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Oregon Revised Statutes

Chapter 109 — Parent and Child Rights and Relationships

247 sections

109.001 Breast-feeding in public place

A woman may breast-feed her child in a public place. Note: 109.001 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 109 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

109.003 Attorney fees; intervenor

In any proceeding brought under this chapter, an authorization of attorney fees to a party also authorizes an award of attorney fees to or against any person who has appeared or intervened in the proceeding.

109.010 Duty of support

Parents are bound to maintain their children who are poor and unable to work to maintain themselves; and children are bound to maintain their parents in like circumstances.

109.012 Liability of parents for expenses and education of children

The expenses of a minor child and the education of the minor child are chargeable upon the property of either or both parents who have not married each other. The parents may be sued jointly or separately for the expenses and education of the minor child. This subsection applies to a person who is asserted to be a parent of the minor child only when: A vol…

109.015 Proceedings for child support if child receives public assistance

If public assistance, as defined in ORS 25.501, is provided for any dependent child, the administrator, as defined in ORS 25.010, may initiate proceedings under ORS chapter 18, 107, 108, 109, 110 or 125 or ORS 25.010 to 25.243, 25.378, 25.402, 25.501 to 25.556 or 419B.400 to obtain support for the child from one or both parents or from any other person legal…

109.020 When child’s maintenance and education may be defrayed out of income of own property

If any minor, whose parent is living, has property the income of which is sufficient for the maintenance and education of the minor in a manner more expensive than the parent can reasonably afford, regard being had to the situation of the parent’s family and to all the circumstances of the case, the expenses of the maintenance and education of the minor may …

109.030 Equality in rights and responsibilities of parents

The rights and responsibilities of the parents, in the absence of misconduct, are equal, and each parent is as fully entitled to the custody and control of the children and their earnings as the other parent. In case of the death of one parent, the other parent shall come into full and complete control of the children and their estate.

109.035 Security required before foreign travel with child

As used in this section: “Custody order” includes any order or judgment establishing or modifying custody of, or parenting time or visitation with, a minor child as described in ORS 107.095, 107.105 (1), 107.135 or 109.103. “Foreign country” means any country that: Is not a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abdu…

109.040 [Repealed by 1953 c.650 §4]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.041 Relationship between adopted child and natural and adoptive parents

The effect of a judgment of adoption heretofore or hereafter granted by a court of this state shall be that the relationship, rights and obligations between an adopted person and the descendants of the adopted person and The adoptive parents of the adopted person, their descendants and kindred, and The natural parents of the adopted person, their descendan…

109.050 Relation of adopted child to adoptive parents

An adopted child bears the same relation to adoptive parents and their kindred in every respect pertaining to the relation of parent and child as the adopted child would if the adopted child were the natural child of such parents.

109.053 [1979 c.266 §1; 1981 c.614 §1; 1997 c.704 §55; 2003 c.576 §135; renumbered 108.045 in 2005]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.055 [1971 c.703 §1; 1973 c.827 §12e; repealed by 1979 c.266 §3]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.056 Delegation of certain powers by parent or guardian; delegation during period of military service

Except as provided in subsection (2) or (3) of this section, a parent or guardian of a minor or incapacitated person, by a properly executed power of attorney, may delegate to another person, for a period not exceeding six months, any of the powers of the parent or guardian regarding care, custody or property of the minor child or ward, except the power to c…

109.060 Legal status and legal relationships when parents not married

The legal status and legal relationships and the rights and obligations between a person and the descendants of the person, and between a person and parents of the person, their descendants and kindred, are the same for all persons, whether or not the parents have been married.

109.065 Establishing parentage

Parentage may be established between a person and a child by: The person having given birth to the child; An unrebutted presumption of parentage under ORS 109.070; An adjudication of the person’s maternity or paternity; Adoption of the child by the person; An effective acknowledgment of paternity by the man under ORS 109.070 or pursuant to the laws of a…

109.070 Presumption of parentage; establishing paternity by voluntary acknowledgment

The parentage of a person is rebuttably presumed if: The person is married to the birth mother at the time of the child’s birth, without a judgment of separation, regardless of whether the marriage is void. The person is married to the birth mother and the child is born within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment or dissolution or …

109.072 Petition to vacate or set aside parentage determination

As used in this section: “Blood tests” has the meaning given that term in ORS 109.251. “Parentage judgment” means a judgment or administrative order that: Expressly or by inference determines the parentage of a child, or that imposes a child support obligation based on the parentage of a child; and Resulted from a proceeding in which blood tests were not…

109.073 Social Security number of parent in paternity order

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 25.020, the final four digits of the Social Security number of a parent who is subject to a parentage determination pursuant to ORS 25.501 to 25.556 or 109.065 (1)(e) or (g) shall be included in the order, judgment or other declaration establishing paternity. Note: 109.073 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly…

109.080 [1957 c.411 §4; 1959 c.432 §64; repealed by 1975 c.640 §18]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.090 Interpretation of ORS 109.060 to 109.090

The provisions of ORS 109.060 to 109.090 shall apply to all persons, irrespective of whether they are born before or after August 20, 1957. ORS 109.060 to 109.090 shall not be construed to affect a decree of distribution entered, or any probate proceeding closed, prior to August 20, 1957. ORS 109.060 to 109.090 shall be liberally construed, with the view of…

109.092 Obligation to recognize responsibility for conception; mother surrendering child for adoption

When it is determined that a woman is pregnant with a child, the woman and any man to whom she is not married and with whom she engaged in sexual intercourse at approximately the time of conception have an obligation to recognize that the man may be the other person responsible for the conception. During the months of pregnancy, the man may join the woman i…

109.094 Rights of parent when parentage established; procedure when parentage established

Upon the parentage of a child being established in the proceedings, a parent shall have the same rights as a parent who is or was married to the mother of the child. The clerk of the court shall certify the fact of parentage to the Center for Health Statistics of the Oregon Health Authority, and the Center for Health Statistics shall amend a record of live b…

109.096 Notice to putative father when parentage not established

When the parentage of a child has not been established under ORS 109.065 or has not been established or acknowledged under ORS 419B.609, the putative father is entitled to reasonable notice in adoption or other court proceedings concerning the custody of the child, except for juvenile court proceedings, if the petitioner knows, or by the exercise of ordinary…

109.098 Objection of putative father in proceeding referred to in ORS 109.096; effect of failure to appear and object

If a putative father of a child by due appearance in a proceeding of which he is entitled to notice under ORS 109.096 objects to the relief sought, the court: May stay the adoption or other court proceeding to await the outcome of the filiation proceedings only if notice of the initiation of filiation proceedings was on file as required by ORS 109.096 (3) o…

109.100 Petition for support; effect of judgment; parties

Any minor child or the administrator may, in accordance with ORCP 27 A, apply to the circuit court in the county in which the child resides, or in which the natural or adoptive father or mother of the child may be found, for an order upon the child’s father or mother, or both, to provide for the child’s support. The child or the administrator may apply for t…

109.103 Proceeding to determine custody or support of child

If a child is born to an unmarried person and parentage has been established under ORS 109.065, or if a child is born to a married person by a person other than the birth mother’s spouse and parentage between the person and the child has been established under ORS 109.065, either parent may initiate a civil proceeding to determine the custody or support of, …

109.105 [1969 c.461 §1; renumbered 109.610]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.110 [Amended by 1961 c.338 §1; 1967 c.534 §14; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.112 Mother, father or putative father deemed to have attained majority

The mother, father or putative father of a child shall be deemed to have attained majority and, regardless of age, may give authorizations, releases or waivers, or enter into agreements, in adoption, juvenile court, filiation or other proceedings concerning the care or custody of the child.

