Child Custody Lawyers in Oregon

Get Help with Child Custody in Bend, OR

Custody in Oregon generally means a person’s ability to make major legal decisions effecting a child and is often referred to as “legal custody.” “Legal custody” is often confused with “physical custody” which simply means that a child is living primarily with a particular party. When a party is given “legal custody” of a child, that party is often referred to as the “custodial parent” and they are responsible for making major decisions affecting the child’s health and wellbeing.

Typical major decisions that a custodial parent may make include the child's religious and educational training, health care and where the child's primary residence is. Legal custody comes in only two forms, “sole custody” and “joint custody.” If legal custody has never been established by a court, no person has “legal custody.” Importantly, custody does not mean the right to spend time with a child, that is called “parenting time” and is determined separately from custody.

Contact our Oregon child custody attorneys at (541) 238-9210 today for a consultation!

Joint Custody in Oregon

Under Oregon law, “Joint Custody,” often referred to as “joint legal custody,” means a person’s ability to make major decisions affecting a child’s health and wellbeing that is shared with another party; any party with joint custody may make major decisions. Importantly, joint custody can only be ordered by the court if both parties agree. Joint custody does not necessarily mean that the parties share parenting time with a child equally.

Sole Custody in Oregon

Under Oregon law, “Sole Custody” means one party is given sole decision making authority over major decisions affecting a child’s health and wellbeing. If parties do not agree to share joint custody, the court must award sole custody to one party. Granting sole custody to a party does not necessarily mean that party is deprived of equal parenting time with a child.

Best Interests of the Child

In Oregon, when the parties do not both agree to share in joint custody of a child and a court is asked to determine whom should be granted sole custody, the court will look at the parties’ and the child’s circumstances to determine what may be best for the child. The court is guided by several statutory factors which are known as “the Best Interest of the Child.” These factors include the emotional ties between the child and other family members, the interests of the parties in and attitude toward the child, the desirability of continuing an existing relationship, abuse of one parent by the other; the preference for the primary caregiver of the child, if the caregiver is deemed fit by the court; and the willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child. No single factor is decisive on its own.

Determining Custody of a Child in Oregon

Custody of a child in Oregon is usually determined when two previously married parents are now seeking a divorce, separating, or seeking an annulment of their marriage. In this circumstance, custody of a child is but one of the issues that must be determined when a marriage is terminated. Custody may also be determined between two unmarried parents have never formally established their respective parenting rights as to a child, this is called an initial custody determination. An initial custody determination begins when one party files a “Petition for Custody” and then that party is called the “Petitioner.”

Any interested party who may also rights with regards to a child must be served with the Petition and that part is then called a “Respondent.” The case concludes when the court enters a judgment. Most often when the court is asked to determine custody of a child, the court is also asked to determine the parties’ respective right to spend time with the child, often known as parenting time or visitation. Often the court will also be asked to determine if child support should be ordered and if so, how much and whom should pay.

Creating a Co-Parenting Plan

When it comes to child custody arrangements, having a well-thought-out co-parenting plan can help ensure a smooth transition for both parents and children. Our experienced child custody lawyers at Baxter Law, LLC can assist you in creating a comprehensive co-parenting plan that addresses important aspects such as:

• Parenting schedules and visitation rights
• Decision-making authority for important matters regarding the child
• Communication guidelines between co-parents
• Methods for resolving disputes or conflicts

By establishing a clear and detailed co-parenting plan, you can minimize misunderstandings, reduce conflicts, and prioritize the best interests of your child. today to learn more about how we can help you create a co-parenting plan that works for your family.

Mediation for Child Custody Disputes

When it comes to child custody disputes, finding a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the child is crucial. Our experienced child custody lawyers at Baxter Law, LLC in Bend, OR, offer mediation services to help parents reach agreements outside of the courtroom.

Benefits of mediation for child custody disputes include:

• Reduced conflict and stress for parents and children
• Empowerment to make decisions together
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Cost-effective alternative to litigation
• Customized solutions that meet the unique needs of your family

Our skilled mediators can facilitate productive discussions and guide you towards a mutually beneficial custody arrangement that puts the best interests of your child first. Contact Baxter Law, LLC today to learn more about our mediation services for child custody cases in Oregon.