In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the way families are formed, with many moving beyond traditional romantic relationships.
In Washington, it has become increasingly common for individuals—whether friends, relatives, or those sharing a similar vision of parenting—to raise children together without having been romantically involved. These modern family structures often thrive, but they can greatly benefit from well-defined legal agreements.
Co-parenting agreements are often the best way to achieve this, offering practical solutions grounded in family law.
Why Co-Parenting Agreements Matter
A co-parenting agreement is a legally recognized contract between two or more people who agree to raise a child together. This agreement spells out the details of parenting responsibilities, decision-making authority, parenting schedules, and financial support.
In the absence of such a document, courts often struggle to define each party’s legal standing. In traditional divorces or custody cases, courts rely on marital laws or shared biological parentage.
But in situations where co-parents have never been romantically involved, clarity becomes even more important. In Washington, family law provides room for such agreements, especially when the best interests of the child are at the center of the arrangement.
We’ve represented many clients in these non-traditional parenting partnerships—friends who chose to raise a child together, former partners who are no longer romantically involved but still wish to share parenting duties, or even single individuals who chose to become parents with the help of someone they trust.
Regardless of the motivation, a well-crafted co-parenting agreement reduces conflict, confusion, and legal disputes down the road.
Legal Considerations Under Washington Family Law
Under Washington law, there is no requirement that two individuals be romantically involved or married to raise a child together. The courts focus on parenting capacity, stability, and the child’s best interests when making decisions.
However, without legal documents to back up a parenting arrangement, courts may be limited in how they can protect non-biological parents or enforce agreements between parties.
That’s why we use family law tools like parenting plans, legal parentage filings, and support orders to reinforce the rights and duties spelled out in a co-parenting agreement.
Establishing legal parentage is often the first step in these situations. Washington recognizes legal parentage through biology, adoption, and assisted reproduction—but co-parents who are not biologically related may need to formally establish parentage through a court proceeding.
Without this, one co-parent may not have standing in court to request custody or visitation. We work closely with our clients to assess whether a legal parentage action is necessary and how it should be structured under Washington family law.
What Should Be Included in a Co-Parenting Agreement
Every parenting relationship is different, but a solid co-parenting agreement typically includes specific provisions. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are the main topics we usually address with our clients:
1. Legal custody: Which parent has the authority to make major decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, and religion? Will this be shared equally?
2. Physical custody and parenting time: How will time with the child be divided between the co-parents? Will the child live primarily with one parent or split time equally?
3. Financial contributions: How will each co-parent contribute to the child’s expenses? Will one parent pay child support or share specific costs like medical bills or extracurricular activities?
4. Health and medical care: Who will provide health insurance for the child? How will non-emergency medical decisions be handled?
5. Education: What type of schooling will the child receive? How will decisions about school enrollment, tutoring, and other academic matters be made?
6. Religious upbringing (if applicable): Will the child be raised within a particular faith tradition, and how will each parent support that?
7. Conflict resolution: If disagreements arise, how will they be addressed? Will mediation or legal counsel be sought before going to court?
8. Future changes: How will changes to the agreement be made? Will the parties reconvene periodically to review the arrangement?
9. Travel and relocation: What are the boundaries when it comes to travel with the child or moving to a new city or state?
10. Communication and boundaries: How often will the co-parents communicate about the child? What expectations exist about respecting each other’s parenting choices?
When these topics are clearly addressed, the agreement serves as a reliable reference point for daily life and long-term planning. By anchoring the arrangement in Washington family law, we help clients avoid confusion and prevent costly court battles in the future.
Benefits of Formalizing a Co-Parenting Agreement
From our experience, formal co-parenting agreements provide peace of mind and legal security. They prevent disputes over custody and responsibilities that could arise in the absence of clear expectations.
If a co-parent moves out of state, begins a new relationship, or disagrees about the child’s upbringing, the agreement provides a clear path forward. Additionally, courts tend to view these agreements favorably when they are thoughtfully constructed and reflect the child’s best interests.
In Washington, family law supports the idea that a child benefits from having multiple stable caregivers. That can include parents who are not biologically related but have acted in a parental role from the beginning.
With the legal foundation in place, both parents are better positioned to protect their relationship with the child, especially in the event of a dispute or separation.
We’ve helped many clients enforce or modify co-parenting agreements through court-approved parenting plans. These documents carry legal weight and allow both parties to exercise rights such as visitation, decision-making authority, and access to school and medical records.
When Agreements Go Wrong
Not all co-parenting relationships remain harmonious. Disputes may arise about parenting time, financial responsibilities, or differences in values. When that happens, the existence of a written, legally valid agreement helps settle the disagreement more easily.
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, we help clients address breaches in co-parenting agreements through mediation or litigation when necessary.
Washington family law prioritizes the child’s needs, and courts are willing to intervene when one parent is not honoring their part of the agreement. We’ve successfully helped clients modify agreements, enforce support provisions, or request court orders granting legal or physical custody when disputes turn serious.
Additional Legal Tools That Can Strengthen Your Arrangement
In addition to co-parenting agreements, we often advise our clients to consider other legal documents. For example, a power of attorney can allow a non-biological co-parent to make medical or educational decisions for the child in emergencies.
A will or guardianship plan can provide instructions about who should care for the child if one parent dies. These safeguards, used alongside a co-parenting agreement, strengthen the child’s security and stability.
For clients using assisted reproductive technology, we also recommend working with us to create clear legal agreements about parental intent before the child is born. These agreements clarify custody rights and legal obligations, especially when a third-party donor or surrogate is involved.
Why Legal Advice Matters in Modern Parenting
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, we believe that no two families are exactly alike, and every parenting structure deserves respect and protection under the law. Modern parenting calls for modern legal solutions.
Co-parenting agreements offer a foundation for mutual understanding, respect, and long-term planning. By crafting an agreement that reflects your shared values, you set your child up for success in a world that increasingly recognizes and accepts diverse family structures.
We encourage those entering a co-parenting relationship in Washington to get legal advice before moving forward. The laws around parentage, custody, and support can be difficult to understand without guidance.
By creating a thoughtful, legally sound co-parenting agreement, you’re making a responsible choice—not just for yourself, but for your child’s future.
Reach Out Today
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, we approach each co-parenting case with the same care and attention we’d want for our own families. We’re proud to serve Fircrest, Washington, and the surrounding communities. Call today.