Salem Visitation & Parenting Time Lawyers

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time (formerly known as visitation) refers to the court-ordered schedule of contact between a parent and their children. These determinations are always intended to serve the child’s best interests.

Parenting time is structured through a court-approved parenting plan that outlines when and how each parent spends time with the child. This agreement typically includes details about weekend visits, midweek visits, summers, and holidays.

How Is Parenting Time Calculated in Oregon?

Parenting time is determined based on the number of overnights the child spends with each parent over a two-year cycle. The Oregon Department of Justice uses a parenting time calculator that accounts for weekends, holidays, and vacations.

While the finalized schedule appears in a formal parenting plan, the specific parenting time structure is shaped by each family’s situation.

Some influencing factors include: 

• The child’s best interests. Courts are obligated to prioritize the child’s best interests when determining parenting time.
• Each parent’s ability to provide care. The court may evaluate parental availability and involvement in the child’s life and routines. 
• Existing parent-child relationship. Judges often consider the strength and history of each parent’s bond with the child, including prior caregiving roles. 
• Work schedules. Employment demands, travel time, and scheduling limitations can shape what a realistic parenting time arrangement looks like. 
• Geographic distance between parents. Distance can significantly impact how often parenting time can occur, especially for weekday and weekend schedules. 
• The child’s school and activities. Courts aim to minimize disruption to school attendance, extracurricular activities, and routines. 
• Each parent’s ability to co-parent. The court may consider each parent’s ability to engage in ongoing contact and cooperation with the other.
• Safety concerns. Any history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or unsafe conditions can affect parenting time and supervision requirements. 
• The child’s wishes, if appropriate. Depending on age and maturity, a child’s input may be considered in the wider context of the “best interests” framework. 

What Is the Difference Between Child Custody & Parenting Time?

Child custody and parenting time are related but legally distinct concepts. Parenting time (visitation) sets the schedule for when each parent has responsibility for the child, while child custody focuses on the legal authority to make major decisions about a child’s upbringing.

Each term affects a different part of the parenting relationship, so understanding the difference is critical to navigating disputes and court orders. Our attorneys are well-versed in these legal nuances to help you clarify your responsibilities and pursue an arrangement that protects your child’s long-term well-being.

At Johnson & Taylor, we offer one-firm, multi-disciplinary coverage because divorce and custody disputes frequently impact estate plans, property titles, and tax structures. Under the guidance of Ryan Johnson, we handle family law and estate planning under one roof. This means we can update your living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney immediately after divorce without needing a second firm.

Are Grandparents Entitled to Visitation Rights?

After a separation or divorce, grandparents often express concerns about spending time with their grandchildren. Grandparents aren't automatically entitled to visitation rights, but they may petition for third-party visitation in certain cases.

To successfully receive visitation, the grandparent must establish the following: 

• An ongoing personal relationship. The grandparent must demonstrate a relationship with the grandchild for at least one year (“substantial continuity”).
• Parental shortcomings. The petitioner must show the court that a parent is not acting in the child’s best interests by denying them contact.
• Best interests of the child. The grandparent must prove that the child's emotional or physical needs would be better met by allowing the visitation.

Our attorneys provide strategic transparency and radical candor when evaluating these cases. We explain what to expect, including the pros and cons and any uphill battles. If we do not believe a visitation demand is likely to succeed, we are upfront about it to save you time and money. If you have a viable case, we can help you document meaningful involvement in your grandchild’s life and address legal challenges tied to parental objections. Our attorneys can also present a well-evidenced argument focused on the child’s stability, emotional health, and continued family connection. 

How Can Parental Relocation Affect Existing Visitation Arrangements?

Parents with joint custody or parenting time are required to provide formal notice before relocating more than 60 miles away from their co-parent (ORS § 107.159). The other parent must be notified at least 30 days prior. If the other party objects to the relocation, both parents may be required to attend mediation or a court hearing to determine if the proposed move is in the child’s best interests.

When cases involve complex interstate logistics, our legal team is highly proficient in multi-state custody and relocation cases. We clearly understand the jurisdictional landscape of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). Whether you are petitioning to relocate or challenging a proposed move, we can help evaluate how the relocation may impact existing parenting time schedules, school routines, and transportation logistics.

How Our Attorneys Work to Secure Fair Parenting Time Schedules

Visitation and parenting time decisions can be legally and emotionally complex. A dedicated legal advocate is essential to maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with your child. Recognized with an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, our team has a deep understanding of family court systems to help you navigate your case with care and clarity.

Below are some ways that we advocate for favorable parenting time schedules: 

Building a Fact-Based Case for Your Caregiving Role

Courts rely on concrete evidence, not emotion. From morning routines to medical appointments, we can help you document your daily involvement to build a strong foundation for your requested time.

Crafting Realistic Schedules

Standard schedules don’t work for non-traditional careers or shift workers. We can negotiate a customized plan that reflects your real-world availability and address logistical loopholes before they turn into future disputes.

Neutralizing High-Conflict Dynamics

When a co-parent is combative or spiteful, we work to de-escalate tension and hold them responsible for their actions. We emphasize efficiency over billable hours, avoiding pointless back-and-forth arguments that lead nowhere. However, we maintain a trial-ready litigation posture. If an opposing party refuses to negotiate fairly in mediation, we are fully prepared to aggressively litigate your contested custody and support disputes in court.

Taking Swift Action Against Withheld Visitation

We don’t tolerate gamesmanship. If a co-parent unlawfully withholds contact or weaponizes visitation, we can take immediate action to restore your time and demand accountability, including enforcement or contempt motions. 

Identifying Unequal or Restrictive Parenting Time Proposals

In some cases, one parent may attempt to limit parenting time through overly restrictive schedules, vague terms, or unreasonable conditions. We carefully review proposed schedules to identify provisions that may unfairly reduce parenting time with your child.

Addressing Long-Distance Parenting Challenges

Relocation, career changes, and school transitions can complicate existing arrangements. We work with parents to create updated schedules that account for UCCJEA jurisdictional considerations, travel time, transportation costs, virtual communication, and extended visitation periods. 

Take the first step toward protecting your child’s future by consulting with our parenting time attorneys. Call (971) 318-5516 to schedule a free consultation.