Recent poll of Washington residents shows tremendous support for shared parenting

The most recent round of National Parents Organization (NPO) shared parenting polling in Washington shows overwhelming and wide-ranging support for shared parenting in the state. Ninety-five percent of those who were polled in Washington believe it is in the child's best interest to have as much time as possible with each parent in cases of separation or divorce.

This NPO-commissioned poll, conducted independently by Researchscape International, is part of NPO’s ongoing commitment to carry out shared parenting research throughout the United States. The nonprofit is actively working to further its educational, advocacy, and legislative efforts for equal shared parenting. NPO commissioned this poll as a way to gauge the interest of voters and their support for shared parenting. The data collected in this poll measures the attitudes and beliefs about shared parenting when parents live apart in Washington state. According to these results, nearly all Washingtonians are supportive of equal shared parenting. Those polled also reported that they would be more likely to vote for a  candidate who supports equal shared parenting.

The NPO Washington Shared Parenting Survey, conducted over a two-day period in August 2021, had a sample size of 601 respondents was representative of Washington adults with respect to race, gender, age, income, and political alignment. The survey methodology provides an estimated credibility interval of plus or minus 6%, according to Researchscape International. 

The polling of the respondents concluded that in instances of separation or divorce:

•  95% of those in Washington believe it is in the child's best interest ... to have as much time as possible with each parent.

• 92% of those in Washington expressed a commitment to vote their beliefs being "more likely to vote for a candidate who supports children spending equal or nearly equal time with each parent ...when both parents are fit and willing to be parents."

•  85% of those in Washington indicated they would support a change in Washington law that awards children as much time as possible with each parent after divorce or separation.

• 77% of those in Washington surveyed believe that when there is conflict between parents, awarding sole custody to one parent increases conflict.

• 87% of those polled believe that Washington should promote shared parenting for all children with separated parents.

• 86% of those in Washington believe that both parents should have equal rights and responsibilities following divorce or separation.

 The data collected in this shared parenting poll will help to advance efforts to enact legislation  creating a presumption of  equal shared parenting when parents are separated or divorced. According to previous data and reports generated by NPO, there is room for significant improvement in Washington’s child custody laws. In the 2019 NPO Shared Parenting Report Card, Washington was given a ‘C’ grade. 

The report noted several positive features of Washington’s statutes. In particular: , there are several positives noted in the report:

• WASH. REV. CODE § 26.09.194: Washington statutes allow each parent to submit a temporary parenting plan with a motion that it be incorporated into temporary orders. This plan will include all aspects of decision-making authority as well as residential arrangements for the child. This, in effect, permits joint legal custody and shared physical custody during temporary orders.

•  WASH. REV. CODE § 26.09.194: Washington statutes recognize three methods a court may use to settle decision-making authority in permanent parenting plans: allocation of decision-making authority; sole decision-making authority; and mutual decision- making authority.

•  WASH. REV. CODE § 26.09.187(3): Washington statutes contain language encouraging shared parenting.

According to previous research from NPO and its partners, the prevalence of shared parenting in the United States is in the 20% to 25% range. Meanwhile additional research out of Washington state has found that the prevalence of shared parenting is much higher. In fact, research papers indicate that in Washington, there is an estimated 34% prevalence of shared parenting. While Washington is ranked highly in terms of how often separated and divorced parents practice shared parenting, there is still work that needs to be done. The 2019 Report Card noted one negative for Washington which addresses statutory provisions. Currently, Washington has no statutory preference for, or presumption of, shared parenting – joint legal custody and shared physical custody – for temporary or final orders.

This latest round of polling will help to generate more support for shared parenting from Washington state lawmakers. Even though shared parenting is more prevalent in Washington compared to other states across the country, it is still essential to pass laws that support equal shared parenting. NPO and its team of volunteers and advocates hope that this data will put pressure on state legislators in Washington to enact laws that truly promote the best interest of children.

Washington joined five other states, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, and West Virginia, in the latest round of polling. As of December 2021,NPO has commissioned shared parenting polling in 19 states. NPO is working to fund shared parenting polls in all 50 states. To help support the efforts of polling the remaining states, click here to donate.

To learn more about NPO, click here to visit the organization’s website. You can also help to support its mission and vision by donating, fundraising, volunteering, and advocating. 

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 The overarching goal of National Parents Organization (NPO) is to promote shared parenting by educating parents, divorce professionals, and legislators and by reforming family courts and laws in every state. NPO focuses on advocacy and research leading to systemic reform of the family courts. The organization does not provide legal aid or advice on individual cases.