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?
Divorce Tips and Strategies
Ending a marriage can be a chaotic, trying time. You have a lot going on. 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, to have a plan …
When to Hire a Divorce Attorney
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.
Is January Really Divorce Month?
Fair or not, sometimes nicknames stick and are hard to shake. A pesky moniker 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 …
How Legal Marijuana Impacts Child Custody
Legalized weed has been a game-changer in many states, but the question remains of how marijuana impacts child custody cases.
Do Step-Parents’ Have Rights in Oregon?
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. Step-parents often form deep emotional bonds with children who aren’t biologically theirs. It can be devastating to lose these. Children …
Common Financial Mistakes in 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.
How Does Adultery Affect Divorce in Oregon?
Adultery can and often does destroy a relationship. It’s often the reason people divorce. But how does it actually impact divorce settlements?
Common Ways To Celebrate Divorce
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 …
Surviving Thanksgiving After Divorce
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 …
Prepare For Your Initial Divorce Consultation
The first meeting with a divorce attorney can be daunting, but fortunately, there are ways to prepare for your initial consultation.
What Is The Average Cost of Divorce in Oregon?
Ending a marriage can be an expensive proposition even when uncontested. Here are the costs of divorce you should be on the lookout for.
How Has the Divorce Rate Changed With Each Generation?
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 it’s been in years …
Qualifying for Child Support Modification
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.
Is Oregon A Community Property State?
When it comes to the division of property, Oregon follows equitable distribution, not the community property model. But what does that mean?
Whether To Sell Your Home During Divorce: 5 Questions To Answer
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.
Ways To Prepare For Divorce
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 fits every case. Without examining the specifics, it’s impossible …
Is Summary Dissolution Your Quick Divorce Answer?
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 …
Can My Ex Come After My New Spouse’s Income?
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 …
Back To School Tips For Divorced Dads
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!
How Does Spousal Support Work 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.
How Is A Business Divided In A Divorce?
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.
How Substance Abuse Impacts Divorce
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 drugs, illegal drugs, and more affects millions of people and often …
Does Dating During Divorce Harm Your Case?
In some cases, dating during divorce can affect division of property, child custody and visitation, child support and even spousal support.
Violation Of Parenting Plan In Oregon: What to Know About Enforcement
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, holidays, and all the other schedule issues. But what if your …
Can Criminal Charges Impact Child Custody?
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, …
Oregon Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents
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?
Divorce Over Politics? How Political Differences Cause Divorce
Political differences always present challenges to relationships, but such strife is now playing a larger role in divorce than ever before.
Child Custody Evaluation: What Is A Parenting Evaluation?
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. But that doesn’t always happen. In reality, parents often have to …
Common Oregon Child Support Questions Answered
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.
10 Steps To Creating a Divorce Strategy
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 …
How Abandonment Impacts Divorce in Oregon
On the surface, abandonment seems like a cut-and-dried issue. But it has a much more complex and substantial impact on divorce.
Ways to Save Money on Your Divorce
Divorce is expensive. 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. In terms of simple cases, usually shorter marriages with few shared assets and no children, divorce may cost little more than filing …
Right Of First Refusal: What You Need to Know
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. One question, however, often comes up: Does this do more harm than good? …
Can Your Ex Stop Your Kids From Playing Sports?
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 …
Choosing Between Divorce and Legal Separation
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 …
Common Divorce Mediation Questions and Answers
Mediation is more and more common in divorce. We try to answer a number of common mediation questions we regularly hear.
Does Oregon Have Common-Law Marriage?
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?
Tips For Keeping Child Custody Exchanges Civil
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.
How To Divorce In Oregon: Forms & Filing
Ending a marriage sounds harrowing and dramatic. It can get complicated. We often field questions from people asking how to divorce in Oregon.
Social Security and Divorce: What to Know
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. For marriages over ten years, one thing to be aware of is how …
Do I Need a Prenuptial Agreement?
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 …
What Is A Divorce Deposition
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.” So what exactly does that mean? What Is a Divorce Deposition? These are …
How COVID-19 Affects Divorce, Support Payments, and Child Custody
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.
