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 custody, many think fathers and mothers have different rights. That’s not true. Here’s what to know about fathers’ rights.
When it comes to the division of property, Oregon follows equitable distribution, not the community property model. But what does that mean?
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 …
Adultery can and often does destroy a relationship. It’s often the reason people divorce. But how does it actually impact divorce settlements?
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?
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. It’s remarkable what some people choose to share online. …
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 destined to look different for many of us this year thanks to COVID-19. But fear not, we can still indulge in two of our favorite pastimes: eating too much and watching movies. So you and your pod just polished off a 17-pound turkey, the last bit of cranberry …
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 …
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 …
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 …
It’s the spookiest time of the year. The leaves have changed, the nights grow longer, and Halloween lurks right around the corner. There’s always been something about this season that leads people to marathon horror movies. Maybe it’s the general darkness, that the weather’s bad so staying inside makes more …
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 …
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. …
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.
TV and movie fathers may be fictional, but they still teach us about what parenthood means. One of our favorites is Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness.
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?
This modern ideal of the father often still includes protector and provider— as well as caregiver and nurturer. The evolution and examination of Fatherhood has always been viewed through a sociological lens, but what about the biology?
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 …
Comedic drama “It’s Complicated” points at a lot of issues people face moving forward after divorce, especially long-married couples later on in life.
It may be a Hollywood romantic comedy, but Crazy, Stupid, Love has some interesting, insightful things to say about the impact of divorce.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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’.
Domestic discord, custody, divorce, and shielding children from becoming collateral damage were all topics discussed on-air by divorce lawyer Colin Amos.
The definition of family in the United States has evolved greatly over the years. That once-ubiquitous one-size-fits-all model of mom, dad, two-point-five kids no longer represents everyone. (Not that it always did.) With the changing composition of American families, extended relatives often play integral roles. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, and others …
Ending a marriage often becomes a long, trickly process. If you can afford it, hiring a divorce lawyer serves your best interests. But what makes a “good divorce lawyer?” Think about all the lawyers you’ve seen on TV or in movies. Of course, there’s Atticus Finch from To Kill a …
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.
UPDATED: This probably comes as no shock, but divorce is expensive. Why? To paraphrase the old dad-joke, because it’s worth it! In all seriousness divorce often does cost a great deal of money. Many things impact the ultimate financial cost, and like most things with ending a marriage, it varies …
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 …
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 divorce strategy in place. Creating a divorce strategy benefits you in a number of …
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, …
Because business owners face specific challenges in divorce, there are a variety of things to take into account before and during a marriage. They are: How to protect your business before tying the knot How divorce impacts your business partners How to protect a business you start during a marriage
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 …
UPDATED: Depositions are often useful tools in legal cases. These are sworn witness statements taken out of court, but still under oath. The courts then use the written transcripts of these statements in place of in-person testimony. It’s common to use depositions in all legal areas, including family law. During …
Divorce is expensive. Shocker of the year, right? Sorry to completely blow your mind like that. Kidding, of course. It surprises absolutely no one to learn that divorce costs a lot of money. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to cut down on the expenses and save during divorce. …
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 …
Like with any process, there is the moment when it begins. In the case of divorce, that is when one spouse completes and files the Petition for the Dissolution of Marriage.
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 …
It’s been a few years now, but when Danica Patrick announced she was divorcing after seven years of marriage, headlines screamed about the seven-year itch —also known as a period of marital boredom that is accompanied by an increased likelihood for infidelity. It’s often cited as one of the big …
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 parenting evaluation. But that …
People talk a lot about the 50% divorce rate—the idea that half of all marriages ultimately end in divorce. While that’s not exactly a lie, it’s not exactly the whole truth. The divorce rate is in constant flux. In fact, it’s currently the lowest it’s been in 40 years. Approximately …
Father’s Day is almost here. We’re also right in the thick of baseball season. We may not have an MLB team in Portland yet, but that doesn’t mean we’re not fans. One of our other favorite Father’s Day traditions is watching movies with the old man. Following that line of …
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 …
The Father Even facing off against stiff competition, Pixar’s Finding Dory ruled the box office when it was released in 2016, winning plenty of critical acclaim in the process. As much love as the film received, it’s easy to forget the fact that it’s a long-gestating spin-off of 2003’s Finding …
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. …
Filing for divorce sounds like a harrowing, dramatic undertaking. Most people think of ending a marriage as a long, drawn-out process full of courtroom appearances and custody battles. Though it certainly can resemble a movie or TV show, that isn’t always the case. What Are The Steps to Filing For …
John Matrix frequently packs a rocket launcher, a tactical vest covered with grenades, and enough firepower to invade the small, fictional nation. He’s not necessarily the guy who first springs to mind when you think father-of-the-year. But this is precisely what we get.
