Ending a marriage can be a chaotic, trying time. You have a lot going on. Meetings with attorneys, mediation, forms to fill out, and documents to submit are practically endless. Having a few divorce tips and strategies in your pocket makes things easier to have a plan in place. Four divorce …
As common as divorce and remarriage are, the topic of step-parents comes up often in cases that involve children. More specifically, questions about step-parents’ rights and responsibilities frequently arise. Step-parents often form deep emotional bonds with children who aren’t biologically theirs. It can be devastating to lose these. Children face …
Over the course of a marriage, two lives become intertwined. The longer the marriage, the more interwoven they become. Like others, long-term marriages end for a variety of reasons. As the years go by, however, unique divorce issues arise. What should you look out for? Shorter marriages are understandably usually …
Money problems ruin at least as many marriages as infidelity, probably more. Financial strain is a huge source of stress for many people, both individuals and couples. One area where we feel the pinch in a major way is student loan debt. The tally of outstanding student loan debt in …
With the spread of online guides and resources, do-it-yourself divorce has never been more accessible. When is pro se divorce a good idea?
TV and movie fathers may be (generally) fictional, but they can still teach you about what it means to be a parent. There are those dads you admire, those you use as examples of what not to do, and others you respect for their ability to grow.
We call it the “divorce process” for good reason. It takes a while to end a marriage. But just how long does a divorce take in Oregon? You may be ready to end your marriage right this minute, but it’s a journey, one that takes time. No two marriages are …
Jurisdiction has a huge impact. Here’s what you need to know about where you file for divorce and how it influences your case.
There are a lot of questions to ask in the process of ending a marriage. One is whether or not you need to hire a divorce lawyer. The more complicated your situation, the more you’re likely to benefit when you hire a divorce lawyer. While you can handle the details of your split yourself, having representation benefits you in a number of areas.
Legalized weed has been a game-changer in many states, but the question remains of how marijuana impacts child custody cases.
When you read about divorce, you often see “irreconcilable differences” listed as the root cause of the separation. You hear this phrase frequently because the term comes from the modern “no-fault” divorce code. What Is No Fault Divorce? It’s been in the news lately, but what exactly does no-fault divorce …
Fair or not, nicknames often stick and are hard to shake. A pesky moniker can follow you around for years. How many of us have a friend who will forever be “Tiny” or “Lefty” or “Gonzo” for some long-forgotten reason? This doesn’t just happen to people, either. To some, the …
Adultery can and often does destroy a relationship. It’s often the reason people divorce. But how does it actually impact divorce settlements?
The common refrain is that the divorce rate in the United States hovers around the 50% mark. Except it doesn’t, and never has. The hows and whys of that, however, are a topic of conversation for another time. In reality, the divorce rate is lower than in years and has …
Ending a marriage can be an expensive proposition even when uncontested. Here are the costs of divorce you should be on the lookout for.
The first meeting with a divorce attorney can be daunting, but fortunately, there are ways to prepare for your initial consultation.
One statistic tossed around frequently is that 50% of all marriages end in divorce. The number varies a bit, but the gist is that roughly half of weddings have a corresponding divorce waiting. As ubiquitous as this figure is, many just accept it as fact. But is the legend of …
Once in place, it’s difficult to modify child support orders. That’s not to say it’s impossible, but it isn’t an easy road.
One of our favorite traditions is watching movies with the old man. Following that line of thinking, here are some of our favorites to watch with the big guy on holidays or just because.
Divorce is usually a time of great upheaval. It may absolutely be the right decision, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In a relatively short span, your entire life changes, and it can be a frightening, uncertain experience. And not to add fuel to the fire, but here are some …
Divorce is a huge undertaking. Depending on the situation, it can be a long, in-depth process full of forms, hearings, meetings, and more. While no two cases are ever identical, and no single recommendations fit every situation, there various ways to prepare for divorce. Some of these are simple and …
It’s often difficult to remain part of your child’s life after a divorce or breakup. One thing that helps ensure you’re able to do this is the parenting plan. This document outlines all the specifics of custody, visitation, holidays, and all the other schedule issues. But what if your ex …
When it comes to disputes over custody, the court places the best interests of the children above all other concerns. That’s the general rule. This includes parental preference and convenience. Given this stance, it’s easy to imagine how criminal charges might impact child custody battles. If they come into play, …
A parenting evaluation is a formal investigation to assess the parenting skills of the parties involved to determine the primary caregiver.
Countless factors contribute to the end of a marriage. Every situation unfolds differently, but drugs and alcohol too often play into divorce. Hugely detrimental to relationships, the question remains of how substance abuse impacts divorce. Addiction to alcohol, prescription pills, illegal drugs, and more affects millions of people and often …
Ending a marriage sounds harrowing and dramatic. It can get complicated. We often field questions from people asking how to divorce in Oregon.
