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05-22-2003, 12:32 AM
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#1
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That Biker Looking Guy
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,446
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Washington State Child custody laws
I searched on the web and couldnt find much info.
I have a 16 yo Daughter that wants to come live with me but it wont be a pretty site. Looking at it from her mothers side of it.
I want to know how to get the ball rolling to get her with me any sugestions? I know a Lawre would be a good idea but I want to have my ducks in a row b4 I approach her mom about it. Or in better words I wanna have my and my daughters ass covered b4 her mom starts throwing me to the dogs. I know it wont be a pretty site but if thats what it takes the thats what it will be.
I know i dont make many serious posts here but this I feel is more important than anything I have ever posted about
Jeff
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__________________
Proud to be a card carrying member of the "J" Crowd
Body By Nautilus; Brain By Mattel.
If Walking Is So Good For You, Then Why Does My Mailman Look Like Jabba The Hut?
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05-22-2003, 12:41 AM
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#2
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Southern Oregon, Way West of Dimples ;)
Posts: 22,367
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Jeff the first thing to do is seek a consultation from a lawyer that specializes in that area. If she'd sgoing to contest, you will need a good one. Thought I think at 16 a lot of the choice she be up to your daughter.
I know from my sons battle between Wash and OR that having less than awesome representation can lead to disaster. Some state agencies tend to run roughshod over the oninitiated if they think they can get away with it.
A consultation may open the way to a paralegal drawing up papers at reduced cost. Remember the basic rule of practising law, never ask in court a question you don't already know answer to. This is getting ducks lined out before confronting the other parent 
__________________
When considering courage in battle, one should remember that there are 2 sides to every conflict.
The heroism of the losing side rarely gets remembered
but we were all husbands and fathers, sons and bros
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05-22-2003, 10:01 AM
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#3
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Shark
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Posts: 3,074
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jeff. congratulations. and yes, i cant think of a more serious topic.
i'm sure WA laws are different than OH laws. but i THINK that in most of the country, once a child reaches the age of 15 then it becomes THIER descision. but i could be wrong on the age, i do know it's less than 16 though.
however, be prepared, if she (the mother) does contest it, then it will become a battle. even if the daughter wants to live with you, they will turn over every possible rock while investigating whether living with YOU will be in the best interest of the child.
for instance, even if the child WANTS to live with the other parent, the judge would never approve it, if the parent in question were homeless living in their backseat. i know this isnt the case with you, and it's an extreme example, but you get point, that the court can overrule the child.
doug's right, dont just find "any" lawyer.. find a lawyer that specializes in custody hearings.
GOOD LUCK !!!!!!
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05-23-2003, 03:13 PM
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#4
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Lakewood, WA
Posts: 418
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Well I have no idea buddy, but you know that all of us here are behind you %100 percend and know what a stand up guy you are! Best of luck
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Tom
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05-23-2003, 07:47 PM
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#5
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Montana
Posts: 5,815
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Well here in Montana I think the age is 12 years old! Will be up to the judge who will ask the kid some serious questions and depending on how she/he answers the questions will determine if the kid is old enough to decide on where they want to go! With your daughter being 16, it should not be a problem!
At least I hope all goes well with the battle Jeff! |
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05-23-2003, 08:02 PM
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#6
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That Biker Looking Guy
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,446
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Well Im going to contact a Lawer on tuesday or wed. So we will see how it goes.
Jeff
__________________
Proud to be a card carrying member of the "J" Crowd
Body By Nautilus; Brain By Mattel.
If Walking Is So Good For You, Then Why Does My Mailman Look Like Jabba The Hut?
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05-23-2003, 08:20 PM
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#7
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bone shaker
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: so cal
Posts: 340
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Good Luck Jeff!
__________________
Picture a bright blue ball just spinning, spinning free
Dizzy with Eternity.
Paint it with a skin of sky, brush in some clouds and sea.
Call it home for you and me.
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05-23-2003, 10:53 PM
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#8
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Plainview, Minnesota
Posts: 398
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Jeff,
As a single custodial father, who fought for almost 4 years to get custody of his daughter. I only have one real word of advice. Go INTERVIEW at least 5 different lawyers. I said interview, because they are working for you!
I fired my first lawyer because she only got me every other weekend visitation and cost me 25K! My second attorney who got me custody died of Cancer with in 6 months of finding out. I still bless his soul. I went and saw him on his death bed and personally thanked him for everything he had done. That story gets emotional but that is for another thread. I fired my third attorney because all he wanted was money and to charge me. My last attorney was great, fair, he tied up the loose ends. I would say stay away from the LARGE lawfirms and go with an attorney who specializes only in Family law, and the attorney is the only one in the office, or shares an office with another firm and it is his name on the door, so he has a real stake in doing what is right for his clients and not what is right for his pocket book as he has to maintain his/her own reputation.
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05-24-2003, 06:55 AM
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#9
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reef rich penny poor
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Reno, Nv
Posts: 201
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As another single, sole custody father I wish you the best of luck! I fought for 18 months to get my son, first in juvenile court then in district court. It was painful emotionally and financially draining but the battle had to be fought and won. I suspect you feel the same way....go for it!
Phil
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05-24-2003, 03:40 PM
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#10
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: thousand oaks, ca
Posts: 369
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Jeff, First off I am wishing you the best of luck.
Second, this is maybe a way to avoid court probs.
Have your daughter file for emancipation. That way, mommy dearest can't say sh&%!
At 16, she should be allowed to say where she wants to live, and since she wants to be with you, I would think she's not very happy where she is at the moment.
Again, best of luck,
Lee
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05-25-2003, 12:33 AM
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#11
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Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: Southern Oregon, Way West of Dimples ;)
Posts: 22,367
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Hmmmmm worth looking into
__________________
When considering courage in battle, one should remember that there are 2 sides to every conflict.
The heroism of the losing side rarely gets remembered
but we were all husbands and fathers, sons and bros
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05-25-2003, 01:12 AM
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#12
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Birthday tracker
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Spartanburg, SC USA
Posts: 13,489
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Good adice there guys! Go for it, Jeff.
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cath
-La Dolce Vita
Proud member of the BRW crowd
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