Oregon Child Custody Attorney
In Oregon, the courts believe that children do best when they have parenting time (also known as visitation) with each parent. Custody and parenting time issues should be considered independently from economic issues like child support, spousal maintenance. At our law office, we encourage our clients to view child custody and parenting time visitation issues in the best interests of their children, rather than as an opportunity to get back at the other spouse. To learn more about our attorney’s approach to parenting time, contact our Portland child visitation attorney, Suzanne J. Noland.
Custody and Parenting Time in Oregon
In Oregon, the court will not award joint custody without the consent of both parents. In practice, there are many solutions to the development of custody and parenting time visitation for the children, resulting from a wide range of visitation, or parenting time, schedules. We encourage parents to cooperate to develop the parenting plan details such as where the child will live, the number of overnights with each parent, and who will make major decisions for the child. When parents cannot agree on custody and parenting time matters, we are effective advocates for our clients and their children in court.
Oregon law also provides for changes in custody and parenting time/visitation orders when circumstances change. A new job, a remarriage, or a serious illness can make existing parenting schedules unworkable. When that happens, our lawyer will assist with petitions for modifications of custody or parenting time orders.
What Happens if Parents Cannot Agree
If parents cannot agree, the court will determine custody and parenting schedules. The court will not award joint custody unless both parents agree. If the parents disagree on custody, the court must award sole custody to one parent. If there is a serious drug or abuse problem or other danger to the child, the court may allow either supervised visitation or none at all, depending on the circumstances. The court may require anger management classes, drug testing, or counseling as a condition of parenting time visitation, as appropriate.
Do Not Leave Custody and Visitation Matters to Chance
We stress how important it is for both parents to be involved in the child’s life. Making choices about custody and visitation is a first step to preserving that involvement. We can help you make these decisions. For more information about child custody and visitation, contact our Portland law office today.
Suzanne J. Noland
