Child Visitation Rights in WA: Ensuring Your Kids Stay Connected After Divorce or Separation

After divorce or separation, one of the most important concerns for parents is maintaining a strong, meaningful relationship with their children. In Washington, child visitation rights are designed to support consistent contact between children and both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate.

For families in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and throughout Central Washington, understanding how visitation works—and what to do when issues arise—can help reduce conflict and protect your child’s well-being.

How Washington Law Approaches Visitation

Washington does not typically use the term “visitation” in isolation. Instead, parenting time is addressed through a parenting plan, which outlines where the child lives and how time is shared between parents.

Visitation rights generally apply to the parent who does not have the majority of residential time, though parenting plans can be highly flexible depending on a family’s situation.

What Visitation Schedules Can Look Like

There is no single visitation schedule that works for every family. Parenting plans are tailored to the child’s age, school schedule, and parents’ availability. Common arrangements may include:

• Alternating weekends
• One or more weekday visits
• Extended time during school breaks or summer
• Holiday and vacation schedules

The goal is to create a routine that provides consistency while allowing the child to maintain strong relationships with both parents.

Creating Child-Focused Visitation Schedules

Courts encourage parents to focus on what works best for the child rather than what feels “equal” to each parent. A child-focused schedule considers:

• School and activity commitments
• The child’s age and developmental needs
• Travel time between households
• Each parent’s work schedule

Clear expectations and detailed schedules often reduce misunderstandings and future disputes.

When Visitation Agreements Aren’t Followed

Unfortunately, visitation issues can arise when one parent does not follow the parenting plan. This may include:

• Repeatedly denying scheduled visits
• Consistently arriving late or not at all
• Interfering with communication between parent and child

When informal resolution doesn’t work, Washington law provides legal options to address noncompliance.

Enforcement Options in Washington

If a visitation agreement is not being honored, parents may consider:

• Documenting missed or denied visits
• Requesting court enforcement of the parenting plan
• Seeking make-up parenting time
• Asking the court to impose penalties for ongoing violations

Courts take parenting plans seriously, especially when violations affect a child’s stability or emotional health.

Supporting Your Child Through the Process

Children benefit most when parents work together, communicate respectfully, and shield them from conflict. Even during disagreements, keeping the focus on the child’s needs helps preserve trust and emotional security.

Guidance for Central Washington Parents

Visitation rights are about more than schedules—they’re about maintaining meaningful parent-child connections. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you advocate for a parenting plan that supports your child’s long-term well-being.

At Central Washington Lawyers, PLLC, we help parents in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and across Central Washington understand visitation rights, enforce parenting plans, and work toward solutions that prioritize children.



📞 Call 509-581-4090 to schedule a consultation.