Oregon Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in Oregon is decided in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Law. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Oregon documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official Oregon custody resources

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Oregon family law forms (official index) (Oregon judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Oregon family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/family/forms/Pages/default.aspx

Oregon court self-help resources (Oregon courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Oregon family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/family

Oregon mediation and dispute resolution (Oregon judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Oregon family case without a trial. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/programs/adr

OJD eFile (Odyssey File & Serve) (Tyler Technologies): Oregon's statewide OJD eFile system covers every circuit court and is open to people without lawyers. Paper filing is still allowed if you prefer. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/services/online/Pages/efile.aspx

Oregon rules of procedure (Oregon judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Oregon. https://www.courts.oregon.gov/rules

Verified official Oregon custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Petition for Unmarried Parents (Packet) (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/forms/Documents/Petition%20for%20Unmarried%20Parents%20(Packet).pdf

Official link data for Oregon was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in Oregon?

Family cases in Oregon are heard in the Circuit Court, usually in the Family Law. Oregon's Circuit Court hears all divorce and custody cases. Oregon's 36 counties are grouped into judicial districts for its Circuit Courts.

Does Oregon favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Oregon forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Oregon mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.