Becoming parents is a joyful experience for many Washington couples. Some couples are able to have children naturally while others may have to take advantage of fertility treatments and options. In either case, children resulting from a union are subject to custody debates should a couple choose to divorce. However, in the cases of some fertility precautions, other family law issues could arise and make for a complicated situation.
Having fertilized and frozen embryos that could be used for future implantation is a fertility route that some couples choose to take. If this path is one they choose, those embryos run the risk of creating a debate over property division and child custody should the couple decide to divorce. Some cases where this type of situation has come up are having a difficult time in determining whether those embryos should be classified as property or as children.
Because such a topic can quickly become controversial, divorce proceedings involving these conditions can be very complex. Would-be father and mothers may not feel that the other is fit to have access to embryos that could potentially be implanted. Similarly, even if a couple is divorced before an implantation takes place, issues revolving around child custody and support could affect both parents.
This type of situation is one where family law matters can take many turns. If a person is not fully aware of what Washington laws concerning unborn children state, then he or she could be faced with a confusing and difficult situation. Parties concerned with such circumstances could benefit from gathering information on relevant state laws and cases or discussing options with knowledgeable individuals.