Child custody and support in Oregon
For divorcing parents in Oregon: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
In short
In Oregon, custody is called “custody and parenting time (parenting plan)”. Parenting class: Depends on the county: many circuit courts require a parenting class for separating or divorcing parents (Oregon Judicial Department, Parent Education).
- Custody term
- Custody and parenting time (parenting plan)
- Parenting class
- Depends on the court
- Child support agency
- Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Child Support
Custody terms in Oregon
Custody and parenting time (parenting plan)
Mediation
Every county must offer mediation orientation in family law cases; in some counties parents must attend mediation orientation or mediation before a custody/parenting-time hearing. Not required where there is a restraining order (OJD Mediation page).
Parenting class in Oregon
Depends on the county: many circuit courts require a parenting class for separating or divorcing parents (Oregon Judicial Department, Parent Education).
Child support in Oregon
Child support follows Oregon's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.
Children in a Oregon divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Oregon's term for custody: custody and parenting time (parenting plan).
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if Oregon requires it in your case.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in Oregon
What is child custody called in Oregon?
Oregon uses the term “custody and parenting time (parenting plan)”.
Do parents have to take a class in a Oregon divorce?
Depends on the county: many circuit courts require a parenting class for separating or divorcing parents (Oregon Judicial Department, Parent Education).
Which agency handles child support in Oregon?
Is mediation required for custody in Oregon?
Every county must offer mediation orientation in family law cases; in some counties parents must attend mediation orientation or mediation before a custody/parenting-time hearing. Not required where there is a restraining order (OJD Mediation page).
More about divorce in Oregon
- All Oregon divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Oregon
- Oregon divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Oregon
- Serving divorce papers in Oregon
- Divorce timeline estimator for Oregon
- Divorce checklist for Oregon
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.