In most firms, it is the staff that handles the bulk of your case. You end up dealing with paralegals, assistants, or clerks instead of the lawyer you signed up with. At Pacific Family Law and Divorce, assistants may handle the paperwork and occasional informational calls, but most of the time, you will be working with your actual trial attorney.
Our office and family law attorneys have built the firm from the ground up with efficiency in mind. Paperless, custom-built data centers for instant access to all file information, and flexible communication by phone, email, and even secure instant messaging. We want you to be able to participate as part of the team in your case.
Far too many family law "mills" are out to settle your case as fast as possible so they can move on to the next. Pacific Family Law Firm was founded by lawyers who are used to the courtroom and don't run from it. If getting you the best outcome for your family law matter means taking the case to trial, we will do it. If you are ready for a trial, we won't back down either.
Mediation of an Oregon divorce is a useful way for parties or settling family law disputes. (See also What is Oregon divorce mediation?) Divorce mediation is handled by a third-party called a mediator, whose job is to help the parties reach a custody agreement, and set a parenting schedule. While all counties in Oregon may provide mediation services, parties may also hire private mediators to facilitate agreements on their case issues. Parties may opt instead to attend private mediation, either on their own or with their attorney present.
In family law or divorce matters where children are involved, parents must participate in mediation through the county's conciliation services where the divorce is filed. The conciliation services mediator will not provide legal advice, discuss financial issues, or provide counseling. However, the process can be useful in developing parenting plans and reaching agreements on child custody. Most couples that enter mediation are successful in reaching an agreement regarding the children.
Our divorce mediation lawyers can assist you in preparing for your county mediation, or can attend private mediation with you to advise you along the way. Call us to schedule a consultation today to discuss your matter.
Oregon mediation is a cooperative, problem-solving process in which a neutral third-party mediator helps divorcing or separating couples reach mutually satisfying agreements on issues such as child custody, parenting time, spousal support, and property division. Mediation allows parties to maintain control over their own decisions and outcomes rather than having them imposed by the court.
Divorce mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps spouses negotiate and reach agreements on issues such as property division, child custody, and support payments. This voluntary process can save time, money, and emotional stress compared to litigation.
Yes, in most cases. Oregon courts require that parties attempt to resolve their disputes through mediation before proceeding with litigation in contested divorce cases involving child custody or parenting time issues. However, if there are issues of domestic violence or other safety concerns, the requirement may be waived.
To find a qualified mediator in Oregon, you can search online directories or ask your family law attorney for recommendations. Additionally, some court systems maintain a list of approved mediators who specialize in family law matters.
While mediation is not always required before seeking a modification of your child support order, it can be helpful for resolving disputes amicably between both parties without requiring court intervention. Some courts may also mandate mediation depending on their specific guidelines.
Child custody arrangements are included in your Oregon Divorce Settlement Agreement. Custody can be joint or sole depending on what's best for the child(ren). A parenting plan outlining visitation schedules should also be included.
To create a Divorce Settlement Agreement in Oregon, you and your spouse should discuss and agree on all relevant issues. You may use mediation or collaborative law to come to an agreement. Once agreed upon, it should be written down and signed by both parties.
While it is not required to have an attorney during your divorce process in Oregon, having legal representation can be beneficial as they will ensure your best interests are protected and guide you through complex legal processes involved in matters like property division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support.
An Oregon Divorce Settlement Agreement is a legally binding contract between spouses detailing the terms of their divorce, such as division of assets, child custody, and spousal support. It must be agreed upon by both parties and approved by the court.
If you cannot come to an agreement on all matters during your Oregon Mediation session(s), you still have the option to resolve those outstanding issues through litigation in court. Mediation can still be beneficial by resolving some issues and reducing the scope of conflict for trial.
Yes, you may have your attorney present during mediation sessions in Oregon. The role of an attorney during mediation is primarily advisory, providing legal guidance and support to their client throughout the process.
An Oregon Divorce Settlement Agreement includes provisions on division of assets and debts, spousal support, child custody and parenting time, and child support. Both parties must agree on the terms before submitting the agreement to the court for approval.
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ORS 107.097(2)
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(a) A party may apply to a court for a temporary protective order of restraint by filing with the court an affidavit or a declaration under penalty of perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E, conforming to the requirements of ORS 109.767. (b) Upon receipt of an application under this subsection, the court may issue a temporary protective order of restraint restraining and enjoining each party from:
(A) Changing the child’s usual place of residence;
(B) Interfering with the present placement and daily schedule of the child;
(C) Hiding or secreting the child from the other party;
(D) Interfering with the other party’s usual contact and parenting time with the child;
(E) Leaving the state with the child without the written permission of the other party or the permission of the court; or
(F) In any manner disturbing the current schedule and daily routine of the child until custody or parenting time has been determined.
(1) In any proceeding to establish or modify a judgment providing for parenting time with a child, except for matters filed under ORS 107.700 (Short title) to 107.735 (Duties of State Court Administrator), there shall be developed and filed with the court a parenting plan to be included in the judgment. A parenting plan may be either general or detailed.
(2) A general parenting plan may include a general outline of how parental responsibilities and parenting time will be shared and may allow the parents to develop a more detailed agreement on an informal basis. However, a general parenting plan must set forth the minimum amount of parenting time and access a noncustodial parent is entitled to have.
