[WA] Does a parent need the other parent’s agreement to start family therapy for their child?

WA Family Law

Craig

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Based on your situation, there are several legal arguments and considerations in Washington State that could potentially support your case:

Joint Decision-Making Authority: In Washington State, when parents share joint decision-making authority, both parents typically need to agree on major decisions affecting the child's welfare, including health care and therapy. This is generally established through a parenting plan's allocation of decision-making authority under (WA Rev Code § 26.09.184), which sets out how decisions about a child's education, health care, and religious upbringing are to be made. Many parenting plans also include a dispute resolution process, such as mediation, specifically for situations like this one where parents disagree on a major decision.
Best Interests of the Child: Washington State courts prioritize the best interests of the child in family law matters, a standard reflected in (WA Rev Code § 26.09.187), which governs the criteria courts use when establishing or modifying decision-making provisions in a parenting plan. If you believe family therapy is in your child's best interest, this could be a significant factor in any legal discussion or proceeding.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities: Both parents have rights and responsibilities regarding their child's upbringing. If there is a disagreement, and your parenting plan includes a dispute resolution provision, that process (such as mediation) would typically need to be followed before the matter could be brought to court. If there is no dispute resolution provision, or it doesn't resolve the disagreement, it may be necessary to seek a court determination on this specific decision.

Washington Custody (Parenting) Plan

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I have a question about family law in Washington State.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that navigating family law can be challenging. What specific issue are you facing in Washington State?

My ex and I share decision making regarding health decisions for our minor child. I believe it is important for my child and I to attend family therapy due to family dynamics with my spouse and other children. My ex does not agree. Do I need their agreement to bring my child to family therapy?

Lexi, Chatbot

Are you currently involved in any legal proceedings related to this issue?

No.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Family Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your family therapy decision.

No.

Craig

Hey there! Welcome to AskaLawyer. I'm an attorney with many years of experience. I understand you and your ex share decision making regarding health decisions for your minor child, and you're considering family therapy due to family dynamics. Could you share more about any specific concerns or questions you have regarding this?

Craig

Based on your situation, there are several legal arguments and considerations in Washington State that could potentially support your case:

Joint Decision-Making Authority: In Washington State, when parents share joint decision-making authority, both parents typically need to agree on major decisions affecting the child's welfare, including health care and therapy. This is generally established through a parenting plan's allocation of decision-making authority under (WA Rev Code § 26.09.184), which sets out how decisions about a child's education, health care, and religious upbringing are to be made. Many parenting plans also include a dispute resolution process, such as mediation, specifically for situations like this one where parents disagree on a major decision.
Best Interests of the Child: Washington State courts prioritize the best interests of the child in family law matters, a standard reflected in (WA Rev Code § 26.09.187), which governs the criteria courts use when establishing or modifying decision-making provisions in a parenting plan. If you believe family therapy is in your child's best interest, this could be a significant factor in any legal discussion or proceeding.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities: Both parents have rights and responsibilities regarding their child's upbringing. If there is a disagreement, and your parenting plan includes a dispute resolution provision, that process (such as mediation) would typically need to be followed before the matter could be brought to court. If there is no dispute resolution provision, or it doesn't resolve the disagreement, it may be necessary to seek a court determination on this specific decision.

Craig

5,281 satisfied customers

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