Common Questions

How is custody determined?

Oregon Revised Statutes require the following factors to be considered by the Court when awarding custody: The emotional ties between the child and other family members, The interest of the parties in and attitude toward the child, The desirability of continuing an existing relationship, The 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 relationships between the child and other parent.  In all decisions of the Court concerning a child, the Court will with side with what is in the best interest of the child.

What is a parenting plan?

This is a reference to the non-custodial parents’ right to reasonable visitation and schedule determining dates and time that the parent will have to spend with the child and any rules or conditions included in that time (such as location, supervision, etc.).  This schedule is most commonly agreed upon by both parents.

What is mediation?

Mediation is an event in which both spouses meet and speak with a professional and objective third party in order to reach a mutual agreement concerning custody and parenting time. Most clients find this helpful and productive to have an experienced party mediate their issues, as the mediator operates out of a general knowledge of likely outcomes and is not biased toward any party.

How is child support determined?

There is a specified formula that is required in determining who pays child support and in what amount. Child support is typically paid to the spouse on behalf of the child until the child reaches 18. Child support may continue to be paid directly to the child after turning 18 and until the age of 21 if the child is still attending school.

How is spousal support determined?

Often referred to as “alimony”.  The court may order that a spouse be paid this form of support after considering the following factors required by Oregon Revised Statutes: the duration of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the standard of living established during the marriage, the relative income and earning capacity of the parties, each spouses training and employment skills, each spouses work experience, the financial needs and resources of the parties, custody and child support responsibilities, and whatever factors the Court chooses to take into account depending on the circumstances.