109.115 [1969 c.271 §2; renumbered 109.620]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.116 Validity of putative father’s authorization, release or waiver

Any authorization, release or waiver given by the putative father with reference to the custody or adoption of the child or the termination of parental rights shall be valid even if given prior to the child’s birth.

109.118 Validity of decrees or orders entered prior to July 3, 1975, concerning custody, adoption or permanent commitment of child

All decrees or orders heretofore entered in any court of this state concerning the custody, adoption or permanent commitment of a child are hereby declared valid upon the expiration of 30 days after July 3, 1975, notwithstanding that notice was not given to the putative father of the child.

109.119 Rights of person who establishes emotional ties creating child-parent relationship or ongoing personal relationship; presumption regarding legal parent; motion for intervention

Except as otherwise provided in subsection (9) of this section, any person, including but not limited to a related or nonrelated foster parent, stepparent, grandparent or relative by blood or marriage, who has established emotional ties creating a child-parent relationship or an ongoing personal relationship with a child may petition or file a motion for int…

109.120 [Repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.121 [1979 c.776 §2; 1983 c.369 §2; 1987 c.810 §2; 1993 c.33 §291; 1999 c.477 §1; 1999 c.569 §7; repealed by 2001 c.873 §2]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.123 [1979 c.776 §3; repealed by 2001 c.873 §2]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.124 Definitions for ORS 109.124 to 109.230

As used in ORS 109.124 to 109.230, unless the context requires otherwise: “Child attending school” has the meaning given that term in ORS 107.108. “Child born out of wedlock” means a child born to an unmarried person or to a married person by another person who is not the person’s spouse. “Respondent” may include, but is not limited to, one or more person…

109.125 Who may initiate proceedings; petition; parties

Any of the following may initiate proceedings under this section: A mother of a child born out of wedlock or a woman pregnant with a child who may be born out of wedlock; The duly appointed and acting guardian of the child, conservator of the child’s estate or a guardian ad litem, if the guardian or conservator has the physical custody of the child or is p…

109.130 [Amended by 1967 c.534 §15; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.133 [1989 c.479 §2; renumbered 109.672 in 1991]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.135 Circuit court jurisdiction; equity action; place of commencement

All filiation proceedings shall be commenced in the circuit court and shall for all purposes be deemed actions in equity. Unless otherwise specifically provided by statute, the proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure. All filiation proceedings shall be commenced and tried in the county where either party or the child …

109.140 [Amended by 1959 c.638 §10; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.145 Court may proceed despite failure to appear; evidence required

If a respondent fails to answer or fails to appear at trial, the court shall have the power to proceed accordingly. In such case, the court may make a determination of parentage and may impose such obligations on the respondent as it deems reasonable. In all such cases corroborating evidence in addition to the testimony of the parent or expectant parent shal…

109.150 [Amended by 1961 c.338 §2; 1967 c.534 §16; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.153 [1973 c.827 §12g; 1981 c.669 §3; repealed by 1983 c.762 §10]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.155 Hearing; order for payment for support of child and other costs; policy regarding settlement; enforcement of settlement terms; remedies

The court, in a private hearing, shall first determine the issue of parentage. If the respondent admits the parentage, the admission shall be reduced to writing, verified by the respondent and filed with the court. If the parentage is denied, corroborating evidence, in addition to the testimony of the parent or expectant parent, shall be required. If the co…

109.160 [Repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.165 Vacation or modification of judgment; policy regarding settlement; enforcement of settlement terms; remedies

Upon motion of either party, the court may set aside, alter or modify any portion of the judgment that provides for the support of the minor child or child attending school, as defined in ORS 107.108. As to any installment or payment of money that has accrued up to the time the nonmoving party, other than the state, is served with a motion to set aside, alte…

109.170 [Repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.175 Determination of legal custody after parentage established

If parentage of a child born out of wedlock is established pursuant to a petition filed under ORS 109.125 or an order or judgment entered pursuant to ORS 25.501 to 25.556 or 109.124 to 109.230, or if parentage is established by the filing of a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity as provided by ORS 109.065 (1)(e), the parent with physical custody at the tim…

109.180 [Repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.190 [Amended by 1961 c.338 §3; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.200 [Amended by 1961 c.338 §4; repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.210 [Repealed by 1969 c.619 §15]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.220 [Amended by 1961 c.338 §5; 1969 c.619 §12; repealed by 1979 c.87 §1]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.225 Notice to Center for Health Statistics after petition filed; filing notice

After filing the petition, the petitioner shall cause the Center for Health Statistics of the Oregon Health Authority to be served by mail with a notice setting forth the court in which the petition was filed, the date of the filing therein, the case number, the full name and address of the child, the date and place of the child’s birth, or if the child is n…

109.230 Legality of contract between mother and father of child born out of wedlock

Any contract between the mother and father of a child born out of wedlock is a legal contract, and the admission by the father of his fatherhood of the child is sufficient consideration to support the contract.

109.231 Records open to public

Records of filiation proceedings filed in circuit court shall be open for inspection by any person without order of the court. Note: 109.231 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 109 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

109.235 [1975 c.640 §12; renumbered 109.308 in 2001]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.237 Attorney fees

In any proceeding brought to modify or compel compliance with an order of the court issued under ORS 109.124 to 109.230, the court may render judgment awarding to a party, or directly to the party’s attorney, a sum of money determined to be reasonable as an attorney fee and costs and expenses of suit, which judgment may include expert witness fees, in prepar…

109.239 Rights and obligations of children resulting from assisted reproduction; rights and obligations of donor of semen

As used in ORS 109.239 to 109.247, “assisted reproduction” means a method of causing pregnancy other than sexual intercourse. “Assisted reproduction” includes, but is not limited to: Artificial insemination as defined in ORS 677.355; Donation of eggs; Donation of embryos; In vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; or Intracytoplasmic sperm injecti…

109.243 Relationship of child resulting from assisted reproduction to mother’s spouse

The relationship, rights and obligation between a child conceived as a result of assisted reproduction and the mother’s spouse shall be the same to all legal intents and purposes as if the child had been naturally and legitimately conceived by the mother and the mother’s spouse if the spouse consented to the performance of assisted reproduction. Note: See n…

109.247 Application of law to children resulting from assisted reproduction

Except as may be otherwise provided by a judicial decree entered in any action filed before October 4, 1977, the provisions of ORS 109.239 to 109.247, 677.355 to 677.365 and 677.990 (3) apply to all persons conceived as a result of assisted reproduction. Note: See note under 109.239.

