Washington · WA
A plain-English reference to Washington custody terminology, joint custody, parenting time, relocation, child preferences, and order changes.
RCW 26.09.187 and 26.09.191 (parenting plan). In Washington, courts generally describe the schedule as a parenting plan. The court's decision is based on the child's best interests, not simply a parent's preferred percentage of time.
No presumption; the plan allocates residential time and decision-making using statutory factors and restrictions.
The wishes of a sufficiently mature child are a residential factor.
RCW 26.09.430-.480 requires 60 days' notice, with a rebuttable presumption that the intended relocation is permitted.
RCW 26.09.260 requires a substantial change plus one of the statutory grounds.
Under the UCCJEA the child generally must have lived in the state for the 6 months before filing (or since birth, if younger). Washington requires a Parenting Plan (WPF DR 01.0400) in every case with minor children.
Put regular time, holidays, exchanges, communication, and dispute steps in one written plan. Then keep the actual schedule and handoffs organized as circumstances change.
Washington applies the statute or rule summarized above and decides parenting time by the child's best interests. Read the official court resource before filing.
RCW 26.09.430-.480 requires 60 days' notice, with a rebuttable presumption that the intended relocation is permitted.
RCW 26.09.260 requires a substantial change plus one of the statutory grounds.
Compare the rule with your written plan, schedule, and records before you file or negotiate.
Filing venue, required classes, and the terminology each state's courts use.
2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week-on/week-off, and every other common rotation.
Count overnights across a full cycle the way state worksheets do.
One-click evidence packets for your attorney or a hearing — unlimited and free.
Applies your state's own guideline model to your numbers.
Terminology, parent-education requirements, and filing venue are taken from each state's court self-help materials and statutes. Requirements change — confirm with the court where you file.
CustodyTrac publishes educational information, not legal advice. Custody and support outcomes depend on facts a calculator cannot see — confirm anything that matters with a family law attorney in your state.