Sole Custody

Sole custody refers to a custody arrangement where one parent has full responsibility for a child’s physical care and decision-making. This means the child primarily lives with the custodial parent, who makes all major decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious practices.

In Washington State, although the preference of the court is to have both parents involved in a child’s upbringing, sole custody may be awarded when the court determines it is in the best interests of the child, often in cases where one parent is deemed unfit due to issues like abuse, neglect, or incapacity. The non-custodial parent may still have visitation rights or a limited role in decision-making, depending on the court’s ruling.

While sole custody gives one parent full control, the other parent may still be involved in the child’s life, and custody arrangements can be modified if circumstances change. Consulting a Seattle Family lawyer can help clarify how sole custody might apply in your specific situation.