The parents' geographic proximity to one another, to the extent that it affects their ability to make timely mutual decisions.

(3) RESIDENTIAL PROVISIONS.

(a) The court shall make residential provisions for each child which encourage each parent to maintain a loving, stable, and nurturing relationship with the child, consistent with the child's developmental level and the family's social and economic circumstances. The child's residential schedule shall be consistent with RCW 26.09.191 and  26.09.192. Where the limitations of RCW  26.09.191 or  26.09.192 are not dispositive of the child's residential schedule, the court shall consider the following factors:

(i) The relative strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent;

(ii) The agreements of the parties, provided they were entered into knowingly and voluntarily;

(iii) Each parent's past and potential for future performance of parenting functions as defined in *RCW  26.09.004(2)***, including whether a parent has taken greater responsibility for performing parenting functions relating to the daily needs of the child;

(iv) The emotional needs and developmental level of the child;

(v) The child's relationship with siblings and with other significant adults, as well as the child's involvement with his or her physical surroundings, school, or other significant activities;

(vi) The wishes of the parents and the wishes of a child who is sufficiently mature to express reasoned and independent preferences as to his or her residential schedule; and

(vii) Each parent's employment schedule, and shall make accommodations consistent with those schedules.

Factor (i) shall be given the greatest weight.

(b) Where the limitations of RCW  26.09.191 or  26.09.192 are not dispositive, the court may order that a child frequently alternate his or her residence between the households of the parents for brief and substantially equal intervals of time if such provision is in the best interests of the child. In determining whether such an arrangement is in the best interests of the child, the court may consider the parties geographic proximity to the extent necessary to ensure the ability to share performance of the parenting functions.

(c) For any child, residential provisions may contain any reasonable terms or conditions that facilitate the orderly and meaningful exercise of residential time by a parent, including but not limited to requirements of reasonable notice when residential time will not occur.

***RCW 26.09.004

Definitions. (Effective until April 1, 2027.)

The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(2) "Parenting functions" means those aspects of the parent-child relationship in which the parent makes decisions and performs functions necessary for the care and growth of the child. Parenting functions include:

(a) Maintaining a loving, stable, consistent, and nurturing relationship with the child;

(b) Attending to the daily needs of the child, such as feeding, clothing, physical care and grooming, supervision, health care, and day care, and engaging in other activities which are appropriate to the developmental level of the child and that are within the social and economic circumstances of the particular family;

(c) Attending to adequate education for the child, including remedial or other education essential to the best interests of the child;

(d) Assisting the child in developing and maintaining appropriate interpersonal relationships;

(e) Exercising appropriate judgment regarding the child's welfare, consistent with the child's developmental level and the family's social and economic circumstances; and

(f) Providing for the financial support of the child.

(3) "Permanent parenting plan" means a plan for parenting the child, including allocation of parenting functions, which plan is incorporated in any final decree or decree of modification in an action for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, declaration of invalidity, or legal separation.

(4) "Temporary parenting plan" means a plan for parenting of the child pending final resolution of any action for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership, declaration of invalidity, or legal separation which is incorporated in a temporary order.

What Is a Parenting Plan?

A parenting plan is a legally binding document approved by the court that governs how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. It addresses both residential time (where the child lives) and decision-making authority(who makes important choices about the child’s upbringing).

Washington courts require a parenting plan in all cases involving minor children.

Key Components of a Parenting Plan

A complete parenting plan in Washington typically includes:

1. Residential Schedule

This outlines where the child will live on a regular basis, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and vacations. Plans can vary widely—from equal time-sharing arrangements to schedules where the child primarily resides with one parent and spends designated time with the other.

2. Decision-Making Authority

The plan specifies how major decisions will be made regarding the child’s education, health care, and religious upbringing. Courts may order:

• Joint decision-making, where both parents must agree
• Sole decision-making, where one parent has authority

3. Dispute Resolution Process

Most parenting plans include a method for resolving disagreements, such as mediation or arbitration, before returning to court.

The “Best Interests of the Child” Standard

Washington courts base parenting plans on what serves the child’s best interests. One of the most important considerations is the strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent.

Other factors may include:

• Each parent’s past involvement in caregiving
• The emotional needs and developmental level of the child
• Each parent’s ability to cooperate and communicate
• The child’s relationship with siblings and extended family
• Any history of domestic violence, abuse, or substance abuse

The court’s primary aim is to create a stable, supportive environment for the child.

Limitations on Parenting Time

In some cases, the court may place restrictions—called limitations—on a parent’s time with the child. These are required if there is evidence of serious issues such as:

• Domestic violence
• Child abuse or neglect
• Substance abuse problems
• Abandonment

Limitations can range from supervised visitation to reduced residential time, depending on the severity of the concern.

Temporary vs. Final Parenting Plans

During the divorce process, courts may issue a temporary parenting plan to provide structure until the case is finalized. This helps ensure consistency for the child during what can be a disruptive period.

Once the divorce is complete, the court enters a final parenting plan, which remains in effect unless modified.

Modifying a Parenting Plan

Parenting plans are intended to provide stability, so they are not easily changed. To modify a final plan, a parent typically must show a substantial change in circumstances and that the modification is in the child’s best interests.

Examples might include:

• A parent relocating
• Significant changes in a parent’s ability to care for the child
• Concerns about the child’s safety or well-being

Minor adjustments (such as tweaks to scheduling) may be easier to obtain than major changes—major modifications are difficult to obtain absent an uncontemplated substantial change in circumstances since the final parenting plan was ordered.

Relocation of a Parent

If a parent with whom the child primarily resides wants to move, Washington has specific relocation laws. The relocating parent must usually provide formal notice, and the other parent has an opportunity to object. The court will then decide whether the move is allowed based on statutory factors. Court’s are strict with the notification and procedural requirements.

Encouraging Cooperation

Washington law encourages parents to work together in developing a parenting plan. Agreements reached through negotiation or mediation are often more flexible and better tailored to a family’s needs than court-imposed decisions.

However, when cooperation isn’t possible, the court will step in to establish a plan that protects the child’s interests.

Final Thoughts

Parenting plans in Washington State are designed to prioritize children’s stability and well-being during and after divorce in the child’s “best interests”. By focusing on clear schedules, shared responsibilities, and structured dispute resolution, these plans help families transition to a new normal while maintaining strong parent-child relationships. Thoughtful planning and legal guidance can make a significant difference in creating an arrangement that works for everyone involved.

We are here to help:  S. Scott Burkhalter, scott@ssburklaw.com, 4253033110.