Oregon · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

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.

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

Children in a Oregon divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Oregon's term for custody: custody and parenting time (parenting plan).

  2. Parenting class

    Depends on the county: many circuit courts require a parenting class for separating or divorcing parents (Oregon Judicial Department, Parent Education).

  3. 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.

  4. The child support agency

    Oregon's child support agency: Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Child Support

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?

Oregon Department of Justice, Division of Child Support.

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

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.