Our Clients Come First
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"100% would recommend!"Joe was amazing to work with. We worked together for close to TWO years on my case and he never backed down or ceased to amaze me with his knowledge and understanding.- Emma
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"Beyond satisfied with his representation."Joe represented me for a divorce and restraining order cases, and was professional, kind, direct, and honest. I felt like he actually cared about what was important to me, and advocated for me in front of the judge.- Justine
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"Joe Harder is absolutely the guy you want by your side when things are tough!"For men working on maintaining our rights as an equal parent, the Family Court system can be tilted. Having an attorney who understands the hurtles men face is critical. Joe Harder is absolutely the guy you want by your side!- Orion
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"Highly recommended for your legal needs."HE DEFINITELY goes against the grain as far lawyers are thought to be, I will use him again in the future if I ever need to pull the trigger to protect my rights as a father.- Brandon
Why Choose The Law Office of Joseph M. Harder?
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Comprehensive Legal SupportWith experience spanning multiple practice areas, we provide holistic legal assistance tailored to your needs.
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Compassionate AdvocacyOur firm ensures ethical, compassionate, and honest representation for every client throughout their legal journey.
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Personalized Legal CareEach case is unique, which is why we offer personalized legal care tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.
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Flexible Payment OptionsWe offer payment plans, providing you with flexibility in managing your legal expenses.
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Free ConsultationsTake advantage of our free consultations to discuss your legal concerns and explore your options without any obligation.
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Certified Family Law Specialist
Trust in our team to provide you with skilled guidance and representation in family law matters.
Oregon State Law on Child Custody
Under Oregon law, courts focus primarily on the child's best interests when determining custody arrangements.
The state recognizes several forms of custody:
- Sole custody: One parent is given the majority of decision-making powers regarding the child's welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
- Joint custody: Parents share decision-making responsibilities. However, this requires both parents' agreement to this arrangement.
- Physical custody: This is a separate issue from the above types of custody. It dictates where the child lives. This can be sole, where the child resides with one parent, or joint, where the child's time is divided between the two.
Oregon courts do not make these decisions lightly and encourage parents to reach an agreement outside of court whenever possible.
Factors Courts Consider in Awarding Custody
When custody disputes are brought before the court, several factors are considered in determining what situation best serves the child's interests. These include but are not limited to the emotional bonds between parent and child, the stability of each parent's home environment, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship between the child and the other parent. Additionally, any history of abuse or neglect is given significant weight.
Solutions Outside of Court
Parents are encouraged to work together to create a parenting plan that both find acceptable to avoid the strain of court battles. Negotiation between the parents, with or without the help of their respective attorneys, is recommended. Mediation is also valuable for facilitating dialogue and finding a middle ground.
Parents can often reach an agreement that serves the child's best interests without judicial intervention by focusing on the child's needs and using neutral third parties professionally trained in alternate dispute resolution methods.
Why Choose a Certified Family Law Specialist for Your Custody Case?
Choosing our Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS) at The Law Office of Joseph M. Harder to represent your interests in a custody case brings numerous advantages. A CFLS has demonstrated a high level of expertise in family law, surpassing the qualifications of general practice lawyers in this field.
Certification means our attorney is deeply familiar with the nuances of Oregon family law, including the latest legal precedents and statutory changes that could affect your case. Attorney Harder is adept at helping you navigate the emotional aspect of custody battles, providing supportive sensitivity and understanding at this critical time. He also has extensive experience in negotiation with crucial skills for resolving custody disputes amicably and efficiently whenever possible.
Choosing JMH means entrusting your family's future to someone who has dedicated his career to excelling in the complex arena of family law. This choice can make a pivotal difference in reaching a settlement that upholds the best interests of your children while safeguarding your parental rights.
Contact us via our contact form or at (503) 386-0651 to discuss the details of your case with our child custody attorney today.