GR 22(e), (g) 
Mandatory Form (05/2016)  
FL All Family  013 Sealed Confidentia l Report  
 
 Law Offices of  Matthew Jolly  
2737 77th Avenue SE , Suite 206  
Mercer Island, WA  98040  
425-462-9394  
 
Superior Court of Washington, County of  King  
In re:  
Petitioner : 
VERONIKA GOODNIGHT , 
And  
Respondent:  
MATHEW RALIDAK.  No. 20-3-03830- 3 SEA  
Sealed Confidential Report  
(Cover Sheet)  
(SEAL RPT)  
 Clerk’s action required . 
For use in Family Law  and Guardianship ca ses. 
Sealed Confidential Report (Cover Sheet)  
Check the  reports you are attaching to this cover sheet to be sealed.  Only the following parts of 
these reports are confidential and should be attached:   
 Detailed descriptions of material, or information g athered or reviewed;  
 Detailed descriptions of all statements reviewed or taken;  
 Detailed descriptions of tests conducted or reviewed; or  
 Analysis to support the conclusions and recommendations.  
(A public version of the report without the confidential par ts may be filed separately.)    
 Parenting evaluations  (UPD ATE)  
 Domestic Violence Assessment Reports (from Family Court Services or a court -appointed expert)  
 Risk Assessment Reports (from Family Court Ser vices or an expert)  
 CPS Summary Repo rts (from Family Court Services or directly from CPS)  
 Sexual abuse evaluations   
 Report from a Guardian ad Litem  (GAL) or Court Appointed Special  Advocate (CASA)  
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Submitted  by:     Petitioner or lawyer     Respondent  or lawyer     Other:  Parenting Evaluator  
  Matthew Jolly , WSBA #23167_____ _______________  
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PARENTING EVALUATION  
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2737 77th Avenue SE  
Suite 206  
Mercer Island, WA  98040  
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N THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON 
FOR KING COUNTY  
In re:  
  
Petitioner:  
     
VERONIKA GOODNIGHT , 
  
And Resp ondent:  
    
MATHEW RALIDAK , NO.  20-3-03830 -3 SEA 
P
ARENTING EVALUATION – 
UPDATE FOR TRIAL   
[
SEALED DOCUMENT]  
I. A
PPOINTMENT  AND BACKGROUND
T
his is an action to establish a parenting plan for the parties ’ three children: 
Elora (age 6 ), Aidan (age 5) and Raina (age 3).   The evaluator previously completed 
an evaluation in this matter on April 30, 2021 and made recommendations for a final 
parenting plan.  The parties have been unable to resolve these issues in settlement and the matter is scheduled for trial (recently conti nued to December 6, 2021) .  At the 
request of counsel, the evaluator is completing a brief update to provide information to the court regarding developments for the family since the prior report.  In addition, the prior report recommended the mother obtain secondary evaluations regarding 
substance use and mental health and this report will follow up on the status of those 
recommendations .  Accordingly, this report should be read after reading the prior 
Parenting Evaluation and as a supplement thereto.  This  is not intended as a full, 
second evaluation.   
II. I
NFORMATION FOR THE REPORT
T
his Parenting Evaluation is based on the following information:  
A. V
ideo Interview with Mathew Ralidak – September 17, 2021
B. Video Interview with Veronika Goodnight – September 22, 2021SEALED
 
 
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 C. Document Review (see below)  
D. Telephone Interview with C.J. Ellsworth – October 11, 2021  
E. Written Interview with Monica Bonilla Gonzalez –  October 11, 2021  
 
III. INTERVIEW WITH  MATHEW RALIDAK 
 
Mathew Ralidak  was interviewed via Zoom on September 17, 2021.  The 
following is based upon his  self-report.  
 
Mat continues to reside in Everett with his girlfriend, Monica.  After a period of 
unemployment, he was re -hired by his previous employer as of th e beginning of 
August 2021.  His new position is Client Solutions Director.  This position is more administrative and has less travel.  He works from home.  He has not had to travel yet for the job and has no travel scheduled.  However, he expects that he may have to travel to event sites or to meet with clients in the future and described it as “maybe 20% travel.”  
 Elora and Aidan are attending school in Carnation.  Elora is in first grade and 
Aidan is in kindergarten.  The classes are in person.  Mat reports that the drive to their school from his house in Everett is about 45 minutes each way.  The children have attended for 2 weeks.  It is the first in- person school experience for both kids.  
Aidan has the same kindergarten teacher that Elora had (for her  virtual class).  
School seems to be going fine.  Mat reports that he and Veronika were in 
disagreement about what school the children should attend.  He preferred to enroll the children in Everett (where he lives) and Veronika wanted the children to atten d in 
Carnation (where she lives).  Mat wanted to enroll the children both in Carnation and 
Everett to cover both options.  Veronika did not agree.  He learned two weeks prior to school starting that she had not yet enrolled Aidan in kindergarten in Carnati on which 
resulted in some last -minute scrambling to get them enrolled.  
 Elora does not have her vaccinations for school.  Veronika is opposed to 
vaccinating the children on the traditional vaccination schedule.  Mat supports traditional vaccination of the children.  Veronika has claimed a religious objection but the Mormon church is not opposed to vaccination.  Mat said that Veronika touts the children’s health without w estern medicine when selling her MLM products.  He sees 
his more mainstream approach to health care and education decisions as being a potential source of conflict between the parents going forward.  
 Mat has not seen any direct evidence of Veronika abusing alcohol since the 
prior evaluation.  There was an incident at the pool when Veronika took the kids to Las Vegas to visit her sister.  Elora reported being left in charge of Aidan in the pool (Elora i s 6 and Aidan 5).  Aidan struggled in the pool and had to be pulled out.  Elora 
reported that her aunt was angry at Veronika for leaving the kids without an adult in the pool.  Mat was concerned by Elora’s report and wondered if it meant Veronika 
 
 
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 was drink ing.  Mat reports that he continues to use marijuana but states he only uses 
it when the children are in Veronika’s care.  
 
