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 being able to devote time to the child’s needs and interests, in any custody decision.

A parent who can demonstrate involvement with his/her child and is willing to organize work, vacations, and weekends around the child’s interests may have a better chance at custody. For example, if a parent coaches his/her child’s soccer team, is involved with the PTA, or is clearly the child’s primary caretaker, these activities display tangible parental interest to the court. Though the court understands child-care arrangements will be necessary for many working parents, a parent’s schedule that allows for regular time together is also considered to be in the child’s best interests.

If you are committed to raising your child and are concerned about proving it or are unsure how your career and future plans will affect your chances at custody, legal counsel can help. The lawyers at McGuire + Thompson, LLC in Southwest Portland can provide advice on how to prove that you can best serve your child’s interests. Visit our website at portlandfamilylaw.com for more information.