How to Create a Parenting Plan in Oregon

Option 1: Use Oregon's free form builder tool  

The Oregon courts have a free form-building tool called Guide and File. You can use it to create your parenting plan in about 10–30 minutes.  

Here's how to use Oregon's Guide and File tool:  

1. Start the guided interview. Go to the Guide and File site and choose "Parenting Plan" from the list of filing options.
2. Follow the prompts. You’ll answer questions about yourself, the other parent, your child, decision-making, parenting time, and other details.
3. Download your plan. Once you’re done, you can download a customized parenting plan based on your answers.   

Option 2: Use Oregon’s free parenting plan templates  

Oregon’s state court website also offers free downloadable parenting plan templates.  

Here’s how to use them:  

1. Choose the right template. Options include:
   • Basic parenting plan (for most families)
   • Birth-to-age-3 plan (for infants or toddlers)
   • Safety-focused plan (for cases involving abuse or violence)
2. Read the instructions. Each template includes a short guide to help you fill it out.
3. Fill out the forms. Include details about custody, parenting time, exchanges, and other parenting rules.  

You can customize these templates to fit your family’s needs.  

Option 3: Work with a mediator  

A custody and parenting time mediator is a neutral person who helps you and the other parent reach agreements about your children.  

The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions. Instead, they help both parents talk through disagreements and find solutions that work for everyone—especially your child.

Here’s how to get started:  

1. Find a mediator. Most counties offer free custody mediation services for parents involved in court cases. You can also hire a private mediator.
2. Attend mediation sessions. You’ll meet with the mediator to discuss your parenting schedule, decision-making, holidays, and more. You may need more than one session to reach an agreement.
3. Put your agreement in writing. The mediator can help write down what you agree on so both parents are clear.  

Learn more about custody and parenting time mediation here.  

Option 4: Hire an attorney to help you  

You can hire a family law attorney to assist you in creating your parenting plan. An attorney can help you come up with a plan that works long-term. They can also help if you and the other parent don’t agree or if your situation is complex.  

An attorney can:  

• Explain your legal rights and options.
• Recommend parenting time schedules and rules to include in your plan.
• File your plan with the court.
• Represent you in mediation or court hearings.  

If you can’t afford a private attorney, you may qualify for free or low-cost legal help. Search our Legal Directory to find out what help is available in your county.

Option 5: Write your own plan  

If you want a fully custom parenting plan and don’t mind doing more work, you can write your own.  

Here’s how to create your plan from scratch:  

1. Know what to include. A good parenting plan covers custody, visitation, decision-making, communication, exchanges, and other parenting rules.
2. Gather ideas. You can look at:
   • Oregon’s sample parenting plan templates.
   • Parenting plans found online.
   • Examples from friends or family.
   • AI tools to help you brainstorm ideas (see our guide on using AI in a family court case).
3. Write your plan. Type up your parenting plan. Your plan can be as short or detailed as your family needs.  

Get help! If you write your own plan, it’s a good idea to have a facilitator or lawyer review it before filing. They can make sure it follows Oregon law and works well for your situation.  

To make your parenting plan legally binding, a judge must approve it and include it in a court order.  

Until that happens, your parenting plan isn’t legally enforceable. Even if both parents sign it, either of you can stop following it at any time.  

The steps to make your plan legal are different for every family. What you need to do depends on:  

• Whether you have a court case.
• Where you are in your court case.
• If you and your co-parent agree on the plan.
• The county where your case is filed.  

Because the process can be confusing and varies by county, it is best to get help before filing your plan.  

You can get free help from your local court’s family law facilitator. They can:  

• Help you file your parenting plan with the court.
• Explain which forms to use.
• Tell you what to expect next.  

Each county court has its own process, so it’s important to contact the facilitator in your county. Learn more about facilitators here. 

You can also talk to a lawyer. A lawyer can:  

• Review or help you write your parenting plan.
• Make sure it’s complete and enforceable.
• Help you file it with the court and respond if the other parent doesn’t agree.  

You can find a lawyer using Oregon’s Lawyer Referral Service. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can search for free and low-cost legal help using the Legal Directory on this site.