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On September 29, 2025, groundbreaking changes were announced in Oregon family law that are set to revolutionize the way child custody arrangements are handled in the state. The new laws, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, are designed to prioritize co-parenting and promote the best interests of the child in all custody disputes.One of the key changes in the new legislation is the introduction of a presumption of equal shared parenting. This means that unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as abuse or neglect, both parents will be presumed to be equally fit to care for their child and will be encouraged to share parenting responsibilities equally. This shift towards shared parenting is based on research that shows that children benefit from having strong relationships with both parents, even in cases of divorce or separation.Additionally, the new laws aim to streamline the process of determining custody arrangements by promoting mediation and cooperative parenting plans. Parents will be required to attend parenting classes and mediation sessions to help them work together to create a parenting plan that is in the best interests of their child. This approach is meant to reduce conflict and litigation in custody cases, ultimately benefiting the children involved.Another significant change in the new legislation is the recognition of the importance of sibling relationships. Courts will be required to consider the impact of custody arrangements on the relationships between siblings and take steps to ensure that siblings are able to maintain strong bonds with each other, even if they are not living together full-time.Overall, the changes to Oregon family law represent a major shift towards a more child-centered approach to custody disputes. By prioritizing co-parenting, promoting shared parenting, and emphasizing the importance of sibling relationships, the new laws aim to create a more supportive and stable environment for children of divorced or separated parents. The hope is that these changes will lead to better outcomes for children and families in Oregon for years to come.