Law Office Of Teri Plagmann, PC
201 First Avenue W
Albany, OR 97321
Tel: (541) 248-3558
Fax: (541) 926-7167
Law Office of Teri Plagmann, P.C.
201 First Avenue W
Albany, OR 97321
ph: (541) 248-3558
fax: (541) 926-7167
teriplag
Parenting Time
OREGON PARENTING TIME
The largest concern for most parents involved in a family law dispute is how much contact they will have with their children. Similarly, one of the toughest things that the courts have to deal with is deciding how much parenting time, previously called visitation, is in the best interests of the children.
A parenting plan is essentially a visitation schedule. It states when your child will be with each parent and how decisions will be made. A parenting plan includes schedules for holidays, as well as summer, winter or other school vacation periods. It can also outline additional contact each parent will have with the child as well, such as by telephone, email or other written communication. Many counties in Oregon have "guidelines" that indicate what may be imposed as an appropriate parenting schedule in the local court. However, many counties do not. In some cases, an expert may be appointed by the court to evaluate custody and parenting time issues and make a formal recommendation to the court.
Teri is experienced in custody and parenting time issues, and can help you create a parenting plan, negotiate and litigate parenting time issues, or assist if you are being denied parenting time or contact with your children.
- Why should I have a parenting plan?
Oregon law requires that a parenting plan be included, or attached, to a judgment of divorce or a custody order. A parenting plan also is helpful to use in order to calculate the parenting time percentage that is used in child support calculations. Regardless, it is still a good idea to have a parenting plan. A parenting plan outlines with specificity the times that each parent is to have the children and each parent's responsibilities. Having such a document can prevent future disputes between parents concerning these issues.
- How do you create a parenting plan?
A parenting plan can be created several ways. Our attorneys can help you create a parenting plan using a schedule that you and the other parent have already agreed to, or that you have not, but want to propose as a means of settling any dispute. You can also create a parenting plan through mediation. Mediation is offered by most county's family court service programs, and it is often required for parents to both attend prior to appearing at a hearing in front of a judge. Finally, the Oregon Judicial Department has created parenting plan guides that can help you to create your own parenting plan. You can find these guides at the OJD website here: www.ojd.state.or.us/ParentingPlanGuide.
- Are all parenting time schedules the same?
No, by looking at what is in the best interests of the child, a court can decide what type of a schedule is best suited to your child's needs. A parenting time schedule may change as the child grows. For example, a parenting time schedule for a 3 month old infant is likely going to be very different than a schedule for a 15 year old child.
- Can parenting time be limited?
In some circumstances, it may be necessary to use a safety focused parenting plan, such as in situations where there is domestic violence or addiction issues. In these situations, parenting time may need to be supervised by another family member, friend, or a neutral third party. In serious situations, parenting time may need to occur in a therapeutic setting in the presence of a counselor.
- Can a parenting time schedule be modified later?
Yes. Parenting time can be modified through several different methods. If you and the other parent agree on a new schedule, a supplemental judgment can be prepared that both of you would sign and submit it to the court. Your existing judgment may also provide that you and the other parent attend mediation, where a new parenting plan may be created. Finally, parenting time can also be modified by filing a motion in court requesting that parenting time be modified in the best interests of the child.
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Still have questions? Please click here to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Law Office of Teri Plagmann, PC, is an Albany, Oregon law firm consisting of family law attorneys and divorce lawyers practicing in the following counties: Linn, Benton, Marion, Lane, Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties, and all other counties throughout the State of Oregon. We represent clients from the following cities: Portland, Downtown Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Canby, Wilsonville, Milwaukie, Estacada, Sandy, Molalla, Beaverton, Albany, Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Halsey, Crabtree, Tangent, Junction City, Eugene, Springfield, Jefferson, Stayton, Scio, Corvallis, Philomath, Alsea, Dallas, Salem, Turner, Aloha, Tigard, Keizer, Woodburn, Aurora, and in all other cities throughout Oregon. The law office is located in Linn County, Albany, Oregon
Copyright by Law Office of Teri Plagmann, P.C. All rights reserved.
Law Office of Teri Plagmann, P.C.
201 First Avenue W
Albany, OR 97321
ph: (541) 248-3558
fax: (541) 926-7167
teriplag