MaritalLaws
Oregon
Child Visitation Laws
Oregon Child Custody Guide :: Table of Contents
Visitation General Information
What is child visitation?
In the context of a child custody case, visitation is defined as the rights for a non-custodial parent to see their child, or as temporary custody that's been granted for a period of time to an otherwise non-custodial parent or relative.In general, courts in Oregon assume that it is beneficial for both biological parents of a child to have shared custody or visitation, unless it is shown to be against the child's best interests. A biological parent who is denied custody may be awarded visitation rights to provide for a relationship between the parent and child.
Visitation by grandparents, family members, or other third-parties is less clear cut in Oregon, and nationwide. While there are state guidelines regarding third-party visitation in certain situations, these laws are frequently challenged.
Above all else, courts in Oregon strive to make custody and visitation decisions that are "in the best interests of the child". The court handling each individual visitation case has significant flexibility in determining what arrangement is in the child's best interests. You can read about Oregon's visitation guildelines on this page.
Oregon Visitation Court Considerations Table
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Oregon Child Visitation Summary
How are Visitation Rights Requested?
Oregon law states that a biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case or may file a petition for visitation in none of these circumstances apply.The court will decide a request for visitation based on whether granting a parent visitation would be in the "best interests of the child."
What is considered in a child's "best interests" are outlined under the custody and visitation statute which indicate the following factors are relevant to this type of decision: the emotional ties between the child and other family members; the interest of the parties in and attitude toward the child; the desirability of continuing an existing relationship; any prior domestic violence or abuse. caregiver preference and cooperation between the parents.
Determination of grandparent visitation rights include consideration of the relationship between the grandparent and grandchild, as well as the relationship between the parent and child. Adoption cuts off all visitation rights of grandparents.
Oregon Child Visitation For Grandparents, Relatives, and Third Parties
In the state of Oregon, there are a number of laws regarding child visitation regarding visitation for third-parties other than the biological parents of the child. While state laws regarding third-party visitation have been frequently been challenged in courts, they are a good indication of Oregon's positions regarding non-parental visitation rights.
Visitation Rights Of Grandparents In Oregon:
Oregon has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. Under state law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the parent's marital status.
✓ YES
✗ NO
✗ NO
✗ NO
Regardless of state presumptions regarding grandparent's visitation rights under specific circumstances, an Oregon court may allow or prevent visitation rights in any situation based on the best interests of the child.
Visitation Rights Of Other Parties In Oregon:
Are step-parents granted visitation rights in the state of Oregon?
Generally it is an uphill battle for step-parents seeking visitation rights for a step-child, especially if the biological parents of the child are alive and are opposed to the visitation.
Under Oregon law, legal provisions do exist to grant child visitation rights to step-parents under certain circumstances, so visitation can be readily applied for. In all cases, third-party visitation rights are more likely to be granted by the court if they are deemed to be in the best interests of the child.
Can other interested parties or relatives be granted visitation rights to a child in Oregon?
Under state of Oregon law, it may be possible for other individuals to be granted visitation rights by the court. This might include relatives other than the child'a parents, previous caregivers, etc.
Can parents be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or adoption in Oregon?
In the state of Oregon it may not be possible to be granted visitation rights after losing parental rights or giving up a child for adoption. This is the case with both biological parents and previous guardians.