Medford Parenting Time Lawyer

Parenting Time Attorney in Medford, OR

The time a parent will get to spend with their child is often one of the greatest concerns for those going through divorce or custody disputes. Whether you are looking to establish visitation or for an even split in residency, your Medford parenting time lawyer can assist with your case. They can advocate for you at each stage and work for a favorable parenting plan.

About Us

The Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes is committed to helping parents in Medford, OR, Jackson County, Josephine County, and communities across Southern Oregon with their parenting time cases. Attorney Tracy Duell-Cazes has decades of experience handling cases ranging from nuptial agreements to contested high-value divorces. She has been a member of the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) since 2003 and a member of the Board since 2018.

What Is Parenting Time?

Parenting time in Oregon is the process of determining how much time a child spends with either parent. These cases affect many families across the state. In 2024, 238,000 children in Oregon lived in single-parent households, or around 30%. The rate is higher in Jackson County, with 31.48% of minors living with only one parent.

Parenting time cases are based on what is in the best interest of the child. Courts encourage each parent to have frequent and continuing contact with the child unless it poses a threat to their welfare. A history of abuse between parents or inflicted on a child can bar the accused’s visitation rights. Factors that may limit parenting time include alcoholism, drug addiction, unstable housing, criminal history, and any other endangering signifier.

Oregon Parenting Plans

The key legal document in parenting time matters is a parenting plan. These forms are required for all cases, and can be either general or detailed. The base requirements for general plans are clear outlines of each parent’s responsibilities, basic time shared between parties, and the minimum amount of parenting time and access entitled to the noncustodial parent. Detailed parenting plans can cover a range of specific scenarios. A few common provisions used include:

• Residential schedule for where the child lives
• Holiday, birthday, and vacation planning
• Weekend visitation arrangements accounting for surrounding school days
• Decision-making responsibilities
• Information that both parents must share
• Phone access
• Transportation
• Methods for resolving disputes
• Specific events that the custodial parent must notify the noncustodial parent of

All parenting plans, whether general or detailed, must be reviewed by the courts to be official. A judge may reject a plan if they decide it is not in the best interest of the child. Courts may also develop a detailed parenting plan at the request of either parent, or if the parents are unable to agree on a parenting plan on their own.

Hire a Parenting Time Lawyer

Parenting time cases can be lengthy and confusing processes. Unorganized records or missed deadlines can jeopardize your rights. While you may handle it on your own, the complex nature of these proceedings makes it recommended that you hire a parenting time lawyer to help you. An experienced Medford parenting time attorney can guide you through your case. Several benefits the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes can provide include:

• Review your case. Tracy can explain how parenting time may interact with other ongoing legal matters and build a strategy that matches your circumstances.
• Gather evidence. Evidence is often vital in supporting your parenting time case. This can include communication records with co-parents, school or work schedules, documentation of safety concerns, and witness testimonies. Your attorney can aid in gathering all relevant information.
• Negotiate with other parties. Cooperation with your co-parent is encouraged to avoid hefty fees, lengthy case length, and stress on your child. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf and reduce conflict when discussing the parenting plan with other parties.
• Representation in court. Skilled legal counsel can represent you in all hearings and meetings, both inside and outside the Jackson County Justice Building downtown.

FAQs

What Is the Effect of Custody Judgements on Parenting Time in Oregon?

One common point of confusion for Oregonians going through a parenting time case is whether custody verdicts directly affect parenting time. In Oregon, parenting time and child custody are separate issues. Joint custody arrangements may involve a child living with only one parent, or sole custody agreements can have equal parenting time plans.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make in Oregon Parenting Time Cases?

Oregon parenting time cases can be sensitive matters where parties make many similar mistakes. One frequent error in the proceedings is parties focusing on winning and attacking other parents. Parenting time arrangements should prioritize the best interest of the child, not issues between parties. Another common mistake is making informal changes. Modifications without court approval are unenforceable and can be seen as violating your parenting plan.

Do You Have to Pay Child Support if Denied Visitation?

Some parents in Oregon wonder if they have to continue to pay child support if their visitation rights are denied. Under state law, you are still required to pay child support if a support arrangement has been established. Payment is still owed even if the receiving parent is refusing to follow a pre-established parenting plan. This also means that the receiving parent cannot withhold parenting time if the obligor has outstanding support debt.

Can You Change Parenting Time Arrangements After an Initial Parenting Plan?

After an initial court-approved parenting plan, either parent may request a change to established arrangements. Modifications to parenting time must be in the best interest of the child and agreed to by both parents. Common reasons for changes include a shift in a child’s needs, a new work schedule, or the current plan failing. Alterations can be temporary or permanent, and require a new court-approved parenting plan.

Speak With a Medford Parenting Time Attorney Today

The Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes recognizes how frustrating parenting time cases can be. Reach out today to book your initial interview and consultation. In these meetings, we can learn your story, discuss points of contention in your case, and explore various strategies. Conversations can take place online or in person at our Medford office, located on South Central Avenue, a few blocks north of Barnett Road and across Interstate 5 from Bear Creek Park.