Washington Parenting Plan & Residential Schedule
Current, source-linked Washington terminology and rules without imported out-of-state formulas.
Washington terminology
Parenting plan
The binding court order that sets the residential schedule, decision-making authority, and dispute resolution process.
Residential schedule
Where the child lives and the schedule — the Washington term for the time a child spends with each parent.
Decision-making authority
Who makes major decisions for the child (education, health care, religious upbringing) — sole or joint.
Best interests
The standard; decided on all relevant factors (RCW 26.09.187).
Core rules
- Washington uses 'parenting plan', 'residential schedule', and 'decision-making authority' — not 'custody' as the operative framework
- There is no presumption for or against either parent; the residential schedule and decision-making are decided on the child's best interests
- Every permanent parenting plan must address residential provisions, decision-making authority, and a dispute resolution process (RCW 26.09.184)
- No party receives a preference based on gender
- There is no fixed 50/50 presumption and no overnight formula that converts a schedule into a residential-time right
- In contested cases the court may require mediation
Support and modification cautions
Washington uses the Income Shares model for child support — not a flat percentage of one parent's income. The court combines both parents' net income and reads the basic obligation from the Economic Table (RCW 26.19 / Washington State Child Support Schedule, eff. 1/1/2026). A parenting plan may be modified upon a substantial change of circumstances (RCW 26.09.260).
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Washington Superior Court clerk handling your case.