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.
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.
On the surface, abandonment seems like a cut-and-dried issue. But it has a much more complex and substantial impact on divorce.
Ending a marriage can be a chaotic, trying time. There’s a lot going. Meetings with attorneys, mediation, forms to fill out, documents to submit; the list is practically endless. It makes things easier to have a few divorce tips and strategies in your pocket. Four divorce tips and strategies: Creating …
Looking at out-of-context divorce statistics can be overwhelming. They range from intriguing and valuable to just plain strange.
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’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?
Political differences always present challenges to relationships, but such strife is now playing a larger role in divorce than ever before.
Legalized weed has been a game-changer in many states, but the question remains of how marijuana impacts child custody cases.
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 major area where we feel the pinch is with student loan debt. A recent study uncovers the major impact it has on …
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?
Filing for divorce sounds like a harrowing, dramatic undertaking. Filing for divorce can be a long, intricate process. There are hearings, mediation, meetings with attorneys, arbitration, custody disputes, division of property, and more. And then there are the divorce forms to contend with. Steps To Get Divorced In Oregon On …
Divorce is usually a private matter. Sure, your friends and family know what you’re going through. But most people don’t broadcast that news to the general public. As social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, that has changed. The rise of crowdfunding also changed our lives. It …
Fair or not, sometimes nicknames stick and are hard to shake. A pesky nickname can follow you around for years. How many of you have a friend who will forever be “Tiny” or “Lefty” or “Gonzo”? This doesn’t just happen to people, either. To some, the month of January, all …
The first meeting with a divorce attorney can be daunting, but fortunately, there are ways to prepare for your initial consultation.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 are a topic of conversation for another time. In reality, the divorce rate is lower than it’s been in years and has been …
Thanksgiving is upon us. Though it’s traditionally full of family, friends, and other loved ones, thanks to COVID-19, things look quite different for many of us this year. Even without a global pandemic, this time of year is often tough for newly divorced dads. You may feel alone, especially if …
In the last few weeks there have already been significant changes that affect the Divorce and Family Law process. With temporary court closures, it means our efforts now focus on alternative methods of dispute resolution such as Mediation, or binding Arbitration.
When it comes to disputes over custody, the court places the best interests of the children above almost all other concerns. This includes parental preference and convenience. Given this stance, it’s easy to imagine how criminal charges impact child custody battles. If they come into play, they often have a …
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.
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. In some ways this is …
When it comes to the division of property, Oregon follows equitable distribution, not the community property model. But what does that mean?
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 it to spend as much time with their kids as possible. One question is: does this do more harm than good? What Is The Right …
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. How Is Social Security Affected By Divorce? For marriages over ten years, one …
Attorneys are subject to a variety of rules, regulations, and stipulations when it comes to offering divorce and legal advice. Without an actual consultation, we can’t offer any concrete divorce legal suggestions. Beyond that, every situation is different. No single recommendation will fit every case. Without examining the specifics, it’s …
Many parents toil to remain a part of their children’s lives after divorce and custody battles. This isn’t always a fight that ends with the final agreement. Ensuring that the rights you struggled for don’t get trampled can be a continuous battle. This is where enforcement proceedings come in handy. …
UPDATED: This article has been updated for accuracy. What Is a Divorce Deposition? Depositions are often useful tools in legal cases. It’s common to use depositions in all legal areas, including family law. During the process of ending a marriage, you may encounter the phrase “divorce deposition.” These are sworn …
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.
Despite what we see in movies and on TV, divorce and child custody cases don’t always go to court. Those situations certainly make for compelling fictional drama, but in reality, a variety of options exist beyond litigation. Called Alternate Dispute Resolution, or ADR, these strategies provide alternatives to trial. One …
Few things get us as riled up as our kids. That’s a big reason why child custody cases so often become intense and antagonistic. We want to fight for what’s best for our children. To ensure this, it usually benefits you to enlist the help of an attorney. But how …
What is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act and how determining jurisdiction impact child custody cases?
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.
Father’s Day this year will look decidedly different than most, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate dad.
Did you know June is Men’s Health Month? As you might imagine, the goal is to raise awareness about common health issues men face and to spread knowledge about how to prevent, treat, and detect these problems. It’s important to take care of yourself and look after your health and …
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.”
Over the course of the process, divorce tends to get messy and complicated. In straightforward, low-conflict cases, things may progress smoothly. But with forms to fill out, appointments to appear at, and many other moving parts, it doesn’t take much for problems to arise. And that doesn’t even take flaring emotions …
Child support usually ends when a child turns 18 or graduates, but in Oregon there are provisions for continuing education and a child attending school.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Friends and friends will probably offer lots of advice during the divorce process. No matter how well-intentioned, much of this can do more harm than good.
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.
Adultery can and often does destroy a relationship. It’s often the reason people divorce. But how does it actually impact divorce settlements?
