In an Oregon divorce that involves a custody dispute, the court will consider “the desirability of continuing an existing relationship” between a parent and a child as a factor in its decision. This factor is primarily an investigation into which parent has previously been the child’s primary caregiver. Oregon law supports stability of environment in the child’s life, and if…
Just as a parent’s ability to foster a relationship between the child and the non-custodial parent is considered as a factor in custody (see our post “The Importance of Sharing”), the potential custodial parent’s own ability to maintain a stable, nurturing relationship with the child is also important. Oregon law considers a parent’s homemaking skills and enthusiasm for parenting, including…
A custody decision is not solely about who might be better suited to caring for a child; a court also factors in a parent’s ability to maintain a child’s other relationships, including with his/her other parent. Oregon law encourages parents to continue sharing responsibilities and involvement in their child’s life if it is deemed to be in the child’s best…
While a court will not usually consider one factor, such as the child’s preference, to the exclusion of others when deciding custody in a divorce, there is a circumstance in which a single factor may be considered above all others: when one parent has committed abuse. (For a list of factors considered in determining custody, see our post: “Obtaining Custody…
When it comes to determining the custody of children during the divorce process, several factors are considered, including the expressed preference of the child. (For a list of other factors considered, see our post: “Obtaining Custody in Oregon.”) As long as the child’s preference is not against his or her best interests, it will be considered alongside the other factors…