109.250 Short title

ORS 109.250 to 109.262 may be cited as the Uniform Act on Blood Tests to Determine Paternity.

109.251 “Blood tests” defined

As used in ORS 109.250 to 109.262, “blood tests” includes any test for genetic markers to determine parentage of a type generally acknowledged as reliable by accreditation bodies designated by the Oregon Health Authority in compliance with the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, and performed by a laboratory approved by such accreditation b…

109.252 Authority for blood test; effect of refusal to submit to test; payment for test

Unless the court or administrator finds good cause not to proceed in a proceeding under ORS 25.501 to 25.556, 109.124 to 109.230 or 419B.609, in which parentage is a relevant fact, the court or administrator, as defined in ORS 25.010, upon the court’s or administrator’s own initiative or upon suggestion made by or on behalf of any person whose blood is invol…

109.254 Selection of experts to make tests; admissible evidence

The tests shall be made by experts qualified as examiners of genetic markers who shall be appointed by the court or administrator, as defined in ORS 25.010. Any party or person at whose suggestion the tests have been ordered may demand that other experts, qualified as examiners of genetic markers, perform independent tests under order of the court or adminis…

109.256 Compensation of experts

The compensation of each expert witness appointed by the court or administrator shall be fixed at a reasonable amount. It shall be paid as the court or administrator shall order. The court or administrator may order that the costs of blood tests be paid by the parties in such proportions and at such times as it shall prescribe, or that the proportion of any …

109.258 Effect of test results

A disputable presumption of paternity is created if one or more blood tests result in a cumulative paternity index of 99 or greater. If the court or administrator finds that the conclusions of all the experts, as disclosed by the evidence based upon the tests, are that the alleged father is not the father of the child, the question of paternity shall be reso…

109.259 Temporary child support pending determination of parentage

Notwithstanding the objections of a party to an order that seeks to establish parentage, if the blood tests conducted under ORS 109.250 to 109.262 result in a cumulative paternity index of 99 or greater, the evidence of the blood tests together with the testimony of a parent is a sufficient basis upon which to presume paternity for establishing temporary sup…

109.260 Applicability to criminal actions for nonsupport

ORS 109.250 to 109.262 apply to criminal cases for nonsupport under ORS 163.555 subject to the following limitations and provisions: An order for the tests shall be made only upon application of a party or on the court’s initiative. The compensation of the experts shall be paid by the county in which the proceedings are had under order of court. The court…

109.262 Uniformity of interpretation

The Uniform Act on Blood Tests to Determine Paternity shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact it.

109.264 Parties

In any action under ORS 109.250 to 109.262, the mother, the putative father, if any, the alleged parent and the state are parties.

109.266 Definitions for ORS 109.266 to 109.410

As used in ORS 109.266 to 109.410, unless the context requires otherwise: “Continued custody” of an Indian child has the meaning described in ORS 419B.606. “Home study” means a written report documenting the result of an assessment conducted by the Department of Human Services, a licensed adoption agency or other public agency to evaluate the suitability o…

109.268 Interpretation of adoption laws; agreement for continuing contact

The rule that statutes in derogation of common law are to be strictly construed does not apply to the adoption laws of this state. An adoptive parent and a birth parent may enter into a written agreement, approved by the court, to permit continuing contact between the birth relatives and the child or adoptive parents. If the child is within the jurisdicti…

109.270 Rules regarding home studies and placement reports

Rules adopted by the Department of Human Services for home studies and placement reports under ORS 109.276 (7) and (8) must, at a minimum, require the department to: Consider each prospective adoptive parent on the basis of the prospective adoptive parent’s ability to meet the individual needs of the child for safety, attachment and well-being; Safeguard a…

109.272 Court required to act within six months of filing of petition for adoption; duty of clerk

Not earlier than provided in ORS 109.276 and not later than six months from the date on which the petition for leave to adopt another is filed under ORS 109.276, the court before which the petition is pending shall hold a hearing and shall: Enter a judgment under ORS 109.350; Continue the guardianship or legal custodial status of the child; Waive the chil…

109.274 Confidentiality of petitioners

In an adoption proceeding that is contested or in which a summons is required to be served, the court may preserve the confidentiality of the names and addresses of the petitioners for the adoption if the court finds that to do so is in the best interests of the child. The preservation of confidentiality under this section does not relieve the court or any …

109.276 Petition for adoption; residency and jurisdictional requirements; venue; home study; placement report; fee; rules; filing requirements for entry of judgment

Any person may petition the circuit court for leave to adopt another person and, if desired, for a change of the other person’s name. Except as provided in ORS 419B.529 or 419B.656, a separate petition must be filed for each person for whom leave to adopt is sought. One petitioner, the child, one parent or the person, who is not an adoption agency, consenti…

109.278 ICWA compliance report; court findings regarding inquiry, notice and placement preferences; documentation of compliance; training; forms; rules

In a proceeding for the adoption or readoption of a minor child, within 90 days after service of a petition or amended petition upon the Director of Human Services as required under ORS 109.285 or 109.385, the Department of Human Services shall file with the court an ICWA compliance report. The ICWA compliance report must reflect the department’s review of t…

109.281 Financial disclosure statement to be filed with petition; placement report required; exception; prohibited fees; advertising

Each adoption petition filed pursuant to ORS 109.276 seeking adoption of a minor child shall be accompanied by a written disclosure statement containing an itemized accounting of all moneys paid or estimated to be paid by the petitioner for fees, costs and expenses related to the adoption, including all legal, medical, living and travel expenses. The form of…

109.283 Application for home study by Oregon resident

The Department of Human Services shall accept and may approve an application for a home study as defined in ORS 109.266 that is submitted by an Oregon resident seeking to adopt a child in the custody of: The department; A public child welfare agency in another state, following receipt of a request from the agency in the other state under the Interstate Com…

109.285 Petition for adoption; required contents, requests and exhibits in adoption petitions; confidentiality

A petition for adoption of a minor child must be signed by the petitioner and, unless stated in the petition why the information or statement is omitted, must contain the following: The full name of the petitioner; The state and length of residency in the state of the petitioner and information sufficient to establish that the residency requirement of ORS …

109.287 Adoption Summary and Segregated Information Statement; exhibits; confidentiality

An Adoption Summary and Segregated Information Statement must be filed concurrently with every petition for adoption of a minor child filed under ORS 109.276. The statement must summarize information in the adoption proceeding and include additional information and attached exhibits as required under this section. The statement must contain, at a minimum, th…

109.289 Separate record of the case; sealing of adoption records; inspection, copying and disclosure; fees

The clerk or court administrator of any court having jurisdiction over adoption proceedings shall keep a separate record of the case for each adoption proceeding filed with the court. Adoption proceedings shall not be entered upon the general records of the court. The clerk, court administrator and any other person having custody of the records, papers and …

109.301 Consent to adoption in general

Except as provided in ORS 109.302 to 109.329, consent in writing to the adoption of a minor child pursuant to a petition filed under ORS 109.276 is required to be given by the following: The parents of the child, or the survivor of the parents. The guardian of the child, if the child has no living parent. The next of kin in this state, if the child has no…

