Washington
How do Washington courts decide a parenting plan?
Quick answer
Washington courts decide parenting plans by the best interests of the child (RCW 26.09.002). Where the limitations in RCW 26.09.191 or 26.09.192 do not decide the residential schedule, the court considers seven factors in RCW 26.09.187(3)(a), and the relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent is given the greatest weight.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
The seven factors
The factors are the relative strength, nature, and stability of the child’s relationship with each parent; knowing and voluntary agreements of the parties; each parent’s past and potential future performance of parenting functions, including who has taken greater responsibility for daily needs; the child’s emotional needs and developmental level; the child’s relationships with siblings and other significant adults and involvement with school and activities; the wishes of the parents and of a sufficiently mature child; and each parent’s employment schedule (RCW 26.09.187(3)(a)).
Decision-making
The court orders sole decision-making when a limitation under RCW 26.09.191 or 26.09.192 requires it, when both parents oppose mutual decision-making, or when one parent reasonably opposes it. Otherwise it considers the parents’ history of participating in decisions, their ability and desire to cooperate, and how far apart they live (RCW 26.09.187(2)).
Limitations
A parent’s residential time must be limited if the court finds willful abandonment for an extended period, physical abuse or a pattern of emotional abuse of a child, a history of acts of domestic violence, an assault causing grievous bodily harm or the fear of it, any sexual assault, or sexual abuse of a child (RCW 26.09.191(4)(a)). The court may also limit a parent for other conduct listed in RCW 26.09.191(4)(c), such as substantial nonperformance of parenting functions or the abusive use of conflict.
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.