Child Custody & Parenting
for Non-Parents in Corvallis, OR

When Does the Court Award Custody to Third Parties in Oregon?

While it is difficult for non-parents to be awarded child custody or visitation rights, it does not mean that it is not possible. There have been certain scenarios when the Oregon family courts have granted custody to non-parents or third parties if it is in the best interest of the child.

Some of these scenarios include:

• If the court finds the biological parent unfit such as when the parent has an emotional or mental illness, has been mentally impaired, or in a vegetative state
• If the court determines that living with the biological parent puts the child in imminent or immediate danger
• If the court determines that the biological parent is unavailable as a result of death, desertion, incarceration, or other reasons

The United States Supreme Court states that biological parents have the fundamental right to raise their kid as they see fit. However, some children find themselves in the care of other family members such as grandparents or a close relative when the parents are deemed unfit. Although this is a common scenario in Oregon, it does not mean that the process of child custody and parenting time for non-parents is easy. In fact, recent changes to the law have made it more difficult for non-parents to be granted custody.

To get started, schedule a consultation when you contact the firm via phone or email.

Seek the Help of a Corvallis Custody Attorney

If you are a grandparent, stepparent, or a close relative seeking custody of a child with unfit or unavailable parents, reach out to Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C. Our Corvallis child custody attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience in handling complex family law matters such as child custody and parenting time for non-parents. We can evaluate the facts of the situation you’re in and help you determine the best legal route to take in obtaining custody and parenting time.

Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who have helped countless families—no matter how untraditional—achieve the outcome that they want and need. Get in touch with us to learn about your legal options. We are here to guide you through the entire child custody and parenting time process.

Call us at (541) 243-0678 or email us to schedule an initial consultation.