109.302 Consent to adoption of Indian child; withdrawal of consent

As used in this section, “parent” has the meaning given that term in ORS 419B.603. If a petition filed under ORS 109.276 is for the adoption of an Indian child, except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.302 to 109.329, consent in writing to the adoption must be given by the following: The Indian child’s parents, or the survivor of the parents. If the Indian…

109.304 [1993 c.717 §8; 2013 c.346 §1; 2021 c.398 §10; renumbered 109.266 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.305 [1957 c.710 §15; subsections (2), (3) and (4) of 1993 Edition enacted as 1993 c.401 §1; 2003 c.576 §142; 2007 c.720 §1; renumbered 109.268 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.306 [2015 c.795 §5; renumbered 109.270 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.307 [1965 c.188 §2; 1983 c.369 §3; 1987 c.814 §2; 1993 c.33 §292; 1993 c.546 §117; 2003 c.576 §143; renumbered 109.272 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.308 [Formerly 109.235; 2005 c.369 §2; 2021 c.398 §27; renumbered 109.274 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.309 [1993 c.717 §2 (enacted in lieu of 109.310); 1993 c.717 §9; 1995 c.90 §3; 1995 c.730 §2; 1997 c.470 §1; 1999 c.160 §2; 1999 c.649 §52; 2003 c.258 §1; 2003 c.576 §144; 2005 c.475 §1; 2013 c.346 §2; 2015 c.511 §7; 2015 c.795 §4; 2021 c.398 §2; renumbered 109.276 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.310 [Amended by 1953 c.368 §2; 1957 c.403 §5; 1959 c.430 §3; 1963 c.188 §1; 1967 c.534 §17; 1969 c.441 §1; 1971 c.401 §4; 1977 c.252 §1; 1983 c.302 §1; 1983 c.396 §1; 1985 c.403 §3; 1991 c.249 §14; repealed by 1993 c.717 §1 (109.309 enacted in lieu of 109.310)]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.311 [1985 c.403 §2 (1) to (3); 1987 c.367 §1; 1993 c.717 §4; 1995 c.730 §3; 2003 c.258 §2; 2003 c.576 §145; 2013 c.346 §9; renumbered 109.281 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.312 [1957 c.710 §2 (109.312 to 109.329 enacted in lieu of 109.320); 1973 c.823 §106; 1983 c.302 §2; 1985 c.565 §10; 1987 c.814 §1; 1991 c.553 §1; 1993 c.717 §6; 2013 c.346 §10; renumbered 109.321 in 2013]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.313 [2011 c.120 §1; renumbered 109.283 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.314 [1957 c.710 §3 (109.312 to 109.329 enacted in lieu of 109.320); 2005 c.369 §4; renumbered 109.323 in 2013]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.315 [2013 c.346 §4; 2015 c.511 §1; 2017 c.651 §31; 2021 c.398 §8; renumbered 109.285 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.316 [1957 c.710 §4 (109.312 to 109.329 enacted in lieu of 109.320); 1971 c.401 §5; 1987 c.466 §3; 1995 c.664 §82; 2005 c.22 §86; renumbered 109.325 in 2013]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.317 [2013 c.346 §5; 2015 c.511 §2; 2021 c.398 §17; renumbered 109.287 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.318 [1957 c.710 §5 (109.312 to 109.329 enacted in lieu of 109.320); 1973 c.823 §107; 2005 c.22 §87; renumbered 109.327 in 2013]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.319 [2013 c.346 §6; 2014 c.71 §7; 2015 c.511 §3; 2015 c.512 §3; 2016 c.106 §43; 2021 c.398 §40; renumbered 109.289 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.320 [Repealed by 1957 c.710 §1 (109.312 to 109.329 enacted in lieu of 109.320)]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.321 [Formerly 109.312; 2015 c.511 §10; 2017 c.651 §32; 2021 c.398 §21; renumbered 109.301 in 2021]renumbered

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.322 Consent of parent with mental illness or intellectual disability; consent of imprisoned parent

If a parent has been adjudged to be a person with mental illness under ORS 426.130 or a person with an intellectual disability who is in need of commitment for residential care, treatment and training under ORS 427.290, and remains so at the time of the adoption proceedings, or if a parent is imprisoned in a state or federal prison under a sentence for a ter…

109.323 Consent when custody of child has been awarded in divorce proceedings

If the legal custody of the child has been awarded in marital dissolution proceedings, except as provided in ORS 109.330 (8) if the child is an Indian child, the written consent of the person to whom custody of the child has been awarded may be held sufficient by the court. However, unless the noncustodial parent consents to the adoption, the petitioner, in …

109.324 Consent when parent has deserted or neglected child

If a parent is believed to have willfully deserted the child or neglected without just and sufficient cause to provide proper care and maintenance for the child for one year next preceding the filing of the petition for adoption, and if the parent does not consent in writing to the adoption, the petitioner, in accordance with ORS 109.330, shall serve on the …

109.325 Consent by Department of Human Services or approved child-caring agency of this state

The Department of Human Services or an approved child-caring agency of this state, acting in loco parentis, may consent to the adoption of a child who has been: Surrendered to it for the purpose of adoption under ORS 418.270 if compliance is had with the provisions of that section; Permanently committed to it by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; …

109.326 Consent when spouse not parent

If the mother of a child was married at the time of the conception or birth of the child, and it has been determined pursuant to ORS 109.065 or 419B.609 or judicially determined that the mother’s spouse at such time or times was not the parent of the child, the spouse’s authorization or waiver is not required in adoption, juvenile court or other proceedings …

109.327 Consent by organization located outside Oregon

An agency or other organization, public or private, located entirely outside of this state, or an authorized officer or executive thereof, acting in loco parentis, may consent to the adoption of a child under the custody, control or guardianship of such agency or organization or officer or executive thereof, if such agency or organization or officer or execu…

109.328 Consent of child 14 years of age or older

If the child is 14 years of age or older, the adoption shall not be made without the consent of the child. The consent required by this section is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the consent otherwise required by law.

