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Types of Child Custody in Oregon

May 31, 2017

Child Custody - Child & Parent walking through flowers

In Oregon, there are several types of child custody: sole legal custody, joint legal custody, split legal custody, and physical custody. Before we get into a discussion of the differences between the types of child custody, it is important to know what child custody really means.Legal custody is the set of rights and responsibilities for making major decisions in a child’s life. These major decisions pertain to residence, education, health care and religious training. A parent having legal custody of their child should still confer with the parent who does not have custody, but, if they cannot come to a joint decision the parent with legal custody has the final say.

Physical Custody

Physical custody is simply having a child in your own possession at the time. This is usually regulated in Oregon by a parenting plan (what used to be called a “visitation order”). The parent having physical child custody is able to make routine day-to-day decisions just like any parent can. These rights and responsibilities include setting aside time for homework and chores, taking baths, deciding what to have for dinner, and just having some fun time too.

Sole Legal Custody

In Oregon, by law the most common type of child custody is sole legal custody. One parent gets the right to make the “big picture” decisions regarding how their child is going to be raised. The other parent is supposed to be consulted on these big decisions, but if the parents cannot agree the one having sole legal custody has the final say. The legal custodian’s decisions can, however, be reviewed by the court to see if the decisions are in the child’s best interests, such as when the parent with sole legal custody decides to move three states away.

Joint Legal Custody

The law in Oregon disfavors joint legal custody. Joint legal custody means that both parents are required to consult with each other and agree with each other on any of the big picture decisions. Joint legal custody is the only type of child custody in Oregon that can be ordered only by agreement of the parents. It is also the most fragile kind of child custody, as any point of disagreement can lead to its breakdown and result in one parent having sole legal custody.

Split Legal Custody

Split legal custody is really nothing more than sole legal custody for two or more children being determined individually for each child. For example, a brother and sister who do not get along well living together can be split between the parents, each parent having sole custody of one child. This is a rare type of child custody to have in Oregon.

Conclusion

Whatever type of child custody you are contemplating, it is important to know that there are options that need to be explored. The type of child custody selected in your case is dependent on many factors that revolve around the best interests of your child. Every case is different and complex. You will need the assistance of an experienced child custody attorney such as Christopher Eggert at Eggert Law Firm to get your best outcome.

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