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 selfie has become a ubiquitous part of pop culture. It has become so pervasive that it has spawned a category of ‘divorce selfies’.
Legally, a parent’s rights take precedence, but in Oregon, it is possible for a third party, including grandparents, to file for child custody. As you might imagine, this isn’t a quick, simple, or easy process. In order to petition for custody, grandparents must have an established “child-parent relationship.” Often this …
UPDATED: This one might admittedly be a bit dated. There hasn’t been a new Grand Theft Auto game since GTA 5 in 2013–there are rumors GTA 6 is in the works, but it will likely be years before it materializes. Still, there’s no time like the present to revisit the …
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.
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.
No matter the name on the title, credit card, mortgage, auto financing, or business loan, Oregon presumes both spouses acquired a debt.
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 …
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, but they’re also often complicated, so it’s important to know how …
What Should I Do If My Ex Violates A Parenting Plan? 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 lays out all the specifics of custody, visitation, …
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, we don’t mean Christmas, Thanksgiving, or St. Patrick’s Day. No, we’re talking about football. 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 up …
Divorce is expensive. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to cut down on the expenses and save during divorce. How much a divorce costs exactly depends on many factors. In terms of simple cases, usually shorter marriages with few shared assets and no children, divorce may cost little more …
Divorce often becomes a time of high conflict. That probably doesn’t startle anyone. Hurt feelings, raging emotions, and anger all come with the territory. They also have a huge impact on how warring spouses handle communication during divorce. Communication is key during divorce. It’s central to working out the division …
When it comes to child custody, the courts follow one overriding principle: the best interest of the child. This phrase is used frequently when kids are involved. But what does it actually mean? While it may sound simple and obvious, like most things in the realm, it’s not always so …
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 come up. Divorce is never easy. Add children to the mix and it makes things even more complicated. You have custody, parenting …
Child custody cases pose many issues during and after divorce. Problems arise that make it difficult for couples to reach a suitable custody agreement. Ideally, both parties will work together to create an acceptable parenting plan and residential schedule. If you can’t, the court may order a parenting evaluation. But …
UPDATE: The sweeping new tax plan Congress passed at the end of 2017 will impact almost everyone. This includes changes to divorce settlements, specifically those involving spousal support. Beginning January 1, 2019, on new court orders that include spousal support provisions, the party paying spousal support will no longer be …
UPDATED: Divorce represents a titanic life change. In short order, almost every aspect of your life undergoes a radical overhaul. The process comes with all manner of issues to deal with, from the nitty-gritty nuts and bolts of dissolving your marriage to financial worries and emotional distress. Something men often …
Did you expect to feel 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? That’s a natural expectation. After all, you’ve been waiting for this moment, building up to this for some time. …
In the media, we hear a great deal about the problems dads who lose their jobs face. Many become stuck in situations where they can no longer afford to make child support payments. They’re often labeled “deadbeat dads.” After months of failing to pay, the courts may find these fathers …
UPDATE: …and new champion in 2019… Okay, maybe being crowned the divorce capital of Oregon isn’t a feat to aspire to. And this year, that dubious honor goes to Umatilla. The town of just over 7000, located near the northeastern corner of the state, took over the top spot from …
Marriages end for many reasons. But when it comes to the legal process, what are the grounds for divorce in Oregon? When you read about recent divorces, you often see “irreconcilable differences” listed as the reason for the separation. The reason that you hear this phrase so frequently is that …
This post has been updated. Divorce often looms on the horizon for quite some time before a couple finally pulls the trigger. In many cases, by the time they file the documents, people are emotionally prepared for the process. But being emotionally prepared and being ready in a practical sense …
You probably noticed, but kids today are busier than ever before. They’re more active and their time is far more regimented than most of us where when we were that age. Or even now, in some cases. Cluttered with extracurricular activities, social engagements, and more, it seems like they’re always …
We call it the “divorce process” for good reason. You may be ready to end your marriage right this minute, but it’s a journey, one that takes time. How much time, however, varies. People often wonder just how long it takes to finalize a divorce in Oregon. No two marriages …
It’s the middle of February and you’ve probably noticed store displays full of various sized hearts, pink everything, and chocolate as far as the eye can see. That’s right, Valentine’s Day is almost here again. A romantic holiday can be lonely for the newly divorced, but there are still ways …
“In this world nothing is certain, except death and taxes.” So goes the familiar saying often attributed to Benjamin Franklin. With that in mind, we want to remind you of the tax changes and their potential to impact divorce, specifically spousal support. While we knew it was coming, it didn’t …
After divorce, child support is often one of the biggest continuing expenses many fathers face. These court-ordered payments provide for the needs of your kids. In many cases, one parent pays a certain percentage, while the other covers the rest. But what if your ex won’t pay her share? Rick …