109.329 Adoption of person 18 years of age or older or legally married

Subject to subsection (2) of this section, any person may petition the circuit court for leave to adopt a person who is 18 years of age or older or who is legally married. The petition shall be accompanied by the written consent of each petitioner and the written consent of the person to be adopted. The written consents shall be filed with the petition. In …

109.330 Notice when parent does not consent; notice when child has no living parent and no guardian or next of kin qualified to appear

In the cases provided for in ORS 109.302, 109.322, 109.323 and 109.324, when a parent does not consent to the adoption of the child, the petitioner shall: Conduct the inquiry described in ORS 419B.636 (2) to determine whether the petitioner has reason to know that the child is an Indian child; and Serve the parent with a summons and a true copy of a motion…

109.331 Consenting agency disclosure of county and case number of adoption proceeding

The Department of Human Services or an approved child-caring agency of this state that has consented to the adoption of a child under ORS 109.325 shall, upon request and if available, disclose the county in which the adoption was finalized and the case number of the adoption proceeding to: An adult adoptee; A birth parent who has consented to the adoption …

109.332 Grandparent visitation in stepparent adoption

When a petition has been filed under ORS 109.276 concerning the adoption by a stepparent of a child, a grandparent served with a copy of the petition under ORS 109.285 may file a motion with the court asking the court to award a grandparent the right to regular visitation with the child after the adoption. A motion under this subsection must be filed no late…

109.335 Appointment of guardian pending further adoption proceedings

Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapter 125 that relate to the appointment of a guardian, when a petition is filed pursuant to ORS 109.276 for leave to adopt a minor child and the required consent thereto has been filed, the court before which the petition is pending may on its own motion enter an order appointing the petitioner or some other suitable …

109.340 [Repealed by 1957 c.412 §2 (7.211 enacted in lieu of 109.340)]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.342 Medical history of child and biological parents required; content; form

Before any judgment of adoption of a minor is entered, the court shall be provided a medical history of the child and of the biological parents as complete as possible under the circumstances. When possible, the medical history shall include, but need not be limited to: A medical history of the adoptee from birth up to the time of adoption, including disea…

109.345 [1961 c.99 §1; 1969 c.198 §56; repealed by 1993 c.717 §11]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.346 Adoption-related counseling for birth parent

Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, a birth parent consenting to an adoption shall receive notice of the birth parent’s right to payment for three adoption-related counseling sessions prior to surrender or relinquishment of the child for adoption and three sessions of adoption-related counseling after surrender or relinquishment of the chi…

109.347 Civil action for failure to pay for counseling; attorney fees

A birth parent aggrieved by the failure of a prospective adoptive parent or adoptive parent to pay the uninsured costs of adoption-related counseling required by ORS 109.346 may file a civil action in circuit court for payment or reimbursement of the uninsured costs of adoption-related counseling. The court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs of t…

109.350 Judgment of adoption or readoption

If, upon a petition for adoption or readoption duly presented and consented to, the court is satisfied as to the identity and relations of the persons, that the petitioner is of sufficient ability to bring up the child and furnish suitable nurture and education, having reference to the degree and condition of the parents, and that it is fit and proper that s…

109.353 Notice of voluntary adoption registry required before judgment entered; waiver

Before a judgment of adoption is entered, the agency or organization facilitating the adoption, or the attorney for the adoptive parents in an independent adoption, shall submit verification to the court that the parents of the child and the petitioners have been advised of the voluntary adoption registry established under ORS 109.450 and have been given inf…

109.360 Change of adopted child’s name

If in a petition for the adoption of a child a change of the child’s name is requested, the court, upon entering a judgment granting the adoption, may also provide in the judgment for the change of the name without the notice required by ORS 33.420.

109.370 [Amended by 1957 c.403 §7; 1961 c.98 §1; 1969 c.591 §289; repealed by 1993 c.717 §11]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.380 [Repealed by 1959 c.609 §5]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.381 Effect of judgment of adoption

A judgment of a court of this state granting an adoption, and the proceedings in such adoption matter, shall in all respects be entitled to the same presumptions and be as conclusive as if rendered by a court of record acting in all respects as a court of general jurisdiction and not by a court of special or inferior jurisdiction, and jurisdiction over the p…

109.382 Vacating adoption of Indian child when parental consent to adoption obtained by fraud or duress

A petition to vacate a judgment of adoption of an Indian child under ORS 109.350 or 419B.529 may be filed in a state or local court of competent jurisdiction by a parent who consented to the adoption. Upon the filing of a petition under this section, the court shall set a time for a hearing on the petition and provide notice of the petition and hearing to …

109.383 Notice of vacated judgment of adoption of Indian child or termination of adoptive parent’s parental rights to Indian child; waiver of notice; motion to return custody and for restoration of parental rights

As used in this section: “Former parent” means a person who was previously the legal parent of an Indian child subject to a judgment of adoption under ORS 109.350 or 419B.529 and whose parental rights have not been restored under ORS 109.382 to 419B.652. “Prior Indian custodian” means a person who was an Indian child’s Indian custodian before entry of a ju…

109.385 Readoption proceeding; prima facie evidence; petition; required contents; service; exhibits; finding regarding inaccurate birthdate; fees

As used in this section, “readoption” means to adopt a person, including but not limited to a minor child, who was previously adopted in a foreign nation, pursuant to the laws of the state. An adoption in a foreign nation under the laws of that nation of a person who is at the time of the adoption a national of the nation by adoptive parents, at least one o…

109.390 Authority of Department of Human Services or child-caring agency in adoption proceedings

When the Department of Human Services or an approved child-caring agency has the right to consent to the adoption of a child, the department or agency may: If it deems the action necessary or proper, become a party to any proceeding for the adoption of the child. Appear in court where a proceeding for the adoption of the child is pending. Give or withhold…

109.400 Adoption report form

When a petition for adoption is filed with a court, the petitioner or the petitioner’s attorney shall file with the petition an adoption report form as provided in ORS 432.223. Notwithstanding ORS 109.289, if the court enters a judgment of adoption, the clerk of the court shall review the personal particulars filled in on the form, shall fill in the remaini…

109.410 Certificate of adoption; form; persons eligible to receive certificate; status

The clerk of the court having custody of the adoption file shall issue upon request a certificate of adoption to the adopted person, the adoptive parents or parent, their attorney of record, in the proceeding, or to any child-placing agency which gave consent to the adoption. The certificate shall be substantially in the following form: _____________________…

109.425 Definitions for ORS 109.425 to 109.507

As used in ORS 109.425 to 109.507: “Adoptee” means a person who has been adopted in the State of Oregon. “Adoption” means the judicial act of creating the relationship of parent and child where it did not exist previously. “Adoptive parent” means an adult who has become a parent of a child through adoption. “Adult” means a person 18 years of age or older…

109.430 Policy and purpose

It is the policy of this state that adoption is based upon the legal termination of parental rights and responsibilities of birth parents and the creation of the legal relationship of parents and child between an adoptee and the adoptive parents. These legal and social premises underlying adoption must be maintained. The state recognizes that some persons wh…

109.435 Adoption records to be permanently maintained

All records of any adoption finalized in this state shall be permanently maintained by the Department of Human Services or by the agency arranging the adoption. If an agency which handles adoptions ceases to do business, the agency shall transfer the adoption records to the department or to a successor agency, if the agency gives notice of the transfer to t…

109.440 [1983 c.672 §4; 1995 c.79 §41; 1995 c.730 §9; 2001 c.586 §1; repealed by 2013 c.346 §7]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.445 Information of registry confidential

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the information acquired by any voluntary adoption registry shall not be disclosed under any freedom of information legislation, rules or practice. A class action suit shall not be maintained in any court of this state to require the registry to disclose identifying information. Note: See note under 109.425.

