Blended families are more common than ever before, yet stepparents may not automatically have the same rights as biological or adoptive parents. In this blog, we explore the complexities of stepparent rights in an Oregon divorce. We explain the psychological parent doctrine, provide evidence stepparents may need to overcome the presumption that a legal parent is in the child's best interest, and detail the rights of stepparents who have legally adopted their stepchild.
Read MoreChild custody is one of the most contentiously and contested issues in Oregon family law cases. Misconceptions about what "custody" actually means tend to meld with advice from well-meaning friends and family and with conflicting information from web sources that might not even reflect Oregon law. What's the difference between "sole custody" and "joint custody" in Oregon?
Read MoreThe Oregon Family Abuse Prevention Act offers a unique solution for victims of domestic violence. This blog post outlines how the law can provide protection from abuse without the need for divorce or other legal proceedings. If you're a victim or know someone who is, this post is a must-read.
Read MoreMediation is about building agreements and consensus. Rather than having a judge tell you the decision, a skilled Oregon mediator will help guide the parties to agree on their own. For couples going through a divorce, divorce mediation is often an excellent way to reduce the level of conflict and create a resolution that works for the family.
Read MoreRestraining orders, also sometimes called "FAPA orders" or "protective orders" in Oregon, can be received in any state. However, they can still be enforced when you or the protected person are located in another state. A restraining order issued against you in Oregon is still valid in other states, and you must follow the terms.
Read MoreDivorce spawns big emotion, and even well-meaning parents make mistakes without thinking about the ramifications of their actions. To ensure a smooth process, we have compiled a list of common pitfalls to avoid doing during a divorce.
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