 Mat has not seen the ABH alcohol evaluation that Veronika obtained.  He did 
not recall ever being contacted by an evaluator from ABH .  He is not aware of 
whether Veronika has begun a mental health evaluation but he has not been 
contacted by an evaluator.  Mat reports that he was contacted by a counselor at Sea Mar who has seen the children and diagnosed them with an adjustment disorder .  He 
is not sure if they are in regular counseling or were only assessed.  He spoke to the evaluator who reported that Aidan said that “daddy kicked mommy out of the house” but that Veronika then corrected Aidan and said that was not true.  Mat suspects t his 
was something Aidan overheard Veronika say previously.  
  The shared schedule is not something children struggle with.  However, Mat is 
concerned about the fact that the two households are so different.  He reports that his home has structure, routine,  and supervision.  He thinks that Veronika does not 
provide structure, routine,  or supervision.  Elora reports being left unattended and 
that she and a 9- year-old friend are allowed to cook on their own.  Aidan reported 
watching a horror video with Eli (the son of Veronika’s boyfriend who is about the same age) which left him frightened.  Mat reported that Veronika acknowledged that the kids were often unattended while she worked on the farm and that was why Aidan saw the video.  Elora reported that her mom told her she was having a biopsy and Elora was worried about Veronika.  Mat is  concerned that Elora is being made to 
feel like she needs to worry about and care for her mom rather than the other way around.  
  Mat is concerned that the children call Veronika’s boyfriend “Daddy Joseph.”  
They refer to Monica by her name and do not cal l her “mommy.”  Mat reported that 
he listed the couple’s former neighbor as a witness for trial because the witness said he was willing to help.  After the list was given to Veronika, she contacted the witness.  The witness then called Mat and said Veronik a had threatened to ruin him 
and to sue him.  The witness then backed out of testifying.  Mat reminded the evaluator that Veronika had a history making inflammatory claims about him on social media and that the neighbor was aware of that history.   
  Mat c ontinues to believe that the children are better served by being placed in 
his primary care during school days and moved to school in Everett.  He believes that he is able to provide structure, supervision and financial stability and questions whether Vero nika can (she is still not working).    
 
IV. INTERVIEW WITH VERONIKA GOODNIGHT  
 
Veronika Goodnight was interviewed via Zoom on September 22,  2021.  The 
following is based upon her  self-report.  
 
 
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Veronika began by reporting that she broke her leg while going down a slide 
with one of her children.  She is not currently driving due to this injury.  She still resides at the same location.  She plans to remain there but anticipates moving out in 4 year s so she can have her own place.   
 Veronika is not working outside of labor  she does on the farm where she 
resides.  Due to her injury, Veronika is no longer driving for UBER Eats.  She reported that she was unable to afford her former car and it was repossessed but she was gifted a van by a member of her church.  Veronika wanted to correct what she thought was a misimpression  from the prior report regarding her past employment. 
Veronika reports she has never been fired.  She quit Trader Joe’s and reports that the door is still open for her to work as a school bus driver.  She said that she has an offer to train as a paralegal with a local attorney.  However, she would need to put Raina in pre- school to take the position.  She located a free/subsidized pre- school 
and suggested enrolling Raina to Mat but he did not respond.   Veronika also said it is 
still her goal to earn money as a surrogate.  
 When asked how she managed her finances given the lack of traditional 
employment  and a regular income, Veronika reported that she has consolidated her 
debts and/or  let them go to collections.  She does not pay rent or utilities (her church 
pays them).  She has EBT for groceries for the children.  She also receives child support but that money mostly goes to pay her attorney.  She does not have many 
expenses and therefore does not need a lot of income.  
 
Elora and Aiden are attending school in Carnation.  They love school and 
enjoy riding the bus .  Veronika does not believe the shared schedule is working well 
for the kids.   For example, Elora got upset when the parties moved the weekly 
exchange date and Elora was scheduled to spend an extra 5 days with Mat.  She said she hated going to Dad and Monica’s, that she does not feel comfortable there, and asked why she and her siblings could not live with their mother.  Veronika reported that Elora said,  “I just wish my dad was dead.”  
 The prior counselor for the children moved to New Zealand.  Veronika took 
them to Sea -Mar so that they could get new counselors.  The children have been 
evaluated and counselor selected for each child.  However, they have not had counseling sessions as the counselors want the sessions to be in person and Veronika is not driving.  
 Veronika also contacted Sea- Mar for an assessment and counseling.  She 
reports she was diagnosed with PTSD.  She is in counseling with Monica B onilla 
Gonzalez an d sees her weekly.  She finds the counseling helpful.  
 
 
 
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 In response to the recommendations of the parenting evaluation, Veronika 
obtained a substance abuse assessment from Associated Behavioral Health.  The 
evaluation was twice delayed when two  assigned evaluator s left ABH.  She 
eventually obtained the completed assessment which recommended she complete an education program of classes.  She reports that  there is a dispute about whether 
she needs to do a whole new evaluation and she does not have the money for that.  She has not yet enrolled in the recommended class.  Currently, she is not drinking alcohol at all.  When asked about pain medications for her broken leg, Veronika reported she was prescribed Oxycodone.  When her prescription ran out and she still had pain, she asked for it to be renewed but the doctor declined.  She takes Advil and Tylenol.  She did also take some CBD.  
 The evaluator asked Ver onika about making negative social media posts 
about Mat.  Veronika said she did tell the story of her failed relationship with Mat on Facebook at the time of separation for the purpose of raising money.  She did not identify Mat in those posts and referred to him as her “ex.”  She did not include pictures.  She then left Facebook and most social media except TikTok.  When asked about the specific TikTok posts that Mat shared, Veronika did not dispute them.  However, she noted that she continues not to identify Mat.  She says her posts raise awareness of domestic violence  and she compared Mat monitoring her social media 
posts to stalking.  Veronika described herself as having “escaped a Gabby Petito or Chris Watts situation
1.”  She said she sought a restrai ning order from the court when 
she and Mat separated but the court denied it  due to the lack of any physical abuse . 
Veronika denied making negative statements about Mat or Monica to the children.  
 The evaluator asked Veronika about vaccinating the children.  She said she 
read a book about vaccination during her relationship with Mat.  Both she and Mat decided not to vaccinate the children.  Now Mat has changed his mind which Veronika attributes to M onica.  She continues to oppose vaccinating the children and 
reports having friends whose children died as a result of vaccinations.  Veronika reports she obtained a religious objection and not e from her doctor to allow the 
children to attend school unvacc inated.  
 The evaluator asked Veronika about the report that she was failing to 
supervise the children and Mat’s report that Raina had nearly drowned unsupervised in a pool.  Veronika says she supervises the kids and that they do her farm chores with her and are not left alone.  She reports that there are witnesses who can attest to this.  She did take the kids to Las Vegas for a wedding and to visit family.  Veronika’s mom was watching Raina in the pool.  She helped Raina get out of the pool and remove her floaties.  Veronika’s mom then got distracted and Raina got 
 
1 Gabby Petito is a woman who is suspected to have been murdered by her fiancé.  Chris Watts murdered his 
wife and children.  
 