The things you do have consequences. Your past can come back to bite you in a variety of ways. But how do your choices play into child custody disputes, especially when you’ve taken steps to correct earlier mistakes? What if you have a history as an alcoholic? Our managing attorney, …
UPDATED: The importance of fathers is frequently overlooked and undervalued. They’re often shown in movies, TV, and commercials as goofy buffoons who only take care of the kids when mom has other obligations. And they usually do it poorly. This portrays many fathers as part-time parents. Or reinforces the stereotype …
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 …
Filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket and entering half a dozen pools is practically an American tradition. But filling out a bracket is also a daunting task. Some fans religiously pore over every word Joe Lunardi utters, track quadrant one wins, and keep tabs on conference tournament play. And after …
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 …
UPDATE: What About Vaping? More and more, instead of smoking marijuana, people choose to vape. This option has ballooned in popularity. As opposed to burning marijuana and inhaling the smoke, a device heats the cannabis until it releases the active ingredients, which are then inhaled. There’s a debate about the …
“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 that arrived with the new year and their potential to impact divorce, specifically spousal support. While we …
Divorce is hard on everyone, especially kids. No one wants to watch their parents split up. It’s hard for everyone, and it can also turn dangerous. What can you do if your ex’s actions put your kids in harm’s way? Our founding partner, Rick Jones, regularly stops by the Danny …
Divorce is often a long process full of ups and downs. It can be incredibly complex or it may play out in a straightforward fashion. You may only be able to communicate through lawyers or other third parties, but at least there’s a flow of information. Divorce is difficult enough …
Most of the time, we think about custody and visitation issues as only involving parents. That’s how it goes most of the time. But grandparents also often play an integral part in raising children. A parenting plan lays out the custody arrangement after a divorce or split. This document details …
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 statue, 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 …
If you’re having marital problems, you’ve probably had at least one moment where you want to throw your spouse’s possessions on the front lawn, change the locks, and never look back. Few times are as trying and frustrating as divorce. But when you have this impulse, can you? Legally speaking? …
The old maxim goes: never talk politics or religion in polite company. It’s taken numerous forms over the years, but that’s the general gist. And it’s solid advice. People feel passionate about these topics and conversations often become heated. Friendships have ended for less. It’s one thing if friends or …
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 …
When you marry someone, you share your life with that person, for good and ill. Every facet of your lives weave together—you create a home, have kids, mingle finances, and build a life. After a while, it’s tough to tell where one life begins and the other ends. That’s part …
When it comes to the process of ending your marriage, one of the biggest questions you need to answer is whether or not to hire a divorce lawyer. Thanks to various online tools and how-to guides, it’s now easier than ever to take a do-it-yourself approach. Sure, this strategy can …
Child custody is a big part of what we do here at Goldberg Jones. As divorce lawyers, custody plays a huge role in the process. Many of our clients are married, but a significant portion aren’t. This leads to a question we hear all the time: what parental rights do …
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 …
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. One recent study uncovers the major impact it has on …
The number of non-married couples living together has risen steadily over the course of decades. Many people use this as a kind of practice run for marriage. It makes a great deal of sense in that regard. You learn ahead of time whether or not you and your partner are …
People fight over just about everything in a divorce, from houses and cars down to boxes full of cookie cutters. Everyone thinks of bank accounts, vacation homes, stocks, bonds, retirement annuities, and the like. These are the common and obvious assets. But they’re not the only ones. Divorce settlements have …
You have many decisions to make when ending your marriage. One of the biggest is hiring a divorce lawyer. Finding the right attorney to represent you has a huge impact on your case and, subsequently, your future. One question that comes up more than you might think is whether or …
By the time you finally arrive at the decision to divorce, most couples live apart. That’s just how it usually goes. Especially in high-conflict situations, it seems like a natural choice. After all, if all you do is bicker, this eliminates strife, stress, and frustration. How Can Moving Out Negatively …
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 …