Portland

Get your phone questions answered at no charge by a local attorney experienced in divorce, custody, support, and other family law issues. Call Goldberg Jones at 1-800-DIVORCE. (1 800 348-6723).

• Can I speak to an attorney over the phone and ask specific questions pertaining to my situation?
• Yes. Call 1-800-Divorce to speak with an attorney today. You may also e-mail us by clicking this link. Contact Us
  
• What if I prefer to meet in person? Do I need to retain the attorney before I get to talk to one?
• Our consultations are only $95 and entitle you to a full hour in our office with an experienced family law attorney. This does not require you to hire us and in the event you do retain our services, we will apply the $95 payment as a credit to our services.
• Can I represent myself without an attorney?
• This is allowed, but not recommended. Unless you have absolutely nothing to lose, make sure to consult an attorney and assess for yourself if going it alone is a prudent choice.
• How long does it take to get a Divorce?
• Some states have mandatory waiting periods (90 days in Washington). However, there are no mandatory waiting periods or seperation requirements that can't be waived. Therefore, the process can be very short if everyone cooperates. It can take much longer if the matter is contentious. We know this process is very difficult on you and, therefore, we make it our goal to finish cases promptly.
• How much does it cost?
• The Law Offices of Goldberg Jones charge $95 for an initial consultation and $275 per hour once we are hired. We also require a deposit up front and the amount of the deposit is determined at your initial consultation.
• May I, should I, or do I have to move out of my home?
• The answer is NO, unless ordered by the court or determined as a sound strategy after consulting an attorney. Please call us and schedule a consultation before making this decision or any other crucial choice that will affect the outcome of your case and life for years to come.
• Can she move away with the kids?
• It is possible to move outside the county or even the state with the children if permission is granted from the other spouse or a court Order is obtained. This area of law has seen significant changes in recent years and it is becoming apparent to all involved that it is rarely, if ever, in the best interests of the children. If you find yourself on either side of this issue, the experienced attorneys at Goldberg Jones can help you assess your options and implement your best strategy. See Relocation
  
• How is Child Support calculated?
• Below is a link that will take to a child support calculator. Please use this only as an estimate. The attorneys at Goldberg Jones are adept at calculation and exploring all possible sources of discount in your best interest. https://www.dcs.state.or.us/calculator
  
• What can I do after the final Judgment/Decree to improve my situation, reduce support my support or increase time with my children?
• There are often many opportunities to improve your situation during your case or after Settlement and or Judgment. With “Modifications," motions for reconsideration, “Appeals," and other methods you may be able to significantly improve your outcome.
• What is the difference between Legal Separation and a Divorce?
• The simple answer is that at the end of a Legal Separation, you are still married. On the other hand, your marital status is terminated and you are “single” at the end of a divorce. Other than this very important difference, the process, laws, and legal system that you must navigate are identical. It is also important to note that a Legal Separation is not a mandatory step in the process of Divorce.
• Should I mediate?
• Mediation can be a very effective tool in a divorce or custody case. However, you still should never come to a full settlement or sign an agreement without consulting your own attorney. In fact, you should consult an attorney before making the important decision to mediate, negotiate, or litigate your case. If you start your case with the right game plan, not only do you give yourself the best opportunity to achieve your goals, but you will likely reduce costs of litigation and over all stress on yourself and the children.
• Does the court split all our stuff 50/50?
• In Oregon the general rule is that if you earned it during marriage it is owned equally by the parties. However, there are many important exceptions to this general rule and it is rare that all things are split in half. It is critical that this division of assets and liabilities be done thoughtfully as to take advantage of any financial planning strategies and in conjunction with the remaining issues in the case. For example, it may be advantageous to take an unequal division of assets in exchange for a lower support payment.
• How does a court determine custody?
• Simply put the court uses its discretion to determine what is in the best interests of the children. Usually it is in the best interests of the children to have continuing and frequent contact with both parents. Also the court likes to establish a parenting plan (child sharing plan, custody and visitation schedule) that promotes stability for the children. Depending on your facts this could lead to sharing the children equally or could lead to a lopsided result in which one parent has up to 99% of the time with the children.
  There are many tools used to settle a custody dispute or aid the Judge in making his or her decision. You may have use of a custody evaluation by a specialist, you may mediate this issue privately or through the courts, and there are several other factors that may go into the decision. It is crucial that the evidence in support of your case is gathered and the presented in a way calculated to achieve your best possible results.
• What should I do to protect my custody and visitation rights?
• You should spend time with your kids. The more time you are actively parenting your children, the better your chances are to maintain that role during and after a divorce. This is one reason you likely should not move out of your home at the time of separation. If your spouse is limiting your time with the children, you must act immediately. Do not let yourself be removed from the children’s life simply to avoid conflict. This will only set you up for failure and a steep child support obligation.
• What if the child is not mine?
• Prove it with DNA testing.
  
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  Christopher Simon Attorney at Law
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