Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?

No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.

How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?

Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.

Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?

Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.

What if my ex violates the custody order?

File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.

Custody & Visitation in Oregon

7 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation in Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

7 Resources

1. Oregon Legal Aid – Family Law — Free

Free legal help for custody, parenting time, divorce, and related family law matters for low-income Oregonians statewide. Intake reviews income and case type to determine eligibility. Parents can call 503-224-4086 during weekday business hours or apply through oregonlawhelp.org. Expect to provide photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs or benefits letter), and any existing court orders when starting a case.

503-224-4086 · 520 SW Yamhill St #200, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Legal Aid Services of Oregon — Free

Statewide nonprofit providing free civil legal assistance for family law, custody, and parenting time cases to low-income Oregonians. Regional offices coordinate intake and referrals across the state. Call 503-224-4086 Monday through Friday or start an application at lasoregon.org. Bring photo ID, income documentation, and copies of any court papers, petitions, or custody orders you have already received.

503-224-4086 · 520 SW Yamhill St #200, Portland, OR 97204 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Oregon State Bar – Lawyer Referral — Paid

Connects Oregonians with licensed family law attorneys for an initial consultation at a modest flat rate. Referrals cover custody, parenting time, divorce, paternity, and modifications statewide. Call 503-684-3763 weekdays or request a match online at osbar.org/public/ris. Have a brief summary of your situation, county, and any upcoming court dates ready so staff can route you to a suitable attorney.

503-684-3763 · 16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd, Tigard, OR 97224 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Benton County Circuit Court – Family — Free

Handles custody, parenting time, divorce, and paternity filings for families living in Corvallis and the surrounding Benton County area. The courthouse accepts filings in person during business hours and posts forms and schedules through the Oregon Judicial Department site. Call 541-766-6828 for scheduling or self-help questions. Bring photo ID, case number if you have one, and filing fees or a fee-waiver request.

541-766-6828 · 120 NW 4th St, Corvallis, OR 97330 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Oregon Child Custody Evaluators — Paid

Directory of court-approved evaluators who conduct custody and parenting assessments when ordered by an Oregon family court. Evaluators interview each parent, observe children, and submit a written report used by judges at trial. Call 503-986-5500 or visit courts.oregon.gov for referral details. Parents should bring court orders, case numbers, and copies of prior parenting plans to the first appointment.

503-986-5500 · 1163 State St, Salem, OR 97301 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Klamath County Circuit Court – Family — Free

Family court services for residents of Klamath Falls and the wider Klamath County region, including custody, parenting time, divorce, and paternity cases. Filings are accepted at the courthouse during business hours, and self-help forms are available through courts.oregon.gov. Call 541-883-5503 for scheduling questions. Bring photo ID, your case number if you have one, and filing fees or a fee-waiver application.

541-883-5503 · 316 Main St, Klamath Falls, OR 97601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Coos County Circuit Court – Family — Free

Custody, parenting time, divorce, and paternity filings for families on the southern Oregon coast, based in Coquille. The court processes petitions in person during weekday business hours and posts forms through the Oregon Judicial Department website. Call 541-396-7500 for scheduling or self-help questions. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, your case number, and filing fees or a fee-waiver request.

541-396-7500 · 250 N Baxter St, Coquille, OR 97423 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?: No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?: Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?: Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?: File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.