Advocate for Your Child's Best Interests

Schedule Custody Representation in Portland

You want a parenting plan that protects your relationship with your child while honoring their need for stability, safety, and connection to both parents. In Portland, where Multnomah County family courts emphasize mediation and child-centered outcomes, custody cases require careful preparation and a clear understanding of local expectations. Rugged Law represents parents in parenting-plan development, custody disputes, modifications, and relocation cases with a steady focus on what serves your child best.

Our practice includes complex and high-conflict cases that demand deep communication, evidence review, and court-ready documentation. We work with parents across Oregon navigating major life transitions, whether you are establishing custody for the first time, responding to a modification request, or seeking permission to relocate with your child. Schedule planning, co-parenting considerations, and evaluator standards all play a role in building a case that reflects your family's reality.

Connect with us to begin developing or modifying custody Portland arrangements that center your child's well-being and your parental rights.

What's Included in This Service

When you work with us on a custody matter, we start by gathering a full picture of your family's situation, including current schedules, communication patterns, and any concerns about safety or stability. You may be facing a contested hearing, preparing for mediation, or responding to a motion filed by the other parent. Our initial consultation focuses on understanding your goals and the specific factors that matter most in Portland and Multnomah County family court.

Rugged Law prepares every case with attention to evidence, including school records, medical documentation, and witness statements that support your position. We draft parenting plans that address schedules, decision-making authority, and dispute-resolution methods, and we are willing to take cases that require sustained advocacy through trial or appeal. Our statewide availability supports families across Oregon, and we remain in close contact with clients throughout the process.

From filing initial petitions to presenting arguments in court, we handle each step with clarity and focus. Our tools include detailed timeline creation, co-parenting communication strategies, and preparation for custody evaluations or Guardian ad Litem involvement when necessary.

Key Benefits of This Service

Parents working with us on custody cases often have questions about timelines, what judges consider, and how to prepare for hearings or mediation sessions that will shape their family's future.

What factors do Portland courts consider in custody decisions?
Courts prioritize the child's emotional and physical well-being, the quality of each parent's relationship with the child, stability in housing and schooling, and each parent's ability to support the child's relationship with the other parent. Evidence of involvement in daily care, school participation, and healthcare decisions all matter.
How long does a custody case take in Multnomah County?
If both parents reach agreement through mediation, a case can resolve in a few months. Contested cases that go to trial may take six months to over a year, depending on court availability, the need for evaluations, and the complexity of the issues involved.
Can I modify an existing custody order?
Yes, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order, such as relocation, a change in work schedule, concerns about safety, or the child's evolving needs. You must demonstrate that modification serves the child's best interests.
What happens during a custody evaluation?
A court-appointed evaluator interviews both parents, observes interactions with the child, reviews records, and may speak with teachers, therapists, or other relevant individuals. The evaluator then submits a report with recommendations to the court, which the judge considers alongside other evidence.
What should I avoid doing during a custody dispute?
Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent in front of your child, withholding agreed-upon parenting time, or posting about the case on social media. Courts value cooperation and stability, and actions that undermine the other parent or create conflict can harm your position.

Portland families facing custody disputes need representation that balances assertive advocacy with a child-centered approach. Whether you are establishing a new parenting plan or responding to a modification request, our team is prepared to support you with clarity and care. Contact the firm for support establishing or modifying custody arrangements that protect your relationship with your child.