Oregon Child Support Lawyers

Since 1996, the law office of Zwaanstra & Associates, P.C. has been representing parents in cases involving child custody and support.  We take the time to listen to you describe your unique situation and determine a course of action based on that information and your goals for the case.

Child Custody

Composed of two distinct but related aspects, namely legal custody and physical custody, child custody is an area in which some standardized guidelines apply in certain counties.  Physical custody, also considered parenting time, addresses the time the child spends with each parent.  Legal custody is awarded to the party that will have the authority to make major decisions for the child outside of the terms and duration of the other parent’s parenting time.

It is best if the parties attempt to reach a decision about how physical and legal custody will be handled.  If an agreement cannot be reached, a court must decide those issues, focusing the decision on the best interests of the child.  Under Oregon law, sole legal custody will be awarded either to one parent or the other and the courts do not have the authority to award joint legal custody without the complete and total agreement of the parties.  Many counties have standardized the creation of a parenting time plan, or visitation, in the event that assistance is needed in creating a parenting time plan.

Child Support

Child support matters are guided by the Oregon Administrative Rules, which detail the statutory factors involved in determining the amount of child support that will be paid.  Some of these factors include income, day care, health insurance, and parenting time, among others.  If there are changes in any of these factors throughout the time in which a set amount of support is to be paid, the amount can be modified up or down, depending on the individual situation.  Our office can also help you deal with modifications of support orders.  In many cases, the amount of parenting time awarded to one parent or the other directly affects the amount of child support. 

Contact the child support lawyers at our office today.  We keep your best interests, and the best interests of your children, in mind throughout the entirety of your case.  Get in touch with us today to schedule your consultation during one of our flexible appointment times.

We serve clients throughout Oregon and Washington, and many of our Oregon clients come from Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah Counties and the surrounding communities including Beaverton, Gaston, Tigard, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gresham, Tualatin, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Forest Grove, and Portland.

Zwaanstra & Associates, P.C.
452 NE Lincoln Street
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
Phone: (503) 648-1186
Fax: (503) 640-8310
E-mail