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If a parent has sole custody what criteria has to be present on a parenting plan or otherwise
Anonymous2 views3 answers
for that to happen? If nothing is worded in the parenting plan stating such, just because my child resides with one parent doesnt mean that parent has sole custody? What if they have major decision making? Does this mean sole custody?
"Sole Custody" means almost nothing clear under Washington law. It appears you have a parenting plan or are contemplating getting a parenting plan. The parenting plan will detail the amount of residential time you have and other rights and responsibilities you have in regards to raising your child. "Custody" is nearly unused in Washington statutes, with some exceptions that are not terribly important usually. Yet, the public, attorneys, and even judges throw around the word. Everyone means something else when they use it. You are better off asking yourself what you mean by "sole custody" and trying to craft the parenting plan to match those desires.
"custody" is such a loaded term that WA courts don't use it. Every child has two parents. One is the primary residential parent and the other is not. If nothing is worded in the plan under the section marked "restrictions" then there are no restrictions. Decision making depends on the circumstances but if there are no .191 restrictions, then each parent gets to be a parent during their residential time.
Hope this helps. Elizabeth Powell
