Child Custody & Parenting Plan Lawyers in Salem
Our Goal: Protect Your Child & Maintain a Meaningful Parental Relationship
At Johnson & Taylor, we have experience handling complex custody cases, including interstate custody, domestic violence, and relative or step-parent adoption.
Oregon distinguishes legal custody (decision-making authority) from parenting time (a child’s time spent with each parent), and courts focus on preserving the child’s best interests, including safety and welfare. Our job is to help you develop a workable parenting plan that protects your child and your parental relationship.
We can assist with matters related to:
- Disagreements about school, healthcare, activities, and where the child will live.
- A coparent refusing to follow an existing parenting plan.
- Concerns about substance misuse, neglect, abuse, and other unstable environments.
- Relocation or difficulty coordinating schedules.
- General uncertainty about how and where to document concerns.
Above all, we prioritize solutions that promote the stability and well-being of your children and support their unique needs. Every decision is made with purpose. Every scenario is thought through from all angles.
While we prefer to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation, we aren’t afraid fight for your rights in the courtroom when necessary.
Our family law attorneys have a proven track record of success handling custody cases in Salem, Keizer, and Albany. Visit our Testimonials and Results pages to learn more.
We have hundreds of 5-star verified client reviews. Request your free consultation by calling us at (971) 318-5516 or using our online form.
-
“Melissa and Bryan helped my husband adopt our son, and we truly could not have asked for better attorney to walk us through this journey. What could have been a complicated and overwhelming process felt peaceful and seamless with them by our side.”- Cassandra D.
-
“I had the pleasure of working with Brittany as my attorney and she was absolutely amazing. Her and her team did an amazing job. They worked hard and super fast on all accounts. Ive been battling my ex wife for 11 years after our divorce over our 1 and only child together. I would recommend her to anyone in the same position i was in. Again thank you Johnson and Taylor, most of all a big thank you Brittany.”- Brittany S.
-
“Johnson and Taylor helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life. navigating a complex family law matter and I couldn’t be more grateful. From the first consultation to the final resolution, their team provided outstanding legal guidance and genuine support every step of the way. They listened to my concerns, explained the process in a way I could understand, and always made me feel like a priority. Their attention to detail, strategic thinking, and compassion made a huge difference in my case and my peace of mind. If you’re facing any family law issues and need a team that is both knowledgeable and truly cares, Johnson and Taylor is the firm to call.”- Joshua W.
-
“There was a lot of debt that needed to be sorted out, but they were both confident and positive that things would be straightforward, but were always prepared if things were to become more difficult. They made the process as painless and easy as possible, and were communicative and very patient with me and all of the worries I had. 10 out of 10, I can confidently say that I would happily work with them again if I ever need another divorce”- Margaret C.
-
“I got custody in matter of months, in fact any delay was on my side but Mai was always reminding me and pushing me to do my part, she was all in in this process. I would love to recommend her and their firm, hope I don’t need it again but if I do I’ll definitely go back to them.”- Cristina S.
-
“I recently used Johnson and Taylor, Person Injury and Family Law to assist me in divorce proceedings. Brittany Sumner and her paralegal, Stephanie Kincaid, provided excellent service and expertise. They were quick to respond to questions via email or phone and were able to schedule appointments in a timely manner. I highly recommend this practice and will use them again in the future should I have need for legal representation.”- Natalie R.
Child Custody in Oregon
When we refer to custody in Oregon, we mean legal custody, that is, which parent has final decision-making authority over major custodial decisions.
Examples of custodial decisions we often see in these cases:
- Determining which school a child attends
- Who the child sees for their routine medical care
- Whether the child engages in religious practice
Custody is separate from parenting time, and there are several types of child custody. When a judge awards custody, or when the parties agree to custody, an order is entered with the court outlining custody and parenting time.
Custody for unmarried couples generally works the same way as it does for married or divorced couples. However, paternity must be formally established in order for the father to be granted parental and visitation rights; child support obligations may be needed in these situations.
Sole Legal Custody
In this arrangement, one parent gets legal custody of the child, while the other is awarded parenting time, which is also referred to as “child visitation.”
Legal custody means that one parent makes all major decisions for the child and usually has primary physical custody of the child. It is the most common type of child custody in Oregon.
Joint Custody
Both parents make major decisions for the child, but the child may not split their living time 50-50 with each parent.
Both parents must agree to joint custody, and child support may be applicable depending on the circumstances and parenting time involved. If both parties do not agree to joint custody, a judge will need to decide which parent is awarded sole custody.
Temporary Custody
Temporary custody may be ordered by the court during or after a divorce or custody proceeding. If temporary custody is awarded, it will remain in place until the final judgment. This usually occurs when a child is in immediate danger and needs to be moved to a different custodian.
How Courts Determine Custody & Parenting Time in Oregon
Watch or listen as Ryan explains how custody decisions are made in OR.
The court weighs many factors when awarding custody, with the child’s best interests taking priority.
Common factors the court may consider include:
- Which parent is the primary caregiver
- The child’s emotional ties to each parent or other family members
- Each parent’s interest and attitudes toward the child
- Which parent is most likely to foster a good relationship with the other parent
- Home environment
- The child’s age
- The child’s wishes, if they are mature enough to express them
- Any history of abuse or domestic violence
- If either parent has a criminal record
In rare circumstances, custody may be awarded to someone who is not the birth parent if both parents are deemed to be incapable of properly caring for the child. In these situations, custody is typically granted to a grandparent or another family member.
What Is in a Parenting Plan?
A well-structured, detailed parenting plan can reduce conflict and provide stability for children. Ideally, parents will engage in mediation and work together to develop a parenting plan they both agree on.
Parenting Time
- How you will make major decisions regarding education, religion, healthcare, and other important matters, and whether decisions require joint agreement or one parent has the final say
- Where the child will live most of the time
- Parenting time and visitation schedules for weekdays, weekends, and overnights
- Holiday schedules that include how events like birthdays, Christmas, and other holidays will be split
- Vacation, summer break, and travel plans
- Logistics such as where and when the child will be exchanged and who is responsible for transportation
Communication & Dispute Resolution
- How parents will communicate about the child, such as through phone calls, texts, or emails
- How the child will communicate with the non-custodial parent (calls, video chats, etc.)
- Steps to handle disagreements before court involvement
- How changes to the plan will be made in the future
Modification & Relocation
- Steps to modify the plan if circumstances change
- How notice will be given if a parent wants to move
In cases involving concerns about substance abuse, domestic violence, or child neglect, a parenting plan may be more safety-focused and require measures like supervised visitation.
Our Salem child custody and parenting plan attorneys are here to help. Call Johnson & Taylor at (971) 318-5516. Se habla español.
Meet the Partners
The attorneys leading your case with experience, strategy, and a commitment to results