 
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 back in the pool.  Veronika was only 5 steps away and noticed immediately and 
Raina was pulled out of the pool and was okay.  
 Veronika supports the parenting plan recommendations in the prior eval uation 
even if she does not agree with all the information in the report.  She has tried to comply with those recommendations including going to ABH and Sea  Mar.  She 
added however that she would like to have sole decision- making for the children as 
she believes Mat is incapable of co- parenting with her.  She stated she would still 
include him in the decision- making process even if she were empowered to make the 
decisions.   
  
V. DOCUMENT REVIEW  
A. Substance Use Records 
ABH Substances Abuse Evaluation (5-27-21).  In response to the 
recommendations of the prior report, Veronika obtained a substance use assessment from Associated Behavioral Health.  The evaluation was performed by Shawna Mokler.  The assessment included a diagnostic interview with Veronik a, collateral 
contacts, UA test results, and a review of her criminal history.  In the report, Veronika 
states  that she is retired and that she is not taking medications.  She reports limited 
drinking (5 times in the previous year).  Veronika reports use of illegal drugs as a teen and young adult including significant use of meth amphetamine from 18 to 22.  Veronika reports a diagnosis of PTSD but no other current mental health concerns.  The evaluator states she reached out to Mat by email and phone and th at he failed to 
respond or provide a questionnaire response.  The evaluator spoke to two other witnesses (friends of Veronika) who reported no concerns.  Veronika passed three random and monitored UA tests.  The report concludes that Veronika does not meet  
the clinical criteria for diagnosis  with a substance use disorder  and recommended 
she complete an early intervention program including an 8- hour class and four one-
hour group or individual sessions together with random UA testing.   
 UA Tests . Veronika co mplete UA testing as follows:  
• 6/3/21. N egative for all tested substances including alcohol, opiates, 
marijuana,  and illegal drugs.   
• 6/4/21.  Negative for all tested substances including alcohol, opiates, 
marijuana and illegal drugs though the sample is flagged as dilute.   
• 6/18/21 . Negative for all tested substances including alcohol, opiates, 
marijuana and illegal drugs.   
 
 
 
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 B. Mother’s Medical Records  
Sea Mar Behavioral Health Clinic Records . These records were forwarded by 
counsel for the mother.  The evaluator noted the following:  
• Veronika had an initial mental health assessment on May 25, 2021.  She is 
meeting with a therapist at least once a month and is in compliance with 
her treatment as of September 14, 2021.  
• In a letter dated September 14, 2021, Diana Fix, LMHC, confirms that she provided therapy for Veronika from October 2020 to February 2021.  Ms. Fix states Veronika made good progress and it was mutually decided she could graduate from therapy.  
Veronika’s Sea Mar Mental Health Assessment  (5/25/21) . These assessment 
notes were provided by Sea Mar Community Health in response to a request from the evaluator.  Veronika came in on May 25, 2021 reporting that she is in a major legal battle with Mat and that “he’s more abusive now that I’m out of the situation.”  She report ed jumping when she hears sounds and sweating when she hears Mat’s 
name.  She also described having nightmares related to Mat or court proceedings.  She described her then current mood and energy positively but reported suffering from PMD D.  Veronika disclosed her past diagnosis with borderline personality 
disorder to the evaluator and that she took medications in her early 20s.  She described her past relationships as having been abusive and attributes this to poor treatment from her fath er.  She states that Ma t engaged in verbal, emotional and 
financial abuse.  She also reported sexual abuse but states she did not remember that until re- processing forgotten memories in therapy.  Veronika talks positively 
about all the support she has in t he community.  She reports no current use of 
alcohol or drugs but does disclose a history of drug and alcohol use (consistent with what was reported the evaluator and to ABH).  Veronika talks specifically about positive things she does with her children and the strength of their relationship.  The assessment describes Veronika as reporting “symptoms of PTSD related to abusive ex-partner which include flashbacks, nightmares, physical sensations in response to 
anxiety (sweating, jumpy, tearful) and heightened anxiety.”  The assessment states  
Veronika appears to be successfully coping with these symptoms but would benefit from low -intensity therapy.  
BHUC Clinical Assessment (5/13/21) . Veronika came into the Behavioral 
Health Urgent Care Center “to address needi ng a mental health evaluation.”  She 
reported seeking the evaluation in response to the recommendations from the undersigned.  Veronika denied any suicidal ideation or intent at the time of the evaluation.  She reported a history of trauma exposure as a child and adult and that her main concern was her PMDD.  She reported a family history of mental illness and addiction.  The report notes that “prognosis is hopeful as patient seems to be resilient and has an ability to apply coping tools, as well as has res ources to re -establish short 
 