109.450 Child placement agency to maintain registry; Department of Human Services duties

A voluntary adoption registry shall be established and maintained by each agency or its successor agency. An agency may delegate or contract with another agency to establish, maintain and operate the registry for the delegating agency. The Department of Human Services shall establish, maintain and operate the registry for all adoptions not arranged through …

109.455 Persons eligible to use registry

Only a birth parent, adult adoptee, adult genetic sibling of an adoptee, parent or guardian of a minor adoptee or of a minor genetic sibling of an adoptee, adoptive parent of a deceased adoptee and parents or adult siblings of a deceased birth parent may use the registry for obtaining identifying information about birth parents, putative fathers, adoptees an…

109.460 Persons eligible to register; information authorized for release; expiration of registration on behalf of minor

An adult adoptee, a birth parent, a putative father, an adult genetic sibling of an adoptee, a parent or guardian of a minor adoptee or of a minor genetic sibling of an adoptee, an adoptive parent of a deceased adoptee and a parent or adult sibling of a deceased birth parent may register with a registry by submitting a signed affidavit to the appropriate reg…

109.465 Content of affidavit; notice of change in information

The affidavit required under ORS 109.460 shall contain: The current name and address of the registrant and, where the registrant is the parent or guardian of a minor adoptee or of a minor genetic sibling of an adoptee, the current name and address of the minor adoptee or sibling; Any previous name by which the registrant and, where applicable, the minor, w…

109.470 Continuing registration by birth parent or putative father; reregistration by minor as adult; fee

When an adoptee reaches age 18, a birth parent of the adoptee, if the birth parent registered with the registry before the adoptee was age 18, shall notify the registry in writing only if the birth parent does not desire to continue the registration. When an adoptee reaches age 18, a putative father of the adoptee, if the putative father registered with the…

109.475 Processing affidavits; notification of match

Upon receipt of the affidavit under ORS 109.460, the registry shall process each affidavit in an attempt to match the adoptee, the birth parent, the putative father, the genetic siblings, the progeny of a deceased adoptee, a deceased genetic sibling of an adoptee or a deceased birth parent of an adoptee, the adoptive parent of a deceased adoptee or the paren…

109.480 Counseling of registrant

Upon the determination of a match but before identifying information is disclosed, the registrant shall, at the discretion of the agency operating the registry, participate in counseling with a person employed or approved by the registry. The counseling required under subsection of this section shall place an emphasis on an evaluation of the need for and t…

109.485 Registry information to be maintained permanently

Any affidavits filed and other information collected by a registry shall be permanently maintained. Note: See note under 109.425.

109.490 Limits on releasing information

A registry shall release only information necessary for identifying a birth parent, a putative father, an adult adoptee, an adult genetic sibling, the adult progeny, or the parent or guardian of minor progeny, of a deceased adoptee, a deceased genetic sibling of an adoptee or a deceased birth parent of an adoptee, or the county in which an adoption was final…

109.495 Registrant fee

Costs of establishing and maintaining a registry may be met through reasonable fees charged to all persons who register. Note: See note under 109.425.

109.500 Genetic, social and health history; availability; fee

A genetic and social history and health history which excludes information identifying any birth parent or putative father, member of a birth parent’s or putative father’s family, the adoptee or the adoptive parents of the adoptee, may be provided, if available, from an agency upon request to the following persons: The adoptive parents of the child or the c…

109.502 Search for birth parents, putative father, genetic siblings or county where adoption finalized; who may initiate; information required; fee

An adult adoptee or the adoptive parent of a minor or deceased adoptee may request the Department of Human Services or the Oregon licensed adoption agency that facilitated the adoption to conduct a search for the adoptee’s birth parents, putative father or, except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.504 , for the adoptee’s genetic siblings, or for the county i…

109.503 Access to adoption records for search; duties of searcher

When the Department of Human Services, an Oregon licensed adoption agency or a third party individual or entity to whom the department or agency has delegated, or with whom the department or agency has contracted, to conduct searches under ORS 109.502 is requested to conduct a search under ORS 109.502, the department, agency or third party individual or enti…

109.504 Effect on subsequent searches when person sought in initial search refuses contact; other restrictions on searches

If an adult adoptee or the adoptive parent of a minor or deceased adoptee has initiated a search under ORS 109.502, the fact that the person being sought in the original search does not wish to make contact does not prevent the adult adoptee or the adoptive parent from requesting another search for a birth parent or putative father not previously contacted. …

109.505 Support services; adoption and reunion issues

Information about agency and community resources regarding psychological issues in adoption and reunion shall be provided: By the Department of Human Services, an Oregon licensed adoption agency or a third party individual or entity to all persons requesting a search under ORS 109.502; and By the department, an Oregon licensed adoption agency or a third pa…

109.506 Rulemaking; fees

The Department of Human Services by rule shall establish: Eligibility standards for Oregon licensed adoption agencies and third party individuals and entities that contract with the department or with an Oregon licensed adoption agency to conduct searches under ORS 109.502; Standards of conduct for Oregon licensed adoption agencies and third party individ…

109.507 Access to Department of Human Services records required; access to private agency records discretionary

The Department of Human Services shall allow an Oregon licensed adoption agency or a third party individual or entity with whom the department or agency has contracted to examine confidential adoption records maintained by the department as part of a search conducted under ORS 109.502. A private adoption agency may allow the department, an Oregon licensed a…

109.510 Age of majority

Except as provided in ORS 109.520, in this state any person shall be deemed to have arrived at majority at the age of 18 years, and thereafter shall: Have control of the person’s own actions and business; and Have all the rights and be subject to all the liabilities of a citizen of full age.

109.520 Majority of married persons

Except as provided in ORS 653.010, all persons shall be deemed to have arrived at the age of majority upon their being married according to law.

109.550 [1977 c.525 §2; 1993 c.33 §293; repealed by 1993 c.546 §141]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.555 [1977 c.525 §3; 1979 c.266 §2; 1993 c.33 §294; repealed by 1993 c.546 §141]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.560 [1977 c.525 §4; 1993 c.33 §295; repealed by 1993 c.546 §141]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.565 [1977 c.525 §5; repealed by 1993 c.546 §141]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.570 Legislative findings

The Legislative Assembly finds that: Current economic and cultural circumstances are such that relatives of minor children are playing an increasing role in ensuring the health, safety and education of minor children who, for many reasons, cannot live with and are not being cared for by their parents or guardians, and for whom legal proceedings have not bee…

109.572 Definitions for ORS 109.570 to 109.580

As used in ORS 109.570 to 109.580: “Educational services” means enrollment of a minor child in a school to which the minor child has been or will be accepted for attendance and participation in any school activities, including extracurricular activities. “Health care facility” means any facility that provides medical treatment. “Health care provider” mean…

109.575 Authority of relative caregiver to consent to medical treatment and educational services for minor child; liability for payment; expiration of authority

A relative caregiver acting pursuant to an affidavit under ORS 109.580 may consent to medical treatment and educational services for a minor child that a minor child cannot otherwise legally consent to if, after reasonable efforts have been made to obtain the consent of the legal parent or guardian to the treatment or services, the consent of the legal paren…

109.580 Relative caregiver affidavit

A relative caregiver affidavit given to a health care provider or school is invalid unless it is signed and contains, at a minimum, the following information: The name of the minor child; The minor child’s date of birth; The relative caregiver’s name and date of birth and the address at which the relative caregiver lives with the minor child; The relatio…