How Student Loan Debt Impacts Divorce
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 student loan debt. One recent study uncovers the major impact this has on marriage …
How to Find the Best Child Custody Lawyer
How do you find the best chlid custody lawyer? 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, it usually benefits you to …
After The Court Appoints A Guardian Ad Litem
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?
Does It Matter Who Files For Divorce First?
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.
Is the 50% Divorce Rate a Myth?
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 …
Odd Divorce Laws From Around The World
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.
Child Attending School: Can Support Go Past 18?
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.
Divorce and Depression: The Impact on Men
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 …
Third-Party Custody And Grandparents’ Rights In Oregon
Third-party custody often arises when a grandparent steps into parental roles when the biological parent is absent or unable to fill them.
Child Custody Modification After the Final Judgment
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.
The Division of Property and Divorce in Oregon
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.
How Long Does Divorce Take In Oregon?
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 …
Divorce Jurisdiction: Where You File Impacts Your Case
Jurisdiction has a huge impact. Here’s what you need to know about where you file for divorce and how it influences your case.
Establishing Paternity in Oregon: What You Need To Know
Our worlds often revolve around our children. We love our kids, 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 parenting …
Common Mistakes Men Make In Divorce
Over the course of the process of ending a marriage, things tend to get messy and complicated. There are a number of common mistakes men make in divorce. Mistakes that damage their own cases. In straightforward, low-conflict cases, things may progress smoothly. However, with forms to fill out, appointments to …
Can You Terminate Parental Rights in Oregon?
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? …
10 Truly Scary Divorce Facts
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 …
What is a Civil Standby in Oregon?
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. Civil standby orders are often complicated, so it’s important to know …
Dividing Debt In Divorce In Oregon
No matter the name on the title, credit card, mortgage, auto financing, or business loan, Oregon presumes both spouses acquired a debt.
Do Long-Term Marriages Complicate the Divorce Process?
Over the course of a marriage, two lives become intertwined. The longer the marriage, the more interwoven they become. Long-term marriages end for a variety of reasons. As the years go by, however, a number of unique divorce issues arise. What should you look out for? When it comes to …
Child Custody If A Parent Has a Mental Illness
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 …
How Do You Ask For A Divorce?
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 …
Split Custody: Will Courts Separate Siblings?
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 would the judge order to separate siblings in divorce? What Is Split Custody? Split custody is …
Writ Of Assistance, Divorce, And Child Custody
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.
Oregon Custody Factors: The Best Interest Of The Child
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 this realm, it’s …
5 Things Kids Learn From Fantasy Sports
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 …
Can You Make a Major Purchase During Divorce?
Divorce 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 back and …
Can A Custodial Parent Relocate After Divorce?
Co-parenting after divorce is difficult. Custody arrangements, parenting plans, schedules, and continuing conflict between exes can all derail 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 …
No-Fault Divorce Oregon: What are Grounds for Divorce?
When you read about recent divorces, you often see “irreconcilable differences” listed as the reason for the separation. The reason you hear this phrase so frequently is that the term comes from the modern “no-fault” divorce code. What Is No Fault Divorce? Just like it sounds, no-fault divorce means that, …
Child Custody: Fathers’ Rights Oregon [With Infographic]
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.
Can you get a divorce if you can’t find your spouse?
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.
How Is Custody Determined For Children With Special Needs?
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.
Divorce Statistics: From the Interesting to the Surprising
Looking at out-of-context divorce statistics can be overwhelming. They range from intriguing and valuable to just plain strange.
Why Moving Out is the Biggest Mistake In A Divorce
Moving out during a divorce may seem like a natural choice, but has an impact on custody, the division of property, and spousal support.
Status Quo Orders In Divorce and Child Custody
During divorce and breakups, child custody battles often become heated and contentious affairs. In some situations in Oregon, the court may issue 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 …
Oregon Pet Laws, Pet Custody, And Divorce
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?
Fighting Parental Alienation
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 …
UCCJA: How the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act Works
What is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act and how determining jurisdiction impact child custody cases?
Crazy Divorce Stories
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.”
Cinematic Lessons in Fatherhood: Great Movie Dads
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.
Awesome Dad Movies
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 Epic Divorce Saga of Brian And Cassie Kimmell
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 …