Gresham Child Custody and Parenting Time Lawyer
- Child custody and parenting time decisions made by the court must be based on the best interests of the child.
- Most Oregon counties (including Multnomah and Clackamas) require the parents to participate in mediation before a court will make a final decision
- Oregon requires the parents to complete a parenting class that is offered in the county where the case has been filed.
- Oregon courts will encourage each parent to have as much parenting time as possible. Exceptions can be when extraordinary circumstances affect parenting skills.
- Oregon courts will generally approve custody and parenting time agreements made by a family. The goal is to develop a parenting plan that accounts for both parent’s work schedules, children’s activities, and other critical factors.
It is policy in Oregon to encourage parents to share the rights as well as the responsibilities of rearing joint children after the family has been divided. As a mother herself, Stephanie understands and empathizes with the flood of emotions regarding what you believe is in the best interest of your child and will help you balance your child’s needs with the court expectations and decisions.
The courts demand a detailed parenting time agreement that lists the primary custodian and the parenting schedule for the child. Stephanie will work with you to help create an age appropriate, child centered plan for your family.
Divorcing parents will need to create an appropriate parenting plan between themselves or in mediation. Ultimately, it is best for the parents to work together to come up with a parenting plan. When the parents cannot agree, often the court will order the appointment of a professional custody evaluator, at the request and expense of one or both of the parties.
The custody evaluator is typically a licensed social worker, but may have other credentials such as a degree in psychology. Evaluations can easily cost between $4,000 - $8,000, depending on the amount of time and credentials of the selected professional. Therefore, it’s important to hire a family law attorney that can, if possible, avoid this situation and expense.
More information regarding parenting plans is available through the
Oregon Judicial Department web site at:
http://www.ojd.state.or.us/osca/cpsd/courtimprovement/familylaw/parentingplan.htm
If you need assistance with your child custody case or just want to know what your options are, call (503) 492-1276 or complete the form on the left which we will receive immediately in email and we will be in touch quickly to schedule your consultation.