Sunset over calm lake with wooden dock in Kirkland, WA.

Kirkland, WA Custody Attorneys

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Call Us Today (206) 792-0981
Sunset over calm lake with wooden dock in Kirkland, WA.

At Northwest Family Law, we create clear, strategic parenting plans that address both legal custody and physical custody. We represent clients in King County Superior Court, negotiate custody agreements during mediation, and advocate in contested hearings when an agreement isn’t possible.

A child custody lawyer helps parents handle the legal process of deciding where a child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and who will make important decisions about their upbringing. 

Because every family’s situation is unique, we take time to understand your circumstances before crafting a legal strategy. Clients consistently praise our clear, personal communication, true compassion, and experience in Washington family law, qualities that make a difference when the stakes are as high as your child’s well-being. 

As one client put it, “They are compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated.”

If you’re going through a divorce, establishing custody for the first time, or modifying an existing order, having a Kirkland-based child custody lawyer makes sure your case is handled with local insight and steady guidance from start to finish.

How Does the Child Custody Process Work in Kirkland?

In Washington, child custody is handled through a parenting plan, a court order that outlines where the child will live, how decisions will be made, and how parents will share time and responsibilities. Every case begins with a petition or motion filed in King County Superior Court, which serves Kirkland families.

Once filed, both parents must create and exchange proposed parenting plans. Washington law requires that custody arrangements serve the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent’s caregiving history, the child’s emotional needs, and stability in schooling.

If parents cannot agree on a plan, the court may refer them to Family Court Services (FCS) for mediation or, in more complicated cases, order an evaluation. Mediation is often a turning point, as it allows parents to reach agreements without the stress and cost of a trial. If an agreement still isn’t reached, a judge will make the final decision based on the evidence presented at trial.

In practice, this process can look different depending on where you live in Kirkland. For example, in Juanita or Finn Hill, parenting plans often account for the Lake Washington School District calendar and local commute patterns between homes. These small, practical details can have a big impact on exchanges, holiday schedules, and activity drop-offs.

Our Child Custody Services in Kirkland 

  • Legal custody 
  • Physical custody
  • Parenting plans
  • Visitation time schedules
  • Child support
  • Relocation cases
  • Custody modifications
  • Enforcement of custody orders
  • Emergency custody orders
  • Paternity and custody rights
  • Grandparent/third-party custody
  • Custody in high-conflict cases
  • Custody involving domestic violence
  • Custody mediation

Why Families Choose Northwest Family Law for Child Custody

Northwest Family Law was built on a mission: to turn the pain of divorce into hope for a brighter future. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Personal Insight & Compassion
    We bring empathy rooted in lived experience, making sure clients feel understood and supported through every step of the custody process.
  • Proven Advocacy & Strategy
    Our team delivers more advocacy, more strategy, and more results. We anticipate challenges before they arise and develop creative, effective solutions tailored to each family’s needs.
  • Clear & Open Communication
    We keep clients informed and confident by explaining the process in plain terms and providing guidance at every stage.
  • Strength in Intricate Cases
    Monica is recognized for balancing strong legal advocacy with genuine compassion, representing parents in even the most complicated custody and family law disputes.
  • A Trusted Regional Presence
    Serving Kirkland, King County, and the greater Seattle area, Northwest Family Law has become one of the region’s most trusted family law firms.

What Are the Rules for Custody Modifications in Kirkland?

In Washington, once a parenting plan is entered, it can only be modified under specific circumstances set by state law. A major modification, such as changing the child’s primary residence, requires proving a substantial change in circumstances since the original order.

For minor modifications, adjustments to visitation schedules or holiday arrangements, the standard is less strict, but the change must still benefit the child. 

Before a judge hears your modification request, the court may require you to participate in mediation through Family Court Services (FCS) or an approved alternative like the Dispute Resolution Center of King County. 

Local realities can influence modification cases. For example, families in Kingsgate or North Rose Hill often request adjustments to better match Lake Washington School District schedules, extracurricular activities, or changes in transportation needs. 

By working with a child custody lawyer who knows both Washington’s legal standards and Kirkland’s community, you can present a modification request that is both legally sound and realistically workable for your family’s day-to-day life.

