Protecting Your Parental Rights: What Every Mom and Dad Should Know in WA

Being a parent comes with both deep responsibilities and important legal rights. Whether you are married, unmarried, separated, or never lived with the other parent, understanding your parental rights under Washington law is critical. For parents in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and across Central Washington, knowing how these rights are established and protected can make a lasting difference for both you and your child.

Washington family law is designed to prioritize children’s well-being while ensuring parents have a fair opportunity to remain involved in their lives.

Parental Rights for Married Parents in Washington

When parents are married at the time a child is born, Washington law generally recognizes both parents as legal parents automatically. This means each parent typically has equal rights and responsibilities related to:

• Making decisions about education, healthcare, and upbringing
• Spending time with the child
• Seeking custody or parenting time if separation occurs

If married parents later separate or divorce, these rights are addressed and formalized through a parenting plan approved by the court.

Parental Rights for Unmarried Parents

For unmarried parents, parental rights may not be automatic for both parties. Washington law treats mothers and fathers differently until certain legal steps are taken.

Unmarried Mothers

In most cases, an unmarried mother has legal parental rights at birth. She can make decisions for the child unless and until a court order states otherwise.

Unmarried Fathers

Unmarried fathers must take steps to establish legal parentage before gaining enforceable parental rights. This can be done by:

• Signing an Acknowledgment of Parentage
• Obtaining a court order establishing parentage

Until parentage is legally established, a father may not have enforceable rights to custody or visitation.

Why Establishing Parentage Matters

Establishing parentage is the foundation for protecting parental rights. Once parentage is legally recognized, a parent may seek:

• A parenting plan
• Decision-making authority
• Residential time with the child
• Participation in major life decisions

It also ensures the child has access to benefits such as child support, inheritance rights, and medical history.

Asserting Your Parental Rights After Separation

After parents separate, rights are not enforced automatically. To protect your role in your child’s life, it’s important to take timely action.

Steps may include:

• Requesting a parenting plan through the court
• Addressing custody and visitation schedules formally
• Seeking child support or responding to a support request

Without court orders in place, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise quickly.

When Courts Get Involved

Washington courts focus on the best interests of the child when making decisions about parenting plans and parental rights. Judges consider factors such as:

• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s life
• The child’s emotional and developmental needs
• Stability, safety, and consistency

Courts generally support arrangements that encourage meaningful relationships with both parents when appropriate.

Guidance for Central Washington Parents

Protecting your parental rights starts with understanding them. Whether you are an unmarried parent seeking to establish rights, or a separated parent wanting clarity and structure, early guidance can help prevent future disputes.

At Central Washington Lawyers, PLLC, we help parents in Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and across Central Washington understand their rights and take the proper legal steps to protect their relationship with their children.



📞 Call 509-581-4090 to schedule a consultation and get the support you need.