109.610 [Formerly 109.105; 1977 c.303 §1; 2012 c.26 §5; 2015 c.736 §48; 2019 c.456 §§1,1a; repealed by 2023 c.228 §52]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.620 [Formerly 109.115; repealed by 1973 c.827 §83]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.630 [1971 c.726 §1; 1973 c.454 §1; repealed by 1973 c.827 §83]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.640 Right to reproductive health care, medical treatment or dental treatment without parental consent

As used in this section, “reproductive health care” has the meaning given that term in ORS 435.190, except that “reproductive health care” does not include the elective sterilization of a minor under 15 years of age. As used in this subsection, “health care provider” means a physician, physician assistant licensed under ORS 677.505 to 677.525, nurse practit…

109.650 Disclosure without minor’s consent and without liability

A hospital or a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, naturopathic physician, dentist or optometrist described in ORS 109.640 may advise a parent or legal guardian of a minor of the care, diagnosis or treatment of the minor or the need for any treatment of the minor, without the consent of the minor, and is not liable for advising the parent or…

109.660 [1971 c.381 §3; 1973 c.827 §16; repealed by 2023 c.228 §52]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.670 Right to donate blood

Any person 16 years of age or over may donate blood to any blood program without obtaining permission of a parent or guardian. As used in subsection (1) of this section, “blood program” means any voluntary and noncompensatory program for the drawing of blood which is approved by the American Association of Blood Banks or the American Red Cross. Note: 109.6…

109.672 Certain persons immune from liability for providing care to minor

No person licensed, certified or registered to practice a health care profession or health care facility shall be liable for damages in any civil action arising out of the failure of the person or facility to obtain the consent of a parent to the giving of medical care or treatment to a minor child of the parent if consent to the care has been given by the o…

109.675 Right to diagnosis or treatment for mental or emotional disorder or chemical dependency without parental consent

A minor 14 years of age or older may obtain, without parental knowledge or consent: Outpatient diagnosis or treatment of a mental or emotional disorder or a chemical dependency, excluding methadone maintenance, by a physician or physician assistant licensed by the Oregon Medical Board, a psychologist licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychology, a nurse pract…

109.680 Disclosure by mental health care provider without minor’s consent; civil immunity

As used in this section, “mental health care provider” means a physician or physician assistant licensed by the Oregon Medical Board, psychologist licensed by the Oregon Board of Psychology, nurse practitioner registered by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, clinical social worker licensed under ORS 675.530, professional counselor or marriage and family ther…

109.685 Immunity from civil liability for person providing treatment or diagnosis

A physician, physician assistant, psychologist, nurse practitioner, clinical social worker licensed under ORS 675.530, professional counselor or marriage and family therapist licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, naturopathic physician licensed under ORS chapter 685 or community mental health program described in OR…

109.690 Parent or guardian not liable for payment under ORS 109.675

If diagnosis or treatment services are provided to a minor pursuant to ORS 109.675 without consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian, the parent, parents or legal guardian of the minor shall not be liable for payment for any such services rendered.

109.695 Rules for implementation of ORS 109.675 to 109.695

For the purpose of carrying out the policy and intent of ORS 109.675 to 109.695 while taking into account the respective rights of minors at risk of chemical dependency or mental or emotional disorder and the rights and interests of parents or legal guardians of such minors, the Oregon Health Authority shall adopt rules for the implementation of ORS 109.675 …

109.697 Right to contract for dwelling unit and utilities without parental consent

The Legislative Assembly finds that there are in the State of Oregon unemancipated minors who are living apart from their parents and are homeless. Many of these minors are able financially to provide housing and utility services for themselves and their children, but cannot contract for these necessities due to perceived legal limitations affecting contract…

109.700 [1973 c.375 §25; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.701 Short title

ORS 109.701 to 109.834 may be cited as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Note: 109.701 to 109.834 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 109 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

109.704 Definitions for ORS 109.701 to 109.834

As used in ORS 109.701 to 109.834: “Abandoned” means left without provision for reasonable and necessary care or supervision. “Child” means an individual who has not attained 18 years of age. “Child custody determination” means a judgment or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, parenting time or visitation with respect…

109.707 Proceedings governed by other law

ORS 109.701 to 109.834 do not govern a proceeding pertaining to the authorization of emergency medical care for a child. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.710 [1973 c.375 §2; 1997 c.707 §23; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.711 Application to Indian tribes

A child custody proceeding that pertains to an Indian child as defined in the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), is not subject to ORS 109.701 to 109.834 to the extent that the proceeding is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act. A court of this state shall treat a tribe as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applyi…

109.714 International application of ORS 109.701 to 109.834

A court of this state shall treat a foreign country as if it were a state of the United States for the purpose of applying ORS 109.701 to 109.771. Except as otherwise provided in subsection of this section, a child custody determination made in a foreign country under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of ORS …

109.717 Effect of child custody determination

A child custody determination made by a court of this state that has jurisdiction under ORS 109.701 to 109.834 binds all persons who have been served in accordance with the laws of this state or notified in accordance with ORS 109.724 or who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court, and who have been given an opportunity to be heard. As to those perso…

109.720 [1973 c.375 §§1,23; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.721 Priority

If a question of existence or exercise of jurisdiction under ORS 109.701 to 109.834 is raised in a child custody proceeding, the question, upon request of a party, must be given priority on the calendar and handled expeditiously. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.724 Notice to persons outside state

Notice required for the exercise of jurisdiction when a person is outside this state may be given in a manner prescribed by the law of this state for service of process or by the law of the state in which the service is made. Notice must be given in a manner reasonably calculated to give actual notice but may be by publication if other means are not effectiv…

109.727 Appearance and limited immunity

A party to a child custody proceeding, including a modification proceeding, or a petitioner or respondent in a proceeding to enforce or register a child custody determination, is not subject to personal jurisdiction in this state for another proceeding or purpose solely by reason of having participated, or of having been physically present for the purpose of…

109.730 [1973 c.375 §3; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.731 Communication between courts

A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under ORS 109.701 to 109.834. The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. If the parties are not able to participate in the communication, they must be given the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments before a decision on ju…

109.734 Taking testimony in another state

In addition to other procedures available to a party, a party to a child custody proceeding may offer testimony of witnesses who are located in another state, including testimony of the parties and the child, by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the testimony of …

109.737 Cooperation between courts; preservation of records

A court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to: Hold an evidentiary hearing; Order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state; Order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding; Forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the tran…

109.740 [1973 c.375 §4; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.741 Initial child custody jurisdiction

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751, a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if: This state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding, or was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from th…

109.744 Exclusive, continuing jurisdiction

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751, a court of this state that has made a child custody determination consistent with ORS 109.741 or 109.747 has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the determination until: A court of this state determines that neither the child, nor the child and one parent, nor the child and a person acting as a parent have a …

109.747 Jurisdiction to modify determination

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751, a court of this state may not modify a child custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under ORS 109.741 (1)(a) or (b) and: The court of the other state determines that it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction u…

109.750 [1973 c.375 §5; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.751 Temporary emergency jurisdiction

A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse. If there is no previous child custody determination that is…