Child support tends to get tricky. There’s a formula involved, but it accounts for many factors. Of course, the income of both parents, as well as level of need, figure prominently in the final amount. But does a new spouse’s paycheck influence the number? Like most court orders, once in …
When most of us think of a prenuptial agreement, we think of wealthy couples with more money than we can ever dream of. We’re talking about celebrities, rock stars, professional athletes, titans of industry, and Hollywood A-listers. After all, those folks have tons of assets to protect. So prenups are …
Divorce often looms on the horizon for quite some time before a couple finally pulls the trigger. In many cases, people are emotionally prepared for the process by the time they file the documents. But being emotionally prepared and being ready in a practical sense are two different things. Ending …
For most of us, a house is the most expensive thing we’ll ever buy. The question often comes up of whether or not to sell your home during a divorce. Here are five questions to answer to help make this decision.
When it comes to the division of property, Oregon follows equitable distribution, not the community property model. But what does that mean?
If you have kids, after divorce you’ll likely still have to see your ex at custody exchanges. Here are some tips to make the swaps easier.
Divorce is a long, drawn-out process. It involves countless court dates, meetings with lawyers, and an endless back and forth as the two spouses bicker over every last detail. At least that’s what many people expect. But that’s not always how it goes. In certain situations, summary dissolution in Oregon …
Divorce and child custody cases often go hand in hand, but not always. Not everyone gets married before having kids, so what rights do unmarried parents have in these situations?
Did you expect a sense of relief once you finally finalized your divorce? Did you anticipate an overwhelming wave of elation and well-being once you signed the divorce papers? Perhaps you did, but that initial relief often fades and depression sets in. That’s a natural expectation. After all, you’ve been …
The court may appoint a guardian ad litem during a custody case, but what does that mean and what should you expect once that happens?
On the surface, abandonment seems like a cut-and-dried issue. But it has a much more complex and substantial impact on divorce.
Divorce can be a stressful, emotional time, where you’re juggling a great many balls. In this situation, things slip through the cracks and financial mistakes are made.
For parents, children are the most important part of our lives. We do just about anything to keep them safe and put their well-being ahead of our own.
The right of first refusal can be an important piece of a child custody order. After divorce or battles over guardianship, non-custodial parents can use this measure to spend as much time with their kids as possible. A few questions come often. How does the right of first refusal work? …
Ending a marriage is a huge decision. It’s a choice that impacts every facet of your life. Divorce is the most obvious option when a relationship is over, but in some cases, it’s not the best one. There are situations where staying married, but separating might work. It begs the …
In some cases, dating during divorce can affect division of property, child custody and visitation, child support and even spousal support.
We love our kids and our worlds often revolve around our children. Which is why child custody cases grow so heated, raw, and emotional. It’s also why establishing paternity and paternity fraud are such big issues when it comes to family law. Custody cases get complicated and contentious. There are …
Over the course of a marriage, two lives become inexorably entwined. Divorce is the process of untangling them. A relatively straightforward feat in shorter unions, the longer you and your spouse stay together, the messier things get. Many people often neglect to account for how ending a marriage affects things …
You’ve probably heard the term tossed around, but what is common-law marriage, how does it work, and does it have a home in Oregon?
Also called alimony or spousal maintenance, spousal support is court-ordered payments that are intended to help a dependent spouse get back on their feet or ease financial hardship.
The courts view your business as a divisable asset, and that’s what the court looks at. If you start a business while married, it will likely be considered marital property. That said, you’re not completely without ways to cover yourself. If you started the business before you were married, it would be treated as separate property. But if you invest joint funds, commingle marital and business assets or your spouse invests sweat equity it will muddy the waters.
Third-party custody often arises when a grandparent steps into parental roles when the biological parent is absent or unable to fill them.
Divorce arrives with changing living situations, new schools, and uncertainty. Siblings often lean on each other to make it through these tough times. But during the process, the question comes up: Under what circumstances will the courts separate siblings in divorce? What Is Split Custody? Split custody is essentially an …
How do you find the best child custody lawyer? This is a big question. Few things get us as riled up as our kids. That’s a big reason why custody cases so often become intense and antagonistic. We want to fight for what’s best for our children. To ensure this, …
Mediation is more and more common in divorce. We try to answer a number of common mediation questions we regularly hear.
Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Though it’s traditionally full of family, friends, and loved ones, this time of year is often tough for newly divorced dads. You may feel alone, especially if you don’t have your kids for the holiday. But there are ways to cope and survive what can …
You may think you know what divorce looks like, at least in the U.S., but depending on where you are in the world, the process can look like something else entirely.
Looking at out-of-context divorce statistics can be overwhelming. They range from intriguing and valuable to just plain strange.
Before the court grants a modification, the person requesting the change must demonstrate a substantial reason. If you can’t show adequate cause, the court will most likely dismiss your case.
You probably noticed, but kids today are busier than ever before. Cluttered with extracurricular activities, social engagements, and more, it seems like they’re always running to what’s next. Sports often play a big part in this. They can be hugely beneficial: they’re a way to get exercise, make friends, learn …
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, we don’t mean Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even St. Patrick’s Day. We’re talking about football season. The NFL season is right around the corner, and with it comes fantasy football. We’re all neck deep in statistics and metrics, reading articles, and keeping …
As opposed to community property states, where all property acquired during marriage belongs equally to both spouses, equitable distribution views the property as belonging to the individual spouse who earned it.
