Does the father of a child have to pay for the mothers laywer fees? I'm in Washington state and I'm wondering if I take her to court for custody/childsupport issues if I would be forced to pay her laywer fees along with my own?

No you shouldn't unless you lose and the other party has requested it.

If your petition is without merit. Then you could be called upon to cover her fees. For example, lets say you petition for a modification of the support order, but the circumstances haven't materially changed. The court may entertain a petition from the mother to cover her court costs.

It is possible

Well we are just starting the whole court proscess. We have set up ourselves that I have my son thursday-Sunday every week. We have been doing this for about 7 months now. He is 11 months right now. She filed for child support and negleted to let them know about my interrations with him. She lives in a homeless shelter, she doesn't have any income, nor transportaion. She is vulgar, very aggressive, also I believe that if I don't get involved that cps will and just take him away. I believe that he should reside with me for the majority of week and see her only a few days at a designated location. I work and have a steady income. A home sitter for when I work. Lots of family support. I don't know if I should even try to get custody of him. Everyone I have talked to said that Washington never takes children from there mothers unless it's an extream situation. My lawyer thinks we have a good case but I don't want to throw away lots of money in lawyer fees just to end up that the court will side with her just because she is the mother. Anyone have any ideas?

Fight for your child you have a good case. Let the chips fall where they may. You can't control the system but you can control your own actions.

Just beware of such extremes that you drive her to disappear with the child, or to move in with some horrible man just to have a provider and home. It could be a Pyrrhic victory.

Just beware of such extremes that you drive her to disappear with the child, or to move in with some horrible man just to have a provider and home. It could be a Pyrrhic victory.

If the OP is granted full custody based on what has been stated then the law will be behind him all the way. Either way he will obtain full custody if either of the situations noted appears and the op remains vigilant.

"If" and "based on what has been stated" are just that.

As I noted, if your case has merit you probably won't be required ot pay fees. But frankly, that shouldn't enter your thinking. The welfare of your child should be your only concern.

I think you do have a good case, but you should be careful about what you say about the mother. After all you willingly had sex with this woman. Referring to her as vulgar can be counterproductive.

As your lawyer should be advising you, keep to the point that your child will be in a better environment.