109.754 Notice; opportunity to be heard; joinder

Before a child custody determination is made under ORS 109.701 to 109.834, notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the standards of ORS 109.724 must be given to all persons entitled to notice under the law of this state as in child custody proceedings between residents of this state, any parent whose parental rights have not been previously …

109.757 Simultaneous proceedings

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751, a court of this state may not exercise its jurisdiction under ORS 109.741 to 109.771 if, at the time of the commencement of the proceeding, a proceeding concerning the custody of the child has been commenced in a court of another state having jurisdiction substantially in conformity with ORS 109.701 to 109.834, un…

109.760 [1973 c.375 §6; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.761 Inconvenient forum

A court of this state that has jurisdiction under ORS 109.701 to 109.834 to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if the court determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon t…

109.764 Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.751 or 419B.100, if a court of this state has jurisdiction under ORS 109.701 to 109.834 because a person seeking to invoke its jurisdiction has engaged in unjustifiable conduct to so invoke the jurisdiction, the court shall decline to exercise its jurisdiction unless: The parents and all persons acting as parents have…

109.767 Information to be submitted to court

In a child custody proceeding, each party, in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E, shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, as to the child’s present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five years and the names and present …

109.770 [1973 c.375 §7; 1981 c.897 §34; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.771 Appearance of parties and child

In a child custody proceeding in this state, the court may order a party to the proceeding who is in this state to appear before the court in person with or without the child. The court may order any person who is in this state and who has physical custody or control of the child to appear in person with the child. If a party to a child custody proceeding w…

109.774 Definitions for ORS 109.774 to 109.827

As used in ORS 109.774 to 109.827: “Petitioner” means a person who seeks enforcement of an order for return of a child under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction or enforcement of a child custody determination. “Respondent” means a person against whom a proceeding has been commenced for enforcement of an order for retu…

109.777 Enforcement under Hague Convention

Under ORS 109.774 to 109.827, a court of this state may also enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction as if the order were a child custody determination. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.780 [1973 c.375 §8; 1981 c.897 §35; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.781 Duty to enforce

A court of this state shall recognize and enforce a child custody determination of a court of another state if the latter court exercised jurisdiction in substantial conformity with ORS 109.701 to 109.834 or the determination was made under factual circumstances meeting the jurisdictional standards of ORS 109.701 to 109.834 and the determination has not been…

109.784 Temporary order for parenting time or visitation

In a child custody enforcement proceeding authorized by law: A court of this state that does not have jurisdiction to modify a child custody determination may issue a temporary order enforcing: A parenting time or visitation schedule made by a court of another state; or The visitation or parenting time provisions of a child custody determination of anothe…

109.787 Registration of child custody determination; notice; fee; hearing

A child custody determination issued by a court of another state may be registered in this state, with or without a simultaneous request for enforcement, by sending to any circuit court in this state: A letter or other document requesting registration; The filing fee established under ORS 21.145; Two copies, including one certified copy, of the determinat…

109.790 [1973 c.375 §9; 1997 c.707 §24; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.791 Enforcement of registered determination

A court of this state may grant any relief normally available under the law of this state to enforce a registered child custody determination made by a court of another state. A court of this state shall recognize and enforce, but may not modify, except in accordance with ORS 109.741 to 109.771, a registered child custody determination of a court of another…

109.794 Simultaneous proceedings

If a proceeding for enforcement under ORS 109.774 to 109.827 is commenced in a court of this state and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under ORS 109.741 to 109.771, the enforcing court shall immediately communicate with the modifying cour…

109.797 Expedited enforcement of child custody determination

A petition under ORS 109.774 to 109.827 must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original. A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state: Whether the court th…

109.800 [1973 c.375 §10; 1997 c.707 §25; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.801 Service of petition and order

Except as otherwise provided in ORS 109.807, the petition and order for enforcement of a child custody determination must be served by the petitioner, by any method authorized for service of process within this state, upon the respondent and any person who has physical custody of the child. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.804 Immediate physical custody of child; exceptions; spousal privilege in certain proceedings

Unless the court issues a temporary emergency order under ORS 109.751, upon a finding that a petitioner is entitled to immediate physical custody of the child under the controlling child custody determination, the court shall order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child unless the respondent establishes that: The child custody …

109.807 Warrant to take physical custody of child

Upon the filing of a petition seeking enforcement of a child custody determination, the petitioner may file a verified application for the issuance of a warrant to take physical custody of the child if the child is immediately likely to suffer serious physical harm or be removed from this state. If the court, upon the testimony of the petitioner or other wi…

109.810 [1973 c.375 §11; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.811 Costs, fees and expenses

The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses and child care expenses during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses ar…

109.814 Recognition and enforcement

A court of this state shall accord full faith and credit to an order issued by another state and consistent with ORS 109.701 to 109.834 that enforces a child custody determination by a court of another state unless the order has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under ORS 109.741 to 109.771. Note: See note under 109.70…

109.817 Appeals

An appeal may be taken from a final order in a proceeding under ORS 109.774 to 109.827 in accordance with ORS chapter 19. Unless the court enters a temporary emergency order under ORS 109.751, the enforcing court may not stay an order enforcing a child custody determination pending appeal. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.820 [1973 c.375 §12; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.821 Role of district attorney

In a case arising under ORS 109.701 to 109.834 or involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, the district attorney may take any lawful action, including resort to a proceeding under ORS 109.774 to 109.827 or any other available civil proceeding, to locate a child, obtain the return of a child or enforce a child cust…

109.824 Role of law enforcement officer

At the request of a district attorney acting under ORS 109.821, a law enforcement officer may take any lawful action reasonably necessary to locate a child or a party and assist a district attorney with responsibilities under ORS 109.821. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.827 Costs and expenses of district attorney and law enforcement officers

If the respondent is not the prevailing party, the court may assess against the respondent all direct expenses and costs incurred by the district attorney and law enforcement officers under ORS 109.821 or 109.824. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.830 [1973 c.375 §13; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.831 Application and construction

In applying and construing ORS 109.701 to 109.834, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. Note: See note under 109.701.

109.834 Severability clause

If any provision of ORS 109.701 to 109.834 or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of ORS 109.701 to 109.834 that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of ORS 109.701 to 109.834 are severable. Note: See note un…

109.840 [1973 c.375 §14; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.850 [1973 c.375 §15; 1981 c.897 §36; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.860 [1973 c.375 §16; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.870 [1973 c.375 §17; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.880 [1973 c.375 §18; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.890 [1973 c.375 §19; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.900 [1973 c.375 §20; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.910 [1973 c.375 §21; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.920 [1973 c.375 §22; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.930 [1973 c.375 §24; repealed by 1999 c.649 §55]repealed

No operative statutory text appears at this designation in the selected edition.

109.990 Penalty

A person who violates ORS 109.281 (3) or who submits a false statement under ORS 109.281 (1) commits a Class C felony. A person who violates any provision of ORS 109.281 (4) or 109.502 to 109.507 or any rule adopted pursuant to ORS 109.506 commits a Class A misdemeanor. Note: See note under 109.425.