Child custody and parenting time decisions should be made based solely on the best interests and welfare of the children involved. However, in Washington County, Oregon, it's becoming an alarming trend that one parent often gets an upper hand simply because they can afford an attorney, while the other parent cannot. This inequity in representation can lead to unjust outcomes that do not reflect the child's needs or best interests.

As a concerned resident and a parent, I have seen too many families torn apart, not because one parent is unfit, but due to the lack of fair legal representation. The heart-breaking reality is that these decisions impact the lives of children who deserve to grow up knowing both their parents and siblings. Each parent should have an equal opportunity to advocate for their child's future, but without an attorney, many parents are left vulnerable and unsupported.

We must urge Washington County family courts to mandate that if one party has hired legal counsel, then an attorney must also be provided for the other party at a reduced or no cost. This ensures that both parents can engage in a fair, unbiased legal process, guided not by financial capability, but by the shared goal of enhancing the child's life.

Studies indicate that legal representation significantly affects the outcomes of custody cases, thereby impacting the child's overall well-being. Families without financial means often face larger hurdles, disparities, and less favorable outcomes simply because they cannot afford legal advocacy.  Many leave the court process with severe trauma and even PTSD.  

The courts are often used as a weapon against one side.

By ensuring that both parties in family court disputes have access to trained attorneys, we can foster a just system where decisions are made equitably and provide children the stability they deserve. Advocating for this change is crucial in guaranteeing that all families in Washington County can confidently navigate the legal system, knowing their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.

We are calling on the county and state officials to re-evaluate the current system and make necessary legal amendments to ensure fair representation for all parents involved in custody disputes. No child should have their future determined by a parent's financial capacity.

Join us in this fight to create a more equitable family court system in Washington County. Let’s make sure justice is served not by wealth, but by fairness and empathy for all involved. Please sign and share this petition to support equal and fair representation in family court, anchored on the principle of prioritizing our children's best interests.