(3) A detailed parenting plan may include, but need not be limited to, provisions relating to:
(a) Residential schedule;
(b) Holiday, birthday and vacation planning;
(c) Weekends, including holidays, and school in-service days preceding or following weekends;
(d) Decision-making and responsibility;
(e) Information sharing and access;
(f) Relocation of parents;
(g) Telephone access;
(h) Transportation; and
(i) Methods for resolving disputes.
ORS 107.105 is a huge statute that provides detailed provisions governing not only the provisions of a divorce or separation judgment but also provisions regarding attorney fees. Rather than quote select parts, the statute may be reviewed in its entirety at the link below.
(1) The court may at any time after a judgment of annulment or dissolution of marriage or of separation is granted, upon the motion of either party and after service of notice on the other party in the manner provided by ORCP 7, and after notice to the Division of Child Support when required under subsection (9) of this section:
(a) Set aside, alter or modify any portion of the judgment that provides for the appointment and duties of trustees, for the custody, parenting time, visitation, support and welfare of the minor children and the children attending school, as defined in ORS 107.108 (Support or maintenance for child attending school), including any health or life insurance provisions, for the support of a party or for life insurance under ORS 107.820 (Support order as insurable interest) or 107.830 (Physical examination may be ordered);
(b) Make an order, after service of notice to the other party, providing for the future custody, support and welfare of minor children residing in the state, who, at the time the judgment was given, were not residents of the state, or were unknown to the court or were erroneously omitted from the judgment;
(c) Terminate a duty of support toward any minor child who has become self-supporting, emancipated or married;
(d) After service of notice on the child in the manner provided by law for service of a summons, suspend future support for any child who has ceased to be a child attending school as defined in ORS 107.108 (Support or maintenance for child attending school); and
(e) Set aside, alter or modify any portion of the judgment that provides for a property award based on the enhanced earning capacity of a party that was awarded before October 23, 1999. A property award may be set aside, altered or modified under this paragraph.
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(1) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, in determining custody of a minor child under ORS 107.105 (Provisions of judgment) or 107.135 (Vacation or modification of judgment), the court shall give primary consideration to the best interests and welfare of the child. In determining the best interests and welfare of the child, the court shall consider the following relevant factors:
(a) The emotional ties between the child and other family members;
(b) The interest of the parties in and attitude toward the child;
(c) The desirability of continuing an existing relationship;
(d) The abuse of one parent by the other;
(e) The preference for the primary caregiver of the child, if the caregiver is deemed fit by the court; and
(f) The willingness and ability of each parent to facilitate and encourage a close and continuing relationship between the other parent and the child. However, the court may not consider such willingness and ability if one parent shows that the other parent has sexually assaulted or engaged in a pattern of behavior of abuse against the parent or a child and that a continuing relationship with the other parent will endanger the health or safety of either parent or the child.
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(1) If a child is born to an unmarried person and parentage has been established under ORS 109.065 (Establishing parentage), or if a child is born to a married person by a person other than the birth mother’s spouse and parentage between the person and the child has been established under ORS 109.065 (Establishing parentage), either parent may initiate a civil proceeding to determine the custody or support of, or parenting time with, the child. The proceeding shall be brought in the circuit court of the county in which the child resides or is found or in the circuit court of the county in which either parent resides. The parents have the same rights and responsibilities regarding the custody and support of, and parenting time with, their child that married or divorced parents would have, and the provisions of ORS 107.094 (Forms for restraining order and request for hearing) to 107.449 (Transfer of proceeding under ORS 107.135 to auxiliary court) that relate to custody, support and parenting time, the provisions of ORS 107.755 (Court-ordered mediation) to 107.795 (Availability of other remedies) that relate to mediation procedures, and the provisions of ORS 107.810 (Policy), 107.820 (Support order as insurable interest) and 107.830 (Physical examination may be ordered) that relate to life insurance, apply to the proceeding.
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Mediation 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 MoreOregon mandates a parenting class for divorcing parents to support children's adjustment, integral to finalizing the divorce.
Read MoreIn Oregon family law cases, particularly those involving high conflict or serious concerns about a child’s well-being, courts may appoint a separate attorney to represent the child. This post explains when and how a child’s attorney is appointed, the difference between “best interests” and “express wishes” representation, and how the process varies across counties like Multnomah and Washington. If your child’s voice needs to be heard independently, understanding this legal option is essential.
Read MoreGuidance on how parents can effectively communicate with their children about divorce, emphasizing the importance of timing and a unified approach.
Read MoreOverview of Pacific Family Law Firm divorce and family law services.
Read MoreClients always want to know the duration and the price of an Oregon divorce. Unfortunately, this is tough to answer without consulting on the case, although a common question. Lawyers charge on an hourly basis, meaning the price of your divorce is directly related to the amount of time your lawyer spends working on the matter.
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.
Read MoreThe process of getting a divorce in Oregon can be legally complicated and emotionally challenging. To ensure a smooth process, it is important to understand the state’s residency requirements, options for an uncontested or contested divorce, and specifics about dividing marital assets.
Read MoreWe are happy to meet with you for a flat-fee, discounted consultation. Call today.
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