 
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 term counseling for continued support.” The report recommends she contact Sea 
Mar. 
Letter from Dr. Bowker (9- 22-21). This letter reports that Veronika consulted 
with Dr. Bowker about non- narcotic pain management in connection with her broken 
leg.  She was referred for possible use of CBD and medical marijuana products for pain management (non- opioid).  Dr. Bowker states “I believe Veronika is being 
proactive in taking care of herself and trying to find the best option to help her cope with the pain from her injury, so that she can be the best possible mother for her children . . . .”  
Snohomish Valley Holistic Medicine R ecords . These records were forwarded 
by Veronika for review by the evaluator.  
• Veronika consulted on September 21, 2021 re : pain management.  She 
reported she was struggling with pain and took a Lyrica (not prescribed to her) and consumed alcohol on one occ asion (when the children were not 
with her) to deal with the pain.  She is looking for non- addictive solution for 
pain management.   She was referred to a provider regarding use of THC 
for pain management.  
• Veronika consulted her doctor on November 13, 2020.   She denied use of 
alcohol or drugs. She is noted as having been diagnosed with PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).   
• Veronika was seen March 23, 2020 for ear pain and conjunctivitis.  She was prescribed home remedies (compress, elderberry) and anti -biotic eye 
drops.   
• Veronika was seen on January 24, 2019 for an ear infection.  She reports taking half of a dilauded (an opioid) due to pain.  She is prescribed OTC pain medication (ibuprofen and acetaminophen) as well as an antibiotic and an anti -nausea medication.   
Katrina Ilams -Houser ND, PLLC.  Veronika saw the provider on September 25, 
2021 regarding pain management.  The provider recommended CBD for pain.  
C. Children’s Treatment Records  
Psychotherapy Notes for Elora (Jan 2021 – July 2021) .  These are records 
from Elora’s former counselor, Marcus Berley.  These records were provided by Veronika.  Marcus was initially contacted by Veronika who was looking for counseling for Elora for “adjusting to change in housing, parent’s custody issues.”   Marcus began 
seeing Elora for counseling.  He diagnoses her with an Adjustment Disorder, Unspecified.  The notes are generally positive but reflect that Elora was sometimes 
 
 
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 anxious and that there was “some anger.”  More often, Elora was upbeat and positi ve 
during sessions.  Nothing was noted about Elora’s relationship to either parent  in 
these written records . 
Medical Records from Dr. Stacy M. Bowker, ND . Dr. Bowker is Veronika’s and 
the children’s naturopath.  These records were forwarded by Veronika.  
• Letter from Dr.  Bowker (11- 13-20).  This letter reports that Dr. Bowker has 
been seeing Veronika and the children since November 2018.  She reports 
that Veronika has been the primary parent to contact her regarding children’s health.  She has never had concerns about Veronika’s parenting or seen signs of medical neglect.  
D. Communication Between or From  Parents  
OurFamilyWizard .  The evaluator reviewed communications between t he 
parents on OurFamilyWizard  or text that were forwarded by the parties and noted the 
following:  
• Aug. 6, 2021.  Mat requests that the children receive COVID test after 
Veronika took them to Las Vegas for a wedding.  Veronika declined to consent to the children being tested.  
Emails from Mother . The evaluator received email communications from the 
mother since the prior evaluation, summarized as follows:  
• May 21, 2021.  Veronika details disagreements she has with the evaluation 
and information she believes is inaccurately reported.  She reports passing a 10- panel hair test and disputes that s he was “let go” from past 
employment.  
• September 15, 2021.  Veronika reports she is still employed with UBER and 
as a school bus driver but unable to drive because she broke her leg.  Veronika provided a sworn declaration from an attorney in Carnation who reported meeting with Veronika about employment options and “awaiting 
the outcome of her litigation to find a mutually agreeable schedule.”  
• September 15, 2021.  Veronika complains that she has located a pre-
school for Raina at the Carnation Elementary School  but Mat is not being 
responsive or agreeing to her enrolling Raina.  
• September 15, 2021.  Veronika sent a number of emails disputing 
information from the prior e valuation.  Among other disputes, Veronika 
disputes the evaluator’s concerns that she leans emotionally on the 
 
 
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 children, has instability in her employment history,  or has a history of 
relationships becom ing estranged.   
Emails from Father . The evaluator has received email communications from 
the father since the prior evaluation, summarized as follows:  
• July 4, 2021. Mat was late to pick up the children when he failed to realize 
that the parenting plan granted him the July 4th holiday.  He left to pick 
them up when he realized his mistake but says that Veronik a was not 
responsive to his communications  to resolve the mistake.   
• August 19, 2021. Mat reports that Elora called Veronika from his Alexa 
speaker in her bedroom.  Mat is upset about this as he removed Veronika’s 
name from the device after they separated.  He speculates that Veronika 
used the children’s tablets to access the account, add h er name back, and 
encourage Elora to call her.  He is also upset that Veronika talked to the 
children about Facetiming her without first talking to him.  Mat is concerned that Veronika discussed her surgery with Elora which left Elora scared and worried for her mother.  Veronika also told the children that Mat was going to be testing them (for COVID) and that it was going to hurt which needlessly upset the children.  
• August 23, 2021. Mat reports that Elora said she was asked to watch her 
little sister, Raina, in the pool during their trip to Vegas with their mother.  
She reported that Raina started struggling and had to be pulled out of the water.  Elora’s aunt then got mad at Veronika for not watching the kids in the pool.  Elora also reported being frequently left alone at the farm with her 9- year-old friend.  Mat is concerned about Elora’s reports of lack of 
supervision by Veronika.  
• October 3, 2021. Mat reports that Aidan told him that Joseph’s son, Eli, put 
his hands around Aidan’s neck and was choking him.  Aidan reported that his mother was in the other room with Joseph when this happened.  He texted this to Veronika who denied it and reported Eli was at his mother’s house (Mat disputes this as Elora mentioned seeing Eli that weekend).  
Social  Media Posts . Mat forwarded some examples of social media posts by 
Veronika that caused him concern:  
• Veronika can be seen in an image holding what appears to be a court declaration.  A caption reads “this is legal abuse.  To my narc ex, please leave me alone, this will not go well for you. #legalabuse #narcissisticabuse . . .”  
 
