Custodia

Protective actions are steps taken by a parent in “good faith” to protect themselves or their child from the risk of harm by the other parent. This can include:

1. filing a petition for a protection or restraining order;
2. filing a report or complaint about physical, sexual, or mental abuse of the child, or child neglect, to someone official, like law enforcement, the child’s school, a therapist, etc.; or
3. asking the court to change residential time in a court order.¹ 

Protective actions are not considered coercive control, abusive use of conflict, or improper withholding of the child from the other parent.

¹ R.C.W. § 26.09.191(3)(e)