QUESTION
How can I go about getting custody or visitation?
Asked on Jun 02nd, 2015 on Child Custody - Washington
More details to this question:
Well back in 2013 my ex-wife and I split up with a dissolution of marriage. With this, we were trying to work out a parenting plan. I was an addict of pill and marijuana at the time and later turned into methamphetamines. What was granted in the parenting plan was that I get my kids every other week with supervised visits if I was to complete 3 random UAs a week for 3 months. I never did that and went to prison. I am currently out, am now paying child support and have a full time job. I did happen to relapse but I am sober again, did my 3 day probation violation and started a new class. I am also doing chemical dependency classes. I want to fight for my kids, maybe even full custody. My ex is currently living with a judge’s approval back in November of 2013 that was granted. She is currently fighting a case for an aggravated assault charge. Do I have a chance to get my kids back since I am paying child support? She refuses to even let me Skype or talk to them. Is that even legal with me paying child support? She doesn’t want me in their life at all but wants my money.
1 ANSWER
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Child support has nothing to do with the residential time in the parenting plan. You can only get what the parenting plan provides until you have met all of the conditions. Once you have met all the conditions and can show that you have been clean for an extended period of time, you can go back to court and ask for more time. No reasonable judge will give you the majority of time (there is no custody as such in WA) given your history unless the mother goes to prison and there is no third party willing to step in as a 3rd party custodian. Even then, it's a question whether foster care with the same visitation you have now, is a better solution for the kids.
Answered on Jun 08th, 2015 at 2:59 PM