 
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 • Veronika posts what appears to be some kind of meme of a man with a 
distorted face with the caption “Your Narcissistic Ex Trying to Charm The Judge But She’s Not Having It.”  
• Veronika posts an image of herself looking exasperated while staring at her 
phone with the caption “Trying to coparent with a malignant narcissist.”  
• Mat forwarded a GoFundMe post from a friend of Veronika’s.  The post seeks money for legal fees for Veronika and inc ludes a photo of Veronika 
with all 3 children (Mat is not in the photo).  The post states as follows:  
Hello Duvall! One of our own needs your help.  This is my best friend, Veronika.  She is a single mother of three going through a nasty legal battle with her abusive ex -partner.  They are going all the way to court.  
The cost of court is high and she needs help paying her bill.  Veronika is one of the best people I’ve had in my life.  She had made me a better person, she has that effect on people.  She is a kind, caring and 
attentive mom.  She always puts her kids first and strives to give them an amazing upbringing.  I’m asking for a lot, $30k to cover the bills.  However you can help, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing the link, please do so.  We need to support her.  We can do it!  We can end the abuse she’s enduring!  
E. Court Pleadings  
Declaration of Matthew Ralidak in Support of Motion for Temporary Order 
(5/28/21) . The evaluator reviewed this declaration after it was forwarded by Mat and 
noted the following:  
• At the time of the declaration, Mat had not found replacement employment and was struggling financially.  He reports that Veronika was likewise unemployed.   Veronika failed to make payments on the family van she was 
driving and allowed it to be repossessed which frustrated Mat (whose 
name was on the loan) . 
• Mat reports Veronika contacted a witness on his witness list and was belligerent and threatening.  Mat reports that the witness is now fearful of being involved.   Mat reports a second witness has told him she will not 
testify because she is fearful Veronika will retaliate via social media.  Mat reports Veronika has made negative social media posts about him including accusing him of rape and abuse.  
• Mat complains that Veronika has appeared in his daughter’s Zoom classes 
during Mat’s residential time.  
 
 
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 • Mat complains that he is unable to have phone contact with the children 
when they are with Veronika.  
Contempt Hearing Order (9- 7-21). The court found Veronika in contempt for 
failure to provide Mat with notice regarding taking the children to Las Vegas.  The court declined to find contempt regarding other alleged violations including the allegation that she unilaterally enrolled the ch ildren in home schooling, the allegation 
that she denied communication with the children, and the allegation that she made derogatory comments in front of the children.  The court reserved judgment on whether Veronika complied with treatment as required by  the temporary parenting 
plan.    
Temporary Order (9 -7-21). The court ordered Veronika to obtain a substance 
abuse evaluation as recommended by the evaluator and comply with any recommendations (the court noted that if she already obtained a compliant eval uation 
it should be deemed sufficient if it meets the crit eria of those recommendations ).  The 
court further ordered Veronika to obtain a psychiatric evaluation as recommended.  The court ordered the children should continue at Carnation Elementary pending trial and set a schedule for scheduled calls between the parents and children.  
F. Other  
Correspondence from Margeret Bender (10- 26-21). This letter was provided 
by Mat’s attorney very late in the process.  However, the majority of the concerns raised in this letter were raised by Mat in his interview.  In particular, Ms. Bender raises the following concerns:  
• Veronika is publicly accusing Mat of being verbally, emotionally and sexually abusive in the Duvall community and on social media.  Ms. Bender argues that there is no factual support for Veronika’s allegation (pointing to some of Veronika’s past statements).  Ms. Bender also argues 
that the Duvall community is now a poisoned well and Mat cannot be realistically expected to live there.  She argues that Veronika’s statements amount to emotional abuse and that Mat i s not abusive but is rather a 
victim of Veronika’s abuse.  
• Ms. Bender discusses some of Veronika’s medical records in support of the argument that Veronika did not claim Mat was abusive prior to separation.  She also raises concern about Veronika making neg ative 
statements about Mat in front of the children during their counseling sessions.  Ms. Bender also points to some medical records (discussed in the prior evaluation) on which Veronika discusses suicidal ideation.  
 
 
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 • Ms. Bender points to Veronika’s past st atements regarding heavy drinking 
and use of alcohol.  These statements were discussed in the prior 
evaluation.  
• Ms. Bender reports that Mat moved because (1) he could not afford housing in Duvall and (2) he was moving in with Monica who is a supportive par tner and has a positive relationship with children.  
• Ms. Bender raises concern about Veronika’s somewhat inconsistent statements about her employment past and future.  This concern is shared by the evaluator and discussed in the prior report.  
• Ms. Bender rep eats some of Mat’s concerns about Veronika failing to 
supervise the children, failing to shield them from conflict, and leaning on them emotionally.  
• Ms. Bender provided a number of exhibits.  Almost all of  these documents 
had been previously reviewed by the evaluator.   
 
VI. COLLATERAL CONTACTS  
 
A. Cassandra Ellsworth , M.A.  – Children’s Counselor  
 
Cassandra “CJ” Ellsworth is a Program Manager, Supervisor and Licensed 
Marriage and Family Therapist with Sea Mar Community Health.  I spoke to her by 
telephone on October 11, 2021.  
 Sea Mar was approached by Veronika regarding potential counseling services 
for the children.  CJ completed intake assessments for Elora (8/30/21) and Aidan (8/31/21).  She was the supervisor for another professional at Sea Mar who completed the assessment for Raina (9/9/21).  The assessment included a virtual session with the children at home.  Veronika was present during the session and provided feedback.  CJ also spoke separately to Mat to get his feedback and input for the assessment.  
 Elora was assessed as meeting the criteria for an adjustment disorder 
(unspecified).  CJ noted that Mat did not have a lot of input regarding Elora.  Elora experiences some irritability and worry around transitions between her parents.  CJ recommended weekly therapy.  There was some delay but counseling has recently started for Elora.  
 Aidan has some issues with tantrums and meltdowns, particularly associated 
with transitions between the parents.  He wa s assessed with an adjustment disorder 
(mixed).  CJ recommended therapy and work on eliminating outbursts.  He has also recently started counseling.  
 
 
 
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 Raina was assessed with an adjustment disorder (unspecified).  During Raina’s 
assessment, Veronika reporte d that there was a history of verbal abuse by Mat directed 
either towards the children or towards her in front of the children.  Raina is scheduled 
to commence counseling shortly.  
 In general, there was nothing unusual in CJ’s interaction with either parent.  
Veronika was the primary point of contact for all three children.  She has no safety concerns regarding either parent.  She believes the parents need assistance in co-parenting.  They seem to struggle to communicate and make decisions.  The children have questions about why the parents separated.  However, none of this is unusual for 
a custody case.  
 