Protecting Your Parental Rights in Kirkland’s Family-Friendly Communities

Kirkland is known for its family-centered neighborhoods like Juanita, Totem Lake, Rose Hill, and Houghton, where strong schools, safe parks, and community connections create the foundation for raising children. 

But when custody disputes arise, these same family-friendly settings can become points of stress as parents deal with school schedules, healthcare decisions, and parenting time.

Whether it’s coordinating drop-offs at Lake Washington School District schools, managing extracurriculars at Juanita Beach Park or Marina Park, or addressing healthcare needs through EvergreenHealth Kirkland, custody arrangements must be practical, fair, and focused on the best interests of your children.

At Northwest Family Law, our team is dedicated to protecting your parental rights while making sure your child continues to thrive in the supportive environment Kirkland offers. We work closely with families to craft custody solutions that honor both parents’ roles and reflect the realities of living and raising children in Kirkland’s vibrant communities.

Let’s Protect What Matters Most

Child custody decisions shape your child’s future, and your own. At Northwest Family Law, we combine legal skill with genuine care to help you reach the best possible outcome.

Schedule your consultation to speak directly with a Kirkland child custody lawyer.

Our Practice Areas

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Divorce

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Child Custody

Create The Parenting Plan That Suits Your Needs Nothing in the world is more important to you than your children.…

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Child Support Guidelines

Washington has enacted laws and established schedules and formulas for how to calculate child support. Our courts publish ‘support guidelines’…

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Collaborative Law

Mediation, Collaboration, Litigation In many cases you may choose the route you take to settle your divorce. Northwest Family Law…

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Property Division

Protect Your Financial Future When Dividing Your Property One of the most complex challenges in a divorce is dividing property…

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Client Testimonials

Lindsay Steinbach

9 months ago

I originally reached out to Northwest Family Law because they had a mostly female team. When I scheduled my consult, their first available was with a male attorney. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous to meet with him after having met with other male attorneys in the community. I waited 3 weeks to have our consultation and I was immediately blown away. He showed genuine concern for myself and my son, he was well versed in the information I had left with the receptionist when I scheduled the consult and very much put me at ease with moving forward in pursuing dissolution of marriage.

My team consisted of Mitchell and Cydney primarily with some help from Nikki as well. Mitchell and Cydney are amazing, so thorough, responsive, helpful, informative and kind. I’m so glad they were on my team, they are so very competent and really care about their clients. My husband’s attorney left a lot to be desired and was the complete opposite of this team so I’m very thankful I found Northwest Family Law. Huge thank you to Mitchell, Cydney and Nikki for taking care of me throughout the dissolution process! Me, my son and our dog are all living our best lives thanks to you all 💜

Devon Bentley

4 months ago

Northwest Family Law is a great firm. They are very professional and knowledgeable. Working with Cydney Fermstad in the past, she was helpful, thorough, and went above and beyond for me. I will choose to work with Northwest Family Law in the future if I need their specific services.

Daniel Borodyansky

12 months ago

Mitch is an exceptional family law attorney, blending compassion with legal acumen to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. His dedication to ethical practice and deep understanding of family law set him apart. He is known for going the extra mile to support clients through challenging times. I highly recommend working with Mitch at Northwest Family Law.

Alison Carr

3 months ago

Northwest Family Law is a top notch law firm. Cydney and her team are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. They always go above and beyond for their clients. I could not recommend this firm more!

Aubrey Chavez

4 months ago

Cydney and her team at Northwest Family Law is outstanding. They are professional, attentive, compassionate, and genuinely cares about their clients. The entire firm is committed to providing top-notch service. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable and compassionate legal support!

Julia

4 months ago

I haven’t personally used Northwest Family Law’s services, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about their professionalism and dedication to clients. Their team is known for being compassionate, especially when it comes to handling complex family matters. Cydney, who works there, is incredibly knowledgeable and always speaks highly of the firm’s commitment to supporting families through challenging transitions. Based on what I’ve seen and heard, I would absolutely recommend Northwest Family Law to anyone seeking a law firm that truly cares about its clients and their futures.

Shaaden Shadman

3 months ago

If you’re looking for a family law firm, there’s no better choice than Northwest Family. Their entire team is there to put you first. They’re incredibly knowledgeable, professional, compassionate, and our truly invested in your goals. I would, hands down, recommend them to anyone looking for family law services.

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