How the Court Views Oregon Parenting Plan Modifications
As Oregon family law lawyers, we often get asked questions about modifying an existing parenting plan. Often, clients will come in with a clear idea of what they believe the parenting plan should look like. The question is always simple: “Is this in the best interest of the child?”
When evaluating parenting plan modifications, Oregon courts look to a number of factors. However, the primary questions they ask are: (1) has there been a change in circumstances necessitating the change?; and (2) what is in the best interest of the child? Courts do not ask “Is this going to be convenient for the parent?” when determining a new parenting plan.
Courts do not ask “Is this going to be convenient for the parent?” when determining a new parenting plan.
The point is this: If you decide to try to modify a parenting plan with the court, you should always go forward with the idea that you want to demonstrate why your plan is in the best interest of your child(ren). Since this is the standard the judge will be looking at, it is going to be helpful to design all your evidence around showing why the plan improves your children’s lives, education, well-being, or health. Parenting plan modifications need to be child-centric, not parent-centric.