B. Monica Bonilla Gonzalez, LSWAA –  Sea Mar Community Health  
 Monica Bonilla Gonzalez is Veronika’s individual counselor.  I attempted to 
speak to her by phone but was informed by her supervisor, Cate Ryan, that Ms. Bonilla 
Gonzalez would only answer written questions and provide a copy of the medical records for Veronika.  Accordingly, I provided written questions and the following is a summary of the responses I received on October 11, 2021 . 
 Ms. Bonilla Gonzalez is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker 
Associate and Veronika is her client.  Veronika came to Sea Mar Behavioral Health on May 25, 2021 and completed a mental health assessment.  She reported she was 
seeking mental health services due to anxiety and legal issues with her ex -husband.  
The intake diagnosed Veronika as suffering from PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).  Veronika currently attends weekly counseling sessions.  She has been engaged, responsive and participatory in all of her sessions.  
 Veronika has reported that she and her children have a positive, close,  and 
communicative relationship.  She describes spending quality time with her children including playing board games or s pending time on the farm with the animals.  Ms. 
Bonilla Gonzalez has seen some interaction between Veronika and her children during their video counseling sessions.  During these limited interactions, she observed Veronika to be kind and polite to her chil dren.  The y appeared receptive and calm in 
response to their mother.  Veronika reports she does not consume alcohol or other substances.  Ms. Bonilla Gonzalez has no concerns about Veronika’s ability to be a safe and effective parent for her children.  Ver onika appears competent and 
emotionally stable.   
 Veronika reports that Mat’s actions have been manipulative and 
emotionally/verbally abusive towards her before, during and after the separation.  Veronika is fearful she will lose custody of her children.  
 
 
 
 
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 VII. INTERVIEW WITH ELORA 
 
The original evaluation did not include an interview with any of the children 
due to their age.  However, both parents requested that the evaluator interview Elora 
as part of this update.  While Elora remains quite yo ung (6), the evaluator elected to 
speak with her as part of this update in accordance with the parents’ wishes.  Elora 
was interviewed twice, once at each parent’s home.  
 
A. Interview at Mother’s Home  I spoke to Elora via Zoom on October 2, 2021.  Elora was at her mother’s 
home for this interview.   She was in a room by herself (after her mother introduced 
her to the evaluator) and appeared to be out of the sight or hearing of anyone else  
(see below as this later proved untrue) .  She was mildly shy at firs t but quickly 
warmed  up and talked freely.  
 Elora reported she is 6 and a half years old.  She is in first grade at Carnation 
Elementary.  She likes her school and her teacher.  Her favorite thing about school is seeing her friends from kindergarten who she saw last year but only on Zoom.  Her 
best friend is Georgia who also goes to her school.  She has another friend, Lizzy, who lives next door to the farm where she lives with her mother.  She takes the bus to school which she likes.  When she is with her Dad, he drives her to school.  She said the drive takes “about an hour” which is too long though sometimes they see fun things on the drive.  Elora said she is not currently doing any activities like sports or dance classes.  
 Elora was clear that she does not live only with her mom but instead goes 
back and forth between her mom and her dad’s house.  When asked to describe her mother, Elora said she was “nice”, “kind”, and “sweet” and that she had a broken leg.  When asked what kind of things she likes to d o with her Mom, Elora talked about 
playing on the farm and playing with her friend Lizzy.  She is looking forward to a trip to Disneyland that her mom has talked about taking her on.  Elora said her only chore at her mom’s house is to take care of her cats .  She really likes her cats.  Elora said 
she never gets in trouble at her Mom’s house and is not punished.  Her favorite 
things at her mom’s house are the animals (particularly the cats) and that she gets to 
sleep on the top bunk.   Elora described Joseph as “kind” and said he was her 
mother’s best friend.  
 When asked to describe her dad, Elora said he was “mean sometimes.”  
When asked what made her say that, she said that he yells and that he once 
spanked her brother.  However, she said he is also “kind sometimes.”  She does get in trouble sometimes when she is with her father and he puts her in time out “all the time.”  When asked how often, she said sometimes twice in one day.  Elora likes to watch TV with her dad.  She really loves her paternal grandmoth er who is “the best” 
and who gives her and her siblings lots of presents.  She was also positive about 
 
 
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 Monica whom she described as “nice” and who gave her a big lollipop.  Her favorite 
things about her dad’s house are the big backyard and the apple tree ( she likes to 
climb it and pick apples).  
 Elora then said her mom was fighting for the kids to l ive with her and only see 
their dad on weekends.  When asked who told her that, she said her mom told her.  
When asked how she felt about that, she said she was kind of sad because she would not see her d ad as much but that she was also kind of happy.  
 I asked Elora about her trip to Las Vegas.  Elora said the trip was fun.  When 
asked her favorite thing about the trip, she said it was swimming in her aunt’s pool .  
However, her sister got out of the pool and then got back in without floaties.  She sank into the water and her brother pulled her up.  It was scary and her sister “threw 
up” because she had drunk so much water.  When asked if any adults were at the pool when that happened, Elora said her grandma was there.  
 After the interview, I received an email from Veronika who said she had 
overheard the conversation and disputed Elora’s claim that Veronika had talked to her about changing the residential schedule.  Veronika said Elora was referencing a time when she told Aidan that she was “fighting for you to see me and dad the same amount of time bc that’s what you deserve.”  She reported she said this to Aidan 
when he was upset he was going to spend extra time with his dad.  She goes on to 
accuse Mat of lying when he reported that Aidan claimed Joseph’s son, Eli, had choked him.  
 
