At McPherson & McPherson, we understand the pain and problems concerning child custody matters. In the best of all possible worlds, there would be complete agreement and harmony between parents regarding custody of their children, but this is often not the case. We fight to get the best result possible for our clients.

           When child custody is at issue, a court trial may be necessary. Long before the trial, the Judge may appoint an independent guardian ad litem to investigate and interview the parents and others involved and eventually recommend custody options to the court. The Judge makes the final determination regarding custody, after considering the law, the guardian ad litem's report, receiving evidence, and observing the parents at trial.

           Custody means determination of issues such as with whom the child will live; which parent makes decisions regarding the child's health, school, recreation, and religious training; visitation of the non-custodial parent and any necessary limitations; where the child spends holidays and vacations; and many other aspects of a child's life that most people do not think about until custody becomes a legal matter.

           In Washington, neither the father nor the mother is the "favored" parent. Each case is individual when custody of children is at issue. Some of the factors considered by the Judge is where the child has resided, who has assumed the primary day-to-day care of the child, brothers and sisters and other family ties, the parents' work schedules, any special considerations concerning the child's health and welfare, and other factors which relate to the child's well-being. The Judge will decide custody based upon what the Judge believes is in the best interests of the child.

            In many cases of custody dispute, the parents will not agree on any of the above factors. That is why an experienced family law attorney is vitally necessary if you are engaged in a custody dispute. Molly Mcpherson focuses on family law. She has represented clients in hundreds of family law cases. She knows the law and nuances of custody disputes.

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