Parenting Time/Parenting Plans in Oregon Divorce Mediation: Mediator Matthew House, J.D.
What is physical custody and a parenting plan? Whereas legal custody is decision-making authority -- whether parents jointly make major decisions concerning minor children or whether one parent has the final say -- physical custody refers to how parenting time is shared. "Physical custody" and "parenting time" are synonymous. The parenting time schedule need not be equal, but it may be. Parenting time may be allocated according to whatever schedule the parents agree is in the children's best interests, no matter how the legal custody is awarded.
Why it Matters: .Every divorce that involves at least one minor child must have a parenting plan. The parenting plan sets forth a schedule stating when the child(ren) will spend time with each parent, as well as a schedule for holidays, vacations, and special occasions. The parenting plan can also include other stipulations.
Common Mistakes or Oversights:
How Matthew Can Assist You in Mediation: Matthew will help you to avoid the mistakes and oversights mentioned above, and he will assist you in writing a detailed parenting plan that addresses more than 50 issues that may pertain to your case. Some must be addressed, but others are optional. Twenty years of experience have provided Matthew with countless helpful strategies that he will share with you to help you and your children to thrive post-divorce.
What to Prepare Before Mediation: Nothing.
Parenting time may be allocated according to whatever schedule the parents agree is in the children's best interests, no matter how the legal custody is awarded. The parenting time schedule need not be equal, but it may be. You can agree on whatever schedule best meets your children's needs. The overarching principle in child custody is the best interests of the children.
Why it Matters: .Every divorce that involves at least one minor child must have a parenting plan. The parenting plan sets forth a schedule stating when the child(ren) will spend time with each parent, as well as a schedule for holidays, vacations, and special occasions. The parenting plan can also include other stipulations.
Common Mistakes or Oversights:
- Parenting time schedules should be appropriately specific; if they are too vague, they're difficult to interpret.
- You should not rely on the county's templates. If you haven't already viewed them, don't. They may give you the impression that your options are limited, which is not true.
- A parenting plan should include more than just a schedule; it should also have stipulations for co-parenting.
- A parenting plan will remain in effect until it is modified, but it should have provisions to modify it in the future, knowing that circumstances will change.
How Matthew Can Assist You in Mediation: Matthew will help you to avoid the mistakes and oversights mentioned above, and he will assist you in writing a detailed parenting plan that addresses more than 50 issues that may pertain to your case. Some must be addressed, but others are optional. Twenty years of experience have provided Matthew with countless helpful strategies that he will share with you to help you and your children to thrive post-divorce.
What to Prepare Before Mediation: Nothing.
Parenting time may be allocated according to whatever schedule the parents agree is in the children's best interests, no matter how the legal custody is awarded. The parenting time schedule need not be equal, but it may be. You can agree on whatever schedule best meets your children's needs. The overarching principle in child custody is the best interests of the children.