B. Interview  at Father’s Home 
 Elora was interviewed a second time on October 6, 2021.  The second 
interview took place while she was at her father’ s home.  
 Elora began by showing off some of her favorite toys.  She has an  Elsa doll 
that she was engaged with throughout the interview.  She also showed a toy car and a rubber band she was playing with.  Elora had spent the day at school (the interview took place in the early evening).  Elora said she had enjoyed school because she got to play with her friends and because  she had music class.  After school, she takes 
the bus if she is with her mom or her dad drives her if she is with her dad.  He also drives her brother but he was sick on the day of the interview so he did not go to school with Elora.  
 Elora’s favorite thi ng to do when she is at her dad’s house is to play with her 
two cats (she has cats at both residences).  She also likes to play with her family.  
When asked if she had friends who lived near her dad’s house, Elora said she did not 
but then said she  might h ave a friend in Everett but could not remember.  She does 
 
 
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 not have any chores she has to do at her dad’s house but she has made up her own 
chore which is picking apples from their apple tree.  
 As in the prior interview, Elora was asked to describe her dad.   She said he 
was “nice”, “kind”, and “sweet.”  When asked to describe her mom, she said she was “sweet and kind, same as my dad.”   
 I asked about any trips Elora had taken with her dad.  She said he had taken 
her camping twice. She could not remember where they went but she remembered that she went with her dad, Monica, Aidan,  and Raina.  I asked her what Aidan was 
like and she again described him as “nice” and “kind.”  She likes to play dinosaurs with him.  She said Raina  was also nice and kind but was “ kind of mean” because 
she called Elora a name.   
 Elora was somewhat distracted and so we closed the interview by asking her if 
she could change anything about her life, what would she change.  Elora thought about it and decided she would change it so ther e were rainbows every day.  She 
had seen a rainbow that day and was excited about it.  I then asked Elora if she had any questions for me and she asked about whether it was possible to stand on a cloud.  
 Overall, Elora was quite young for an interview.  However, she is an engaging 
and adorable young girl who was unusually comfortable talking to an unknown adult.  She seemed equally content in both parents ’ homes and had positive things to say 
about both of her parents, their significant others, and her sibl ings.   Any effort to see 
whether there were unusual stresses or preoccupations related to her parent’s separation did not reveal any specific concerns.  For example, she elected to discuss rainbows and clouds in response to open ended questions about her l ife. 
 
VIII. IMPRESSIONS AND DISCU SSION  
 
 This is an update to the prior parenting evaluation submitted in this matter on 
April 30, 2021.  The purpose of this update is to provide the trial court with information on the current status of the family and what developments have occurred over the 6 months since the prior report was released.  For reference, the prior evaluation summarized the family situation as follows:  
 
While the facts of this case are not unusually complex, it is 
debatable what parenting plan is in the best interests of Elora, Aidan and Raina.   The investigation suggests that Mat is the more stable parent.  He 
is more financially secure, less emotionally labile, and there are not the 
same concerns about his mental health or use of substances.  He has 
better housing available for the children and has the advantage of a 
supportive partner that the children have bonded with.  On the other hand, 
 
 
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 Veronika is the parent who has historically done the majority of the day -to-
day parenting including managing the children’s health care.  She is 
available t o care for the children consistently whereas Mat will likely have 
to travel significantly for his employment and this takes him away from the children.   
 Mat’s proposal of placing the children in his primary care comes 
with significant draw backs.  Elora would have to change schools and all the children would have to attend a somewhat less regarded school district.  The children would also necessarily have to spend significantly less residential time with Veronika who is the parent who has historically done more of the day -to-day parenting tasks.  Mat would have to find 
solutions to caring for the children while he traveled for work which might mean placing the children in the care of relatives or paid providers.  Veronika’s proposal of keeping the current schedule strikes the evaluator as so impractical as to be effectively impossible absent one or the other parent relocating.  Neither home schooling the children nor having them spend 2 hours a day driving to and from school (4 hours for the driving parent)  makes much sense under the circumstances.  
 While a strong argument can be made for placing the children with 
either parent, the evaluator is required to make this difficult judgment call in order to fulfill his obligations under the order of appointment.  The 
evaluator notes that when Veronika had to move out of the family home, she located housing that was reasonably close to the children’s school 
and to their father. When Mat had to relocate out of the family home, he chose to move far from both Veronika and Carnation Elementary School.  
After careful consideration, this report will recommend that the children be placed in Veronika’s primary care during the school year if, and only if, Veronika can complete the psychiatric and substance abuse evaluations recommended herein prior to the fall of 2021 and begin complying with their recommendations.  Assuming she does so, the children should be placed in her primary care and spend residential time with their father for alternate long weekends.  If she does not , then that schedule should be 
reversed and the children should live primarily with Mat.  The parents should share time during the summer on a schedule of alternate weeks.  Should one or the other parent relocate such that the parents reside within the sam e school district, then the parents should share residential time 
equally year -round.  
  
 In response to the report, Veronika immediately sought and obtained 
substance abuse and mental health assessments.  She completed a substance abuse assessment with Ass ociated Behavioral Health.  While that assessment did 
not include collateral input from Mat, the ABH evaluator reported that Mat was offered 
 
 
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 the opportunity for input and failed to respond.  The assessment included random UA 
testing all the tests came back  negative.  The ABH assessment concluded that 
Veronika does not meet the clinical criteria for diagnosis with a substance use disorder.  It is noted that the assessment does recommend Veronika complete an 
early intervention program and she ha d not yet done  so at the time of her interview . 
 
Similarly, Veronika went to obtain a mental health assessment with Sea Mar 
Community Health  (as well as a more limited clinical assessment with BHUC) .  The 
report recommended a psychiatric assessment and the evaluation that Veronika 
obtained was not performed by a psychiatrist.  Nor was it clear that the assessing professional was provided with a copy of the prior parenting evaluation as recommended.  However, the assessment did appear to include an honest acc ount 
of Veronika’s  past psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.  The assessment diagnoses 
Veronika with PTSD but does not reveal concerns about Veronika’s ability to be a safe and effective parent for the children.  
 In short, Veronika appears to have been responsive to the recommendations 
of the prior evaluation.  The assessments suggest that Veronika does not suffer from 
a substance use or mental health problem that interferes with her ability to perform parenting functions as contemplated by RCW 26.09.191.  These assessment s 
therefore appear to support the conclusion of the prior parenting evaluation that the children be placed in Veronika’s primary care provided she addressed these two 
potential concerns.  
 In addition, the prior assessment relied on three o ther key factors in reaching 
its conclusions.  The first was the history of care provision for the children.  Veronika has historically been the primary care provider for the children and was a stay -at-
home parent during the relationship.  That history rem ains unchanged.  Further, it is 
noted that Veronika is the parent who continues to take the lead on the children’s medical care and who was the moving force behind finding a replacement counselor for the children since the prior evaluation.  The second fac tor was one of geography.  
Mat elected to move approximately an hour away from Veronika’s residence and the children’s school.  This relocation made continuing the shared residential schedule for the children impractical.  In the judgment of the GAL, this remains a significant barrier to a shared residential schedule as the children are required to be in the car roughly 2 hours on school  days when in the father’s care.  The third factor was the 
children’s connections to Carnation, particularly their school.   At the time of the prior 
evaluation, Elora was attending Carnation Elementary School and doing well.  Now both Elora and Aidan are at Carnation Elementary.  During her interview, Elora spoke positively about her school.  She also discussed close friends she has at school and at her mother’s home.  In contrast, Elora  was not able to identify friends in Everett 
where her father resides.  Accordingly, this third factor continues to suggest that the 
children should reside primarily with their mother rather th an move to their father’s 
primary care and change schools.  
 