Back to school time can be stressful for kids and parents, especially newly divorced dads. Here are some tips to help start the year off right!
Divorce is expensive. That probably doesn’t shock anyone. Fortunately, there are strategies to cut down on expenses and save money during a divorce. The exact cost of ending a marriage depends on many factors. And like most things in divorce, it varies from one case to the next. In terms …
Useful tools, depositions often come into play in many legal cases. It’s common to use them in all legal areas, including family law. During the process of ending a marriage, you frequently encounter the phrase “divorce deposition.” But what exactly does that mean? What Is a Divorce Deposition? Depositions are …
Raising a child with special needs only increases the challenges in divorce. A child with special needs has exactly that, special needs. What this entails depends on the precise nature of the disability. This may involve regular medical care, specific medications, or particular dietary requirements.
It’s a double-edged sword. Presenting your case first gives you the chance to make a convincing first impression. However, by presenting first, you reveal your strategy. Your spouse and opposing counsel then have time to tailor a response.
Being a parent is a tough job and a huge responsibility. Depending on who you talk to, it may very well be the toughest gig around. Rewarding, fulfilling, and worthwhile, it’s also demanding, draining, and not for everyone. Is it possible, for those so inclined, to sign away parental rights? …
When it comes to custody, many think fathers and mothers have different rights. That’s not true. Here’s what to know about fathers’ rights.
Over the course of the process of ending a marriage, things tend to get messy and complicated. There are a number of common mistakes made in divorce. Mistakes that damage your own case. In straightforward, low-conflict cases, things may progress smoothly. However, with forms to fill out, appointments to appear …
No matter the name on the title, credit card, mortgage, auto financing, or business loan, Oregon presumes both spouses acquired a debt.
Marriage isn’t always sunshine and puppy dogs. It often takes a lot of work, time, effort, and struggle. And still, it doesn’t always work out. Try with all your might, sometimes you just can’t make a marriage work. But when it’s time to pull the plug, you face one massive …
It’s no secret that divorces often become contentious. Conflict forms a big part of the proceedings. Depending on the circumstances, many involve the use of restraining orders. These court orders can be useful tools to protect people and assets. When discussing restraining orders, it’s also often useful to talk about …
Co-parenting after divorce is difficult. Custody arrangements, parenting plans, schedules, and continuing conflict between exes all impact parenting time. And circumstances often change. What if one parent plans to move with a child? What can you do about potential relocation after divorce? In general, the law recognizes maintaining close relationships …
During divorce and breakups, child custody battles often become heated and contentious affairs. In some situations in Oregon, the court issues temporary orders lasting the duration of a case. This may include temporary custody arrangements or even implement temporary child support. Some divorces and separations start with one parent taking …
Moving out during a divorce may seem like a natural choice, but has an impact on custody, the division of property, and spousal support.
You can still get divorced even if you can’t find your spouse. However, the process obviously changes if you can’t locate your significant other.
On a basic level, a writ of assistance is a written court order that instructs law enforcement, such as a sheriff or police officer, to take action to help one party obtain something specifically ordered in a previous court order. Essentially, this new order helps enforce a pre-existing order. When it comes to family law, there are a number of ways this can manifest.
When it comes to child custody, the courts follow one overriding principle: the best interests of the child. This phrase comes up frequently when kids are involved in divorce cases. But what does it actually mean? While it may sound simple and obvious, like most things in family law, it’s …
The divorce process comes with any number of expenses. You have court costs, filing fees, an attorney to pay, and even a change in tax status. In many cases, you need to find a new place to live. Perhaps your custody arrangement necessitates buying a new car to shuttle kids …
People love to celebrate. We’ll take any excuse to throw a party, whether it’s a holiday, a promotion at work, or the Trailblazers making a playoff run. While we usually think of ending a marriage as a serious, somber affair, that’s not always the case. Increasingly, many people take the …
Political differences always present challenges to relationships, but such strife is now playing a larger role in divorce than ever before.
COVID is a strange time for everyone, but we’re still here to do what we can to guide you through as best we can. We have received many questions from clients that we want to share the most asked questions.
Mental illness affects many people. Still, it’s often a difficult topic for many people to talk about. Even if kept hidden, mental illness impacts every facet of a person’s life, as well as those around them. It often has a devastating influence on relationships and marriages. Not only does it …
Many of us who own pets know that they are more than just property. But in a legal sense, how does the law view them in divorce?
In the wake of a divorce, it’s not uncommon for parent-child relationships to take a hit. You may not see your child as often and you may not be a part of their day-to-day lives. This is tough, but it’s even worse in cases where parental alienation rears its ugly …
What is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act and how determining jurisdiction impact child custody cases?
There are crazy divorce stories that need to be shared for the sole purpose of saying to yourself, “My life may be crazy, but at least it’s not that crazy.”
Divorce often turn crazy and twisted, but hopefully, yours doesn’t get this nuts. In Port Orchard, Washington, a man recently pleaded guilty to perjury and forgery in one of the most bizarre divorce stories we’ve heard in a while. And it just keeps getting weirder as it develops. It’s like …