Judge requests Crook County adopt flexible parenting-time plan to help pro se litigants

Judge Diana Vigilance asked the Crook County Board of Commissioners to approve updated standard parenting-time plans that shift from rigid custody models to flexible, age-based arrangements that reflect the needs of children and self-represented litigants.

Vigilance, chair of the local family law advisory committee and a judge in the 22nd Judicial District, told commissioners the committee drafted separate templates for infants, toddlers and older children plus a long-distance plan for travel beyond 120 miles. She said the revisions reflect that “Flexible, collaborative arrangements are more in the children's best interest.” She added the changes were developed with local attorneys and court staff and would simplify procedures for the many parents who represent themselves; “70 to 80% of our litigants here in the 22nd Judicial District represent themselves in family law cases,” she said.

Commissioners expressed support and staff said they would prepare a formal order for the consent agenda next week so the decision would be documented in the clerk’s office. Vigilance said if Crook County approves the plans, she will seek approval from neighboring counties as part of a regional update to the basic and long-distance parenting plans.