What’s the Difference between Custody and Parenting Time?
The terms custody and parenting time are both used in Oregon law. Many people do not understand the difference between custody and parenting time. Watch this video to learn more about custody and parenting time in Oregon.
Establishing a Parenting Plan
It’s important for families to build clear communication, cooperation, and coordination. One way to do this is developing a structured parenting plan to determine which days and nights each parent spends with the child. A parenting plan provides guidelines so that each parent —and child— knows what is expected. When parents have a signed parenting plan or a parenting time agreement, the Oregon Child Support Program will use that agreement to calculate child support.
Go to Parenting Time Calculator »
Parenting Plans – Why would you want one?
Need Parenting Plan Help?
There are resources for parents who need help making a written parenting plan! You can learn more about parenting plans here.
Oregon Judicial Department Interactive Parenting Plan
The Oregon Judicial Department website has an online interactive interview for preparing a parenting plan. The parenting plan interview includes information about plans for children of different age groups, sample plans, and legal and safety resources. It will guide you through questions about you and your family to make and allow you to print your own custom plan. The parenting plan interview is available here.
Mediation and Parenting Plan Development Services
Multnomah County Family Resolution Services receives federal Access and Visitation grant funds through the Oregon Child Support Program to assist parents experiencing difficulties maintaining regular and consistent parenting time or contact with their children. The ReSet program provides access to court and court-connected services. Services include mediation and development of parenting plans.
To receive services:
- At least one parent and the child are Oregon residents OR have an open domestic relations or child support case in Oregon, AND
- A parent has not had contact (phone, video, or in-person) with their minor child for 2 or more months
For more information, contact:
Multnomah County Family Resolution Services
Multnomah County Courthouse
1200 SW First Avenue, Suite 3400
Portland, OR 97204
Email parental.access@multco.us
Resources
- Oregon Child Support Program Parenting Time Calculator »
- Parenting Plan Enforcement, Oregon Judicial Department »
- Custody and Parenting Time, Oregon State Bar »
- Parent Education, Oregon Judicial Department »
- National Fatherhood Initiative »