Our Salem Area Child Custody Lawyers Protect Your Rights and Those of Your Children
We know there is nothing more important to you than the well-being of your children
Divorce is the most common source of custody issues, but the same custody rules apply to parents not married. In either case, you want what is best for your child and the best chance possible of getting custody. Our family law attorneys understand that the court’s custody decision is vitally important to you. We are hard-working and enthusiastic advocates who make sure that your voice is heard in the custody process.
What are the different types of custody?
In Oregon, the court can award custody in a few different forms. When a judge decides what type of custody to award, it issues a court order that includes a parenting plan. The parenting plan spells out the type of custody and parenting time. Some of the custody choices for the court are:
- Sole legal custody — One parent gets legal custody of the child, while the other is awarded parenting time (visitation). Legal custody means that the parent makes all major decisions for the child and usually has primary physical custody of the child. It is the most common custody arrangement.
- Joint custody — Both parents make major decisions for the child, but the child does not necessarily live 50 percent of the time with each parent. Child support can still be ordered. Both parents have to agree to joint custody.
- Temporary custody — Temporary custody may be ordered by the court either during or after a divorce or custody proceeding when a child is in immediate danger and needs to be moved to a different custodian.
Custody for unmarried couples generally works the same way as it does for married couples. However, the father must prove paternity before he is afforded the rights of a parent. Once paternity is established, the father has parental and visitation rights, but also has potential child support obligations.
The custody process is extremely important and often contentious and complicated. You need a strong ally by your side to ensure that your concerns are heard and taken seriously. Whether you are seeking custody or a modification or enforcement of a custody order, we can help. We know how important your case is to you, so it is important to us, and we work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.
Factors the court considers when determining custody
The court weighs many factors concerning awarding custody. All those factors are used to answer one question: “What is in the best interests of the child?” Factors the court may look at include:
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Weighing these factors almost always leads the court to award custody to one parent or the other, but in rare occasions, custody could be awarded to someone who is not the birth parent of the child, usually a grandparent or other family member. Parents may be required to attend a parent education program that teaches him or her about the impact of family restructuring.
There is a large amount that goes into deciding who gets custody of a child. Our family law attorneys are knowledgeable about child custody matters and know how important this decision is to you and your children. We listen to your side of the story and work to make sure the court hears it too.
Let us work to get the best result for you and your children
We know you want what is best for your child, so we work with you to accomplish your goals. Your decision-making process is improved as we take the time to listen to you and explains the law in straightforward terms. We know how to treat our clients and can be relied upon every step of the way.
We are located in downtown Salem near plenty of free parking. Contact us at 503-990-6641 or online for an appointment at your convenience.
We’ll take it from here.