 
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There remain some potential problems for this family.  The evaluator is 
concerned about the parents’ ability to make decisions together for the children. Each 
parent has a decidedly negative view of the other.  Veronika has gone so far as to 
make social media posts describing Mat as abusive.  In her interview, she compared her relationship with Mat to infamous cases where a husband murdered his wife, implicitly suggesting Mat was capable of murder .  Mat also has a negative view of 
Veronika but has not made public negative statements about her or inflammatory comparisons as far as the evaluator is aware.  Veronika is entitled to her opinions about Mat but it makes it more difficult for the parents to work together when she 
shares those opinions publicly.  There is also the risk that she allows the children to 
become aware of her extremely negative view of their father which could be very damaging to their relationship with him.  There is also the potential for disputes about 
vaccinations and health care for the children as Veronika’s view on medical care for 
the kids (natural medicine, no vaccinations)  and education (home schooling)  conflicts 
with Mat’s more traditional view.  Some clear guidelines about decision -making need 
to be put in place.  T he evaluator does not support Veronika’s suggestion of 
awarding her sole decision- making  as Mat deserves an equal voice in making 
decisions for the children and there is no reason to limit his decision- making 
authority .  This update will change its prior recommendation regarding dispute 
resolution to recommend arbitration rather than mediation and will address school choice and vaccines . 
 Mat raised concerns that the children are not always adequately supervised 
while in their mother’ care.  Veronika disputed that claim. It is noted that there were many witnesses who attested to Veronika’s parenting of the children (noted in the 
past evaluation)  and Mat himself routinely left the children alone in Veronika’s care 
prior to separation when he traveled for work.  While the incident with Raina in the 
pool sounds frightening, the evaluator cannot conclude that Veronika was negligent as it appears she had reasonably relied upon her mother to watch the children  based 
on her account and that of Elora.   
 Finally, Mat raised concerns that Veronika shares negative information or 
statements about him with the children and that she tends to put the children into the middle of parental conflicts.  Mat’s concern was supported by Elora’s statement in her intervie w reporting that her mom told her she was fighting for the kids to live with her 
and only see their d ad on weekends.  Veronika then revealed she had been listening 
in on the interview (despite being advised specifically not to do so).  This is an area that needs some attention to shield the children from parental conflict.  This was also 
noted by the children’s counselor, CJ Ellsworth, who said she believes the parents need assistance in co- parenting.  She noted the parents struggle to communicate and 
make decisions and the children have questions about why the parents separated.  
However, she also stated none of this is unusual for a custody case.  
 
 
 
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 The evaluator still has some concern about Veronika’s lack of employment while 
recognizing that childcare expenses for three young children likely make full time 
employment impractical (i.e. her child care expense could exceed her earnings).  She remains dependent on charity for her housing.  Veronika reports having a potential job as a legal assistant but remains  unemployed as of the time of this updated evaluation. 
She also acknowledges needing a plan to find independent housing with more space but is not currently in a financial position to do so. This remains a source of concern.  
 
 In the end, the evaluator rem ains supportive of the recommendations in the 
prior evaluation while still recognizing that a strong case could also be made for 
placing the children primarily with their father  for the same reasons outlined in the 
original report .  While there were some w eaknesses in the substance use and mental 
health evaluations obtained by Veronika, the evaluator is satisfied that Veronika was attempting to comply with those recommendations in good faith and believes she should be deemed to have substantially complied w ith those recommendations.  The 
evaluator is not changing his recommendations with respect to the residential schedule.  
 
XI. RECOMMENDATIONS  
 
The Guardian ad Litem recommends the following:  
 
A. Substance Use Evaluation for  Mother.  The mother should be deemed in 
compliance with the prior recommendation that she obtain a substance use evaluation.  The mother should comply with the recommendations of the substance use evaluation she obtained from Associated Behavioral Health.  
 
B. Mental Health  Evaluation.  The mother should be deemed in substantial 
compliance with the prior recommendation that she seek a mental health evaluation.  She should co ntinue in individual counseling with Sea Mar 
Community Health Center  at the frequency and for the duration recommended 
by her provider.    
 
C. School Choice.  The children should continue to attend school at their current 
public school (Carnation Elementary) and should not be home schooled unless both parents agree otherwise.   
 
D. Vaccines.  Unless otherwise agreed by both parents or ordered in arbitration, 
the children should be vaccinated on the schedule recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child -adolescent.html.  
 
E. Decision -Making.  The parents should make major decisions on behalf of the 
children jointly.  Both parents shall have equal access to the children’s school 
 
 
PARENTING EVALUATION  
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Matthew Jolly  
2737 77th Avenue SE  
Suite 206  
Mercer Island, WA  98040  
(425) 462 -9394  
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records, teachers, doctors, and other providers.  Disputes about joint decisions 
or about what portions of the parenting plan mean should be submitted to arbitration  with a designated arbitrator.  
 
F. Neither parent shall permit the children to refer to third parties such as friends, significant others or stepparents  as “mommy” or “daddy” or similar 
designations.  
 
G. The children should remain in counseling with Sea Mar Community Health 
until otherwise agreed by the parents.  Both parents should have equal access to the counselor and have an opportunity to provide input and seek feedback from the counselor.  
 
H. The recommendations from the April 30, 2021 parenting evaluation should be implemented except as expressly modified above.  
  
 Date:   10/29/2021   __________________________________  
      Matthew Jolly, WSBA #23167  
      Parenting Evaluator