SB 5708-S - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

Affirms that parents have a paramount right to raise their minor children.

Recognizes that this paramount right must be considered in conjunction with a minor child's interest in maintaining the strong emotional bonds with others that the child has developed and relies upon. Therefore, the legislature intends to establish internally consistent and rigorous standards that must be met for a nonparent to obtain visitation with a minor child.

Provides that a person other than a parent may petition the court for visitation only during a pending dissolution or legal separation, and prior to the entry of the order establishing the initial permanent parenting plan under chapter 26.09 RCW.