What Is a Parenting Plan in Oregon?

If you’re going through a divorce or custody case in Oregon, the court expects you to make a parenting plan. A parenting plan is a written agreement about how you will care for your child after you separate.

This article explains what a parenting plan is, who needs one, and answers other frequently asked questions.

If you’re ready to create your own parenting plan, go here instead.

What is a parenting plan? 

A parenting plan is a court document that says how you and the other parent will care for your child. It helps parents know what to expect and can reduce problems later. 

Parenting plans usually include: 

• Where the child will live.
• When the child sees each parent (called visitation or parenting time).
• How parents will make important decisions for the child (called custody)
• How parents will communicate with each other.
• What to do for holidays, school breaks, or special events.
• Other rules—these could include rules for screen time, using car seats, food choices, safety rules, or any others rules you want both parents to follow. 

Who needs a parenting plan? 

In Oregon, you need a parenting plan if you’re involved in one of these court cases: 

• Divorce
• Legal separation
• Custody
• Changing a custody or parenting time order (modification cases) 

When do I need to create a parenting plan?  

You’ll need a parenting plan in these situations: 

• Starting a case: If you file a family court case, include a parenting plan with the paperwork you file. If the other parent ignores the case (which is very common), you can finalize your case (and your parenting plan) without their input.
• Temporary orders: If you and the other parent can't agree on a plan for your kids during your case, you can ask the court for temporary orders. Temporary orders create rules that both sides must follow during the case. You’ll need to create a parenting plan if you ask for temporary orders.
• Finalizing a settlement: If you reach a settlement agreement, your final court paperwork must include a parenting plan.  
• Going to trial: If your case goes to trial, bring a parenting plan with you to court. This helps the judge understand the schedule and rules you want. 

Learn more about the steps in a family court case on this page.  

Detailed vs. simple parenting plans 

A parenting plan can be very short (only a few paragraphs) or a multi-page, detailed plan.   

Simple parenting plans

A short parenting plan can work if both parents get along well and can make decisions together as issues come up. It may also work if one parent is absent or rarely involved. Here's an example:

"Parent B gets parenting time every other weekend from 5 p.m. Friday until 5 p.m. Sunday. The children shall live with Parent A at all other times. Parents shall agree on a location for exchanging the kids. The parents will follow the same schedule for holidays."

Detailed parenting plans

A detailed parenting plan is often the best choice. It gives both parents clear rules to follow. This helps everyone know what to expect and can prevent problems later. 

How do I get started? 

You can create a parenting plan using the court's free templates, through mediation, with a lawyer's help, or by writing your own plan. Check out our guide to creating a parenting plan if you're ready to get started.

Need more help? 

If you need help understanding what to do: 

• Contact your local family law facilitator. Facilitators work for the courts and provide free help with family matters. Learn more about facilitators here.
• Get advice from a lawyer. A lawyer can answer complicated questions and provide personalized advice. Refer to this guide for help finding and choosing the right lawyer for your case. 

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