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 into the final amount. Like most court orders, once in place, child support is difficult to modify, though it …
The old saying goes, possession is nine-tenths of the law. That’s not exactly a legally binding statute, but the underlying idea often plays a role. One situation we see frequently involves engagement rings. One of our founding partners, Rick Jones, makes regular appearances on the Danny Bonaduce and Sarah Morning …
When you think about urban legends, you probably think of hook-handed madmen terrorizing teens at Makeout Point, giant alligators roaming the sewers, or the Bandage Man of Cannon Beach. They’re usually the stuff of horror movies. Stories related from one person to the next, often accepted at face value. Some …
Divorce has a huge impact on your life. It often throws your entire existence into upheaval. But it doesn’t only affect you. Children are especially susceptible to the lingering effects. One recent report indicates that children of divorce are much less likely to earn college degrees. According to a new …
It’s probably best not to think about how August is already coming to a close, that the kids are getting ready to head back to school (or may already be there), and wonder where the summer went. That’s not good for anyone’s state of mind. But don’t worry. Just because …
Raising kids is tough, even in the best of circumstances. Raising a child with special needs only increases the challenges of parenthood. Throw divorce into the mix and it becomes a whole other world. Parents face a variety of legal and practical concerns. Best Interests of Special Needs Children You …
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 …
Divorce comes with any number of expenses. You have court costs, filing fees, an attorney to pay, and even a change in tax status. Those are the obvious ones, but there are others. In many cases, you need to find a new place to live. Perhaps your custody arrangement necessitates …
People move on after divorce in all kinds of ways. Ending a marriage is a big deal and a major milestone. It’s a time to examine what you have and where you are. Perhaps even more important, it’s a time to look at what you want and where you want …
We talk a lot about divorce and child custody cases. The two often go hand in hand. But not always. Many couples have children without a wedding first. For some, it’s a choice. For others, it just happens. Whatever the situation, the question arises: Do Unmarried Parents Have The Same …
We see it all the time on the news and the covers of the trashy gossip magazines we pretend we don’t read waiting in line at the grocery store. Some celebrity power couple is finally tying the knot! It’s about time. But don’t worry, they’re being smart and have an …
This post has been updated. In the wake of divorce, you face many expenses. Ending your marriage may be the absolute right choice, but it rarely comes easy or cheap. One of the biggest continuing costs many men encounter is spousal support. Like many court orders, once in place, these …
In the wake of divorce, custody disputes often become the most harrowing part of the process. You love your kids and want the best for them, and the thought of not being around for them is terrifying. Countless factors play into the court’s ultimate decision about parenting plans and visitation …
It’s already December somehow. Though there’s no telling yet if we’re going to have a white Christmas, holiday cheer has already invaded Portland big time. Lights and decorations shine brightly at night, we’re thinking about working on our shopping lists, and the tree is already up at Pioneer Courthouse Square. …
Many factors contribute to the end of a marriage. Age, job, income, education, children, family history, and more. Just about any element you care to look at can be shown to impact divorce statistically. This includes where you live. Laws governing divorce vary a great deal from one state to …
Couples divorce for an endless number of reasons. People cheat, lie, and change over time. The reasons are as different and wide-reaching as the reasons people fall in love and get married in the first place. But are certain people biologically predisposed to divorce? Is divorce genetic? Do parents hand …
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.
Marriage isn’t always sunshine and puppy dogs. It takes a lot of work, time, effort, and often 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 hard to believe it’s almost time for the kids to go back to school. Depending on where you live, it may have already happened. It’s always tough for the kids to give up the freedom of summer break and return to the classroom. But it’s often equally difficult for …
It’s somehow already almost the end of summer. August crept up on us, stores are advertising back-to-school sales, and the kids are already dreading the return to the classroom. You may wonder where the summer went—it happens to all of us. But don’t worry, there’s still time to squeeze in …
Father’s Day is upon us once again, the holiday where we celebrate dads and everything they do for us. There are countless ways to mark the occasion. It’s almost officially summer, the weather’s getting better day-to-day, and barbecues and baseball games are classic ways to spend a sunny afternoon. But …
For most of us, a house is the biggest purchase we’ll ever make. It’s a huge commitment in money, time, resources, emotions, and more. Because it’s the most valuable thing we own, it often becomes a big issue in ending a marriage. The question often comes up of whether or …
Our worlds often revolve around our children. We love our kids, which is why child custody cases can 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. Child custody cases are complicated and contentious. There …
In some cases, dating during divorce can affect division of property, child custody and visitation, child support and even spousal support.
Over the course of a marriage, two lives become intertwined. The longer the marriage, the more interwoven they become. When it comes to divorce, shorter marriages are understandably usually much more straightforward. In the case of ending long-term marriages, however, it’s much more complex as there’s often a great deal …