A child can never have too many people love and nourish the
child.
The Washington State legislature has addressed the
complexity of modern family life with an entirely new parentage statute. RCW 26.26A allows for a child to have “more
than two” parents, which is true enough with blended families. The statute adds legal definitions for those
who have been parents-in-fact (“de facto parents”) of children for years and
gives them a route to be included in visitation orders.
The case law has been evolving rapidly as judges try to
provide reasonable regulation to address family-life reality as it comes to the
courts. These new statutes will take years to fully interpret in new case law,
but the judges and the legislatures are working to protect your relationships
with children who need you.
To help you present these complex issues to the judges who
are adjusting the law to the new realities, call Mason Law at (509) 443-3681
for an experienced family law attorney to help you maintain precious
relationships with the children in your life.
