Domestic Relations: Parenting Plans & Custody

Presently the divorce rate is increasing at an astounding rate, and close to 50% of children and adolescents are growing up in a single parent environment. Children need their parents in order for them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. If the bond between the parent and the child is broken, negative consequences can be a result and can be traumatic for a child.

The games that are sometimes played between parents after the divorce often impact the children's self esteem and self identity can be damaged. Divorce affects children in their school environment, their peer environment, and their family structure. The family structure takes on a new definition, differing greatly from the traditional family structure. Many of the divorces are highly emotional and often draw children into conflict. Conflict weighs greatly on how the family functions as a unit. It is also apparent that children commonly feel that they are to blame for the separation. Children will go to great extents in order to gain back their normal family lifestyles.

The sad fact is that when people get divorced the separation between parent and child is inevitable, and how children react to this departure is probably one of the most important facets a parent faces. How children react is not seen on a day to day basis, but is seen throughout a lifetime. So, it is important for parents to keep close observations on how their children are coping and adjusting to the divorce.

While it is often in the best interest of the children for parents to create and agree to a parenting plan without the intervention of the court, sometimes this is not possible between acrimonious parents. In a contested custody matter your future interactions with your child are at stake and it is important to protect your rights.

At Case & Dusterhoff, LLP, these types of cases are handled by Benjamin O. Falk and Alex Golubitsky.

Useful Links:

Child Support Guidelines Calculator
Parenting Plan Information
Parenting Plan Enforcement
Oregon State Bar - Parenting Plan

Contact us to inquire about Parenting Plans & Custody.