When parents separate or divorce, one of the biggest concerns is how decisions will be made for their children and where the children will live. In Washington, these issues are addressed through a parenting plan rather than traditional “custody” terms. Two important parts of a parenting plan are decision-making authority and residential time. Although they are related, they serve different purposes.
Understanding the difference can help parents make informed decisions while protecting their children’s best interests.
What Is Decision-Making Authority?
Decision-making authority refers to a parent’s legal authority to make important choices about a child’s upbringing. Under Washington law, a parenting plan identifies who will make major decisions involving the child’s welfare.
These decisions often include:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Religious upbringing
- Certain extracurricular activities
Parents may share decision-making authority, or one parent may have sole authority depending on the circumstances. The court’s goal is to create an arrangement that supports the child’s best interests.
What Is Residential Time?
Residential time refers to the schedule that determines when the child lives with each parent. Instead of focusing on which parent has “custody,” Washington parenting plans establish where the child will spend weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks, and vacations.
A residential schedule may provide equal time with both parents, or it may allow one parent to have more parenting time, depending on the family’s circumstances.
Every parenting plan is designed to meet the child’s unique needs.
Can Parents Share Decision-Making Authority?
Yes. Washington courts often encourage shared decision-making when parents can communicate effectively and cooperate in raising their children.
Joint decision-making may work well when both parents:
- Can communicate respectfully
- Are willing to cooperate
- Have a history of participating in important parenting decisions
- Can place the child’s needs above personal conflicts
When parents cannot work together, or there is a history of domestic violence or other serious concerns, the court may award sole decision-making authority to one parent. The appropriate arrangement depends on the facts of each case.
Can One Parent Have More Residential Time?
Yes. Residential time does not always have to be divided equally.
The court considers several factors when creating a parenting schedule, including the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, the child’s daily routine, and other circumstances affecting the child’s well-being.
In some families, one parent may have the majority of residential time while the other enjoys regular parenting time. In others, parents may share residential time more evenly. The court’s primary focus is always the child’s best interests.
Does Decision-Making Authority Affect Residential Time?
Not necessarily. A parent may share decision-making authority even if the child spends more residential time with the other parent.
Likewise, a parent with primary residential time does not automatically have the right to make every important decision alone. The parenting plan specifically addresses each issue separately.
Because these are independent parts of a parenting plan, it is important to understand how each one affects your parental rights and responsibilities.
Can Parenting Plans Be Modified?
Yes. Parenting plans may be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances, and the legal requirements for modification are met under Washington law.
For example, a modification may become necessary if:
- A parent relocates
- A child’s needs change significantly
- One parent is no longer able to follow the parenting plan
- Safety concerns arise
Any requested modification must ultimately serve the child’s best interests.
Why Is Legal Guidance Important?
Parenting plans often have a lasting impact on both parents and children. Decisions involving decision-making authority and residential time can affect education, healthcare, daily routines, and family relationships for years to come.
An experienced family law attorney can explain your rights, help negotiate a parenting plan, and advocate for your interests if disagreements cannot be resolved outside of court.
Understanding how Washington law approaches parenting plans can help you make informed decisions that support both your family and your child’s future.
Contact the Spokane Child Custody Lawyers at Gallagher Law for Help Today
If you have questions about decision-making authority, residential time, or another child custody matter, Gallagher Law is here to help. Our experienced family law attorneys understand the challenges parents face during divorce and custody disputes, and we are committed to helping families find practical solutions that protect their children’s best interests.
Contact our Spokane child custody attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your parental rights and your family’s future.
If you’re facing a family law matter in Spokane, Washington, please call Gallagher Law today at (509) 326-4162 to schedule a free case evaluation with a child custody lawyer, or contact us online.
Gallagher Law
1517 W Broadway Ave. Spokane, WA 99201, United States
(509) 326-4162