Experienced Representation for Child Custody Cases in Oregon
As is the case with most states, Oregon family courts are hesitant to allow children to move away from either of their parents. Relocation cases are typically extremely difficult and costly for all parties involved. When a parent must move to be closer to family or to take a job, custody and parenting time most likely needs to change. Often, this is a change that will significantly impact the lives of the children and the other parent. Whether you want to move or stop the other parent from moving, it is important that you consult an experienced family law attorney.
Our team at Pacific Cascade Legal can help: Call us at (503) 573-5566 today.
Parenting Plans and Relocations: What You Should Know
Changes made to parenting plans and custody arrangements are legally binding. Make sure your rights as a parent are respected and your child’s needs are appropriately met. As family law lawyers experienced in handling child custody modifications, including relocation, we can provide the counsel and advocacy you need. The sooner you get in touch with a Portland family lawyer from our firm, the better.
Can I Modify My Parenting Plan?
Parenting plans are frequently modified to meet the changing needs of the children and their families. As in all child custody issues, the courts will seek to achieve a resolution that is in the child’s best interest.
Changes that could prompt modification of a parenting plan include:
- Relocation of one or both parents
- Change in time spent with one or other parent
- Change in custody arrangement
- Career change
- Change in the child’s life
Relocation Laws in Oregon
When one parent needs to move out of the area, for any reason, the changes requested are called relocations or move-aways. Moving out of the agreed-upon area is a significant change that may warrant a change in both the parenting plan and the child custody agreement. If your child’s other parent is relocating, or if you believe that you may need to relocate, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.
In Oregon moving with your child is allowed without notice so long as the child does not move more than 60 miles further away from the other parent. While the parenting plan may need to change upon the move because of the distance, the child's school, or the parents' work schedules, no advance notice or court permission is needed for such a short-distance move. However, if you desire to move with your child more than 60 miles further away from the other parent, you must give that parent and the court written notice of your intent to move. You must do so a "reasonable" amount of time before the move, which usually means 45-60 days. Once you provide notice then it is up to the other parent to file a motion to modify custody or parenting time and to stop you from moving with the child. This can get tricky because the other party may wait until just before (or even after) the move to file the motion. If that occurs, then the moving party and the child may be ordered to stay in Oregon or ordered to come back to Oregon pending the hearing if the move has already occurred. Given that moves often occur for jobs, this can be logistically difficult and present significant employment and housing problems.
Call Our Experienced Portland Child Move-Away Attorneys
If you need a Portland relocation law firm focused on finding practical solutions to family law issues, let Pacific Cascade Legal be your first choice. We are tough, experienced, and accomplished. You can rely on our firm 100%.
Contact us at (503) 573-5566 to arrange a consultation!