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CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME - DEFINITIONS. In Oregon “custody” means the right to make major decisions for the parties’ child and “parenting time” means the time each parent may spend with the parties’ child.
CUSTODY - GENERALLY. An order of sole custody means the parent who is awarded sole custody has the right to make major decisions for the child (i.e. religion, health care, education). Generally, an order of joint custody means that both parents
have the right to make major decisions for the child (i.e. religion, health care, education). In the joint custody designation, the parties can agree to alter the decision-making authority of each party, if mutually agreed upon. A court cannot
order joint custody unless mutually agreed upon by the parties. Regardless of the custody designation, each parent has the right to: (1) inspect and receive school records and to consult with school staff concerning the child’s welfare and
education; (2) inspect and receive governmental agency and law enforcement records concerning the child; (3) To consult with any person who may provide care or treatment for the child and to inspect and receive the child’s medical, dental and
psychological records; (4) authorize emergency medical, dental, psychological, psychiatric or other health care for the child if the primary parent is, for practical purposes, unavailable; and (5) be the child’s conservator, guardian ad litem, or
both.
PARENTING TIME - GENERALLY. Many children adjust easily to a “home base” with one parent and frequent contact with the other parent. Consistency and predictability are important factors to children. Parents need to focus on what is best for their
child, and not what is best for the parents. I recommend the Oregon Judicial Department’s Basic Parenting Plan Guide for Parents
http://courts.oregon.gov/OJD/OSCA/cpsd/courtimprovement/familylaw/parentingplan.page
to assist parties to determine an appropriate parenting plan for their child. The Basic Parenting Plan Guide provides age-specific parenting plans, age-specific needs, and age-specific signs of distress. Many clients have found the Basic
Parenting Plan Guide to be extremely helpful in preparing themselves for mediation.
SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CUSTODY AND PARENTING TIME MEDIATION SESSION. Parties who have discussed their thoughts with each other prior to the mediation regarding custody and parenting time are generally more successful in reaching resolution.
Additionally, parents who fully process their thoughts about both the standard parenting time schedule and the vacation/holiday parenting time schedule generally save time and money. |
