Oregon Parenting Plan [2023]

Table of Contents

Creating Your Custody and Visitation Schedule in Oregon

You have a few options when it comes to creating your custody and visitation schedule in Oregon. You can choose to make it on your own or collaborate with the other parent. Alternatively, you can seek assistance from an attorney or legal professional. However, if you’re looking for an affordable and easy way to create your schedule without the high cost of an attorney, you can use the Custody X Change software.

Using Oregon Law to Guide Your Custody Schedule

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws when creating a child visitation schedule in Oregon. This will help you better prepare a schedule that satisfies the court’s requirements. The Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 107, contains the specific laws pertaining to child custody and visitation. These laws provide clear definitions of court terminology, outline factors the court considers, and specify the elements that a parenting plan should include. By creating a visitation schedule that adheres to the legal requirements, you increase the likelihood of the court’s approval.

Understanding Oregon’s Policies for Child Custody Matters

Oregon has implemented policies to safeguard the rights of both parents and children in parenting matters. According to ORS 107.101, children should have regular and ongoing contact with both parents as long as it is in their best interests. Even if parents no longer have a personal relationship, they are encouraged to share the rights and responsibilities of raising their child. Oregon also emphasizes the importance of parents creating their own parenting arrangements and plans, with the assistance of legal and mediation professionals if needed. The state grants parents and the court wide discretion in designing parenting plans and schedules. When making child custody decisions, the court considers the health and safety of all individuals involved, as well as the best interests of the child.

Prioritizing Your Child’s Best Interests in Oregon

According to ORS 107.106, the child should be the focal point and primary beneficiary of the visitation schedule. While the schedule may also benefit the parents, it must primarily benefit the child. It’s important to keep this in mind as you craft your schedule.

Factors Considered by Oregon Courts in Custodial Rulings

The best interest of the child is the paramount consideration for Oregon courts in child custody cases. When making custodial rulings, the court weighs various factors, including but not limited to those stated in ORS 107.137:

The emotional bonds between the child and each parent, as well as any siblings and other family members.
The wishes and interests of the parents, as well as their attitude toward the child.
The potential benefits or detriments to the child’s well-being when considering continuing existing relationships.
Any history of spousal abuse.
If deemed fit by the court, the preference of the primary caregiver.
The willingness of each parent to encourage and facilitate a nurturing relationship between the child and the other parent.
Any evidence indicating that fostering a relationship would endanger the child is taken into account.
It is assumed that subjecting the child to visitation with an abusive parent is not in their best interest.
Oregon does not grant preference based on the gender of the parents. Mothers and fathers have equal entitlement to parental rights.

Understanding the Relationship Between Visitation Schedules and Parenting Plans in Oregon

In Oregon, the custody and visitation schedule is a component of a broader document called a parenting plan. This plan outlines how you and the other parent will share custody and parenting responsibilities after separation or divorce. Every child custody case involving parenting time requires a parenting plan to be submitted to the court.

What to Include in Your Oregon Custody and Visitation Schedule

As stated in ORS 107.102.3, your child visitation schedule in Oregon should cover the following:

A regular residential schedule that determines when the child will be under the care of each parent. One parent may be designated as the primary custodian, or parents may share joint custody.
Provision for holidays and special occasions, such as birthdays.
Arrangements for three-day weekends and extended breaks due to holidays and school vacations.
A vacation schedule or provisions allowing the child to spend extended time with each parent during vacations.
Stipulations for telephone and electronic visitation access.
Transportation information for exchanges during parenting time.

Tailoring the Schedule to Your Child’s Age

Designing a visitation schedule requires taking into account your child’s age and specific needs. The requirements of an infant differ greatly from those of a high school student. You can create a schedule that evolves with your child or develop separate schedules that accommodate different stages of their growth. It may be helpful to establish age brackets, such as infancy, toddlerhood, preschool, elementary school, pre-teen, and high school. Alternatively, you can include provisions for periodic reviews to ensure that the schedule continues to meet your child’s changing needs.

Striking the Right Balance: Specificity in Your Schedule

Child visitation schedules can vary in specificity. A general schedule provides the noncustodial parent with the minimum amount of visitation time according to ORS 107.102. However, an informal agreement between parents can expand upon this and allow for additional visitation time. Alternatively, you can opt for a more detailed schedule that specifies the exact days and times for each parent. The advantage of a detailed schedule is that it is easier for the court to enforce. Regardless of the level of detail, your child’s ultimate well-being and quality time with both parents should always remain the primary focus, aligning with Oregon’s policy.