Legal Blog

When Spousal Support Is Contested in Oregon: How Judges Decide Amount and Duration

When Spousal Support Is Contested in Oregon: How Judges Decide Amount and Duration

Contesting spousal support in Oregon can be one of the most stressful parts of a divorce. Unlike child support, which follows clear state guidelines, spousal support — also called alimony — is highly discretionary. When spouses cannot agree, a judge must decide how much support will be paid and for how long based on Oregon […]

Child Support Modifications in Oregon: What Happens When Income or Expenses Change

Child Support Modifications in Oregon: What Happens When Income or Expenses Change

Child support orders in Oregon are not set in stone. When a parent’s income changes, expenses increase, or a child’s needs shift, the law allows for a formal modification. Oregon courts rely on specific guidelines and documented financial changes to decide whether support should be adjusted. This article explains when a modification is allowed, how […]

Why So Many Portland Divorces Start After the Holidays and What to Do If You’re Considering One

Why So Many Portland Divorces Start After the Holidays and What to Do If You’re Considering One

Every year in Portland, divorce filings surge in January and February. Oregon court data and family law professionals consistently see an increase in separations once the holidays end. Financial pressure, emotional burnout, and postponed decisions all play a role. This article explains why this pattern happens in Portland, how Oregon divorce law affects timing and […]

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Oregon? A Realistic Timeline for Portland Couples

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Oregon? A Realistic Timeline for Portland Couples

Divorce timelines in Oregon vary widely depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested. For Portland couples, the fastest divorces can finalize in as little as three to four months, while complex cases may take a year or longer. Oregon’s mandatory waiting period, court backlogs in Multnomah County, and disputes over children or property […]

How Long Divorce Takes in Oregon and What Can Slow the Process Down

How Long Divorce Takes in Oregon and What Can Slow the Process Down

Divorce in Oregon is a significant life transition with both emotional and legal complexities. One of the first questions people ask when considering separation is how long the divorce process takes. The duration can vary widely based on the circumstances of your case, the complexity of the issues involved, and how you and your spouse […]

Common Custody Mistakes Parents Make in Oregon

Common Custody Mistakes Parents Make in Oregon

Custody disputes in Oregon are decided based on a child’s best interests, not a parent’s anger, assumptions, or desire to “win.” Courts look closely at parenting behavior, cooperation, stability, and decision-making throughout the case. Many parents unintentionally damage their custody position by making emotional or strategic mistakes early on. This article explains the most common […]

The Real Cost of Divorce in Portland and What Impacts the Final Number

The Real Cost of Divorce in Portland and What Impacts the Final Number

Divorce in Portland can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over six figures, depending on the facts of the case. Oregon law allows for both simple and highly complex dissolutions, and the financial outcome often hinges on how issues like property division, custody, and spousal support are handled. Court filing fees are […]

How Oregon Courts Decide Child Custody When Parents Disagree

How Oregon Courts Decide Child Custody When Parents Disagree

When parents cannot agree on child custody, Oregon courts step in to protect the child’s best interests. Judges follow specific statutes that prioritize stability, safety, and meaningful relationships with both parents when appropriate. This guide explains how custody decisions are made, what factors matter most, and how the process works in Oregon family courts. Understanding […]