Oregon Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Oregon — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Oregon
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Oregon courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Child Support in Oregon
Oregon uses the Income Shares Model under ORS § 25.275 and OAR 137-050-0700 through 137-050-0765. The model calculates support based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The child is entitled to benefit from the income of both parents to the same extent as if the family unit remained intact. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined income. The guidelines consider health insurance, childcare costs, extraordinary medical expenses, and parenting time credits.
Official Oregon child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/RDP (With Children) | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with Children |
| Parenting Plan | Parenting Plan |
| Child Support Worksheet | Uniform Child Support Computation Worksheet |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Oregon requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under ORS § 3.425, many Oregon counties require parents to complete a parent education class before a judgment can be entered in cases involving child custody and parenting time. Requirements vary by county. The course covers helping children adjust to family structure changes and effective co-parenting skills. Some counties also require a mediation orientation.
Typical cost: $60
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Oregon forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.