RELOCATION
Smooth Implementation.We’re a mobile society. Everything from job offers or school to new relationships can have us packing up and starting over. Yet in a divorce, moving with children is not always a foregone conclusion. In fact, each state handles the relocation of children differently.
In Washington, if you’re the primary custodian, it’s presumed your relocation will be allowed.
But before you get too excited, recognize there are actually eleven different criteria the court considers in whether to allow your relocation:
- The relative strength, nature, quality, extent of involvement, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent, siblings, and other significant persons in the child’s life;
- Prior agreements of the parties;
- Whether disrupting the contact between the child and the person with whom the child resides a majority of the time would be more detrimental to the child than disrupting contact between the child and the person objecting to the relocation;
- Whether either parent or a person entitled to residential time with the child is subject to limitations under RCW 26.09.191;
- The reasons each person has for seeking or opposing the relocation and the good faith of each of the parties in requesting or opposing the relocation;
- The age, developmental stage, and needs of the child, and the likely impact the relocation or its prevention will have on the child’s physical, educational, and emotional development, taking into consideration any special needs of the child;
- The quality of life, resources, and opportunities available to the child and to the relocating party in the current and proposed geographic locations;
- The availability of alternative arrangements to foster and continue the child’s relationship with and access to the other parent;
- The alternatives to relocation and whether it is feasible and desirable for the other party to relocate also;
- The financial impact and logistics of the relocation or its prevention; and
- For a temporary order, the amount of time before a final decision can be made at trial.
Whether your wish is to relocate or prevent your children from relocating, an experienced attorney is a must. At Heritage Family Law, we understand in either case, helping the children stay connected with both parents is important.
Jason Kruse
March 13, 2024
Heritage Family Law
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Heritage Family Law and my attorney who has been an unwavering pillar of support during my challenging custody battle. Their dedication, expertise, and genuine care for my situation have made a profound impact on my life and the lives of my children.
From the very beginning, my attorney took the time to understand the intricacies of my case and provided me with a clear and honest assessment of my options. They were always available to answer my questions and address my concerns, making me feel heard and understood throughout the entire process.
During the court proceedings, my attorney was well-prepared and articulate, presenting a compelling case on my behalf. Their knowledge of family law and their ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system were instrumental in securing a favorable outcome for my children and me.
What truly sets Heritage Family Law apart is their genuine empathy and compassion. They never treated me as just another client; instead, they made me feel like a valued friend who was going through a difficult time. Their emotional support and encouragement helped me stay strong and focused on what was truly important - the well-being of my children.
tyson lewellen
February 22, 2024
Christine Dow was one of the easiest most down to earth Attorney’s I’ve dealt with! Definitely helped me through a tough time and made sense out of a lot of courtroom talk for me! I would highly recommend her to anyone!!!
Miranda Helms
December 14, 2023
My experience with this law firm was amazing. It all started with my consult with Glenn where he was very informative and upfront about the cost of their services. and then Joshua was great as a paralegal. He was on top of everything with all the paperwork. And Amanda was a Rockstar Lawyer. She answered all my questions in a timely manner and I had all faith in her that she would get the job done. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a family lawyer.
Taiki Phillips
December 4, 2023
Let's be clear, talking to a lawyer, well its never fun. That being said, this went as well as I could have hoped. I feel confident having spoken to Mr Slate, he is knowledgeable, patient, and kind. I felt well informed with a clear idea of what the next intended steps were. When I was finalizing the paperwork, it felt like the office staff came together to help me and make sure I had everything I needed. Everyone was patient, kind and friendly. It speaks to a good atmosphere in the office, and to me that says a lot about an Attorney's Office that deals with Family Law.
I would absolutely feel good recommending them to anyone that is in need of legal help in Vancouver, WA.
erwin bulatao
August 31, 2023
Josh and Amanda Thank you so much for skillfully correcting course on my complicated case.
I appreciate your hard work, attention to detail, open communication, and unwavering courage.
You delivered us a level playing field -- my faith restored in the process.
Grateful to have Heritage Law on my team, at my side, as we move to close our case.
Let's play ball!
B M
October 17, 2022
They handled my case. Christine did a great job I originally started with a different guy who was terrible but he left. Strongly recommend Christine.
Brianna Wilson
September 19, 2022
Very helpful and supportive.
Chris Robideau
June 1, 2021
Dealing with divorce from an emotional and business perspective is difficult! From my initial consultation with Glen then working through the details with Georgia and Joshua, I felt I had a responsive team providing efficient, practical, and fair advice that made for an efficient divorce process. My ex-wife ended up filing jointly through Heritage because her attorney was not as responsive. Professional, moral, knowledgable, and efficient. I liked that if one was busy or in court, another team member was available and knew about my case. Doing most the work with Joshua also saved on the overall costs. I felt the billing and time spent was open, honest, and transparent in how they reported/charged their time, and invoiced it back to the retainer. We completed the Divorce process, including supported my Ex as needed, all under the initial retainer budget. The team was understanding and compassionate about the tough time we faced through my divorce...tactfully professional.