Practicing Family Law since 1993
"I’ve just been served papers for a family law case - what do I do now?"
The most important thing to remember when you receive paperwork in a family law case is to take a deep breath, and know this isn’t the end of the world. There are timelines that apply in all family law case filings, but usually those timelines are adequate enough to allow you time to select an attorney you feel comfortable with to review that case and give you advice on how to deal with the issues you are facing.
If the paperwork tells you to not do something (like to not contact the other party directly) then be sure to follow that request.
Seeking the advice of an experienced family law attorney early on in the case process will put your mind at ease that you are taking the appropriate first steps in dealing with this new and sometimes confusing situation.
"What services do you provide?"
I offer a full range of family law services to clients in the Portland area as well as Clackamas, Washington, and Columbia Counties.
My cases range from handling the most simple, short-term marriages, to long term marriages with all of the complex issues that come with them. I have years of experience working on cases where I can assist a parent who is seeking the primary custody of their child or children - whether the client is the mother or the father.
Child support and spousal support modification matters are another area of law in which I practice. Our courts provide for reasonable modifications to both child and spousal support if certain conditions are met. Most cases may be modified throughout the term of the support order, so it may be to your advantage to find out if you have grounds for a support modification.
I particularly enjoy working as a child's attorney, both through court appointed cases, and as an independent legal advocate for children experiencing their parents divorce or custody case. I work primarily in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties in this role.
It is worth noting that in some contested law cases, it is possible, and sometimes mandatory, to have an attorney appointed for a child in their parent's case - it is a great way for their needs and desires to become known to the court.
In summary, my areas of practice are: Divorce, separation, custody cases, child support, spousal support cases, establishing paternity or custody. I also handle restraining order (FAPA) cases, uncontested divorce and spousal support cases.
"How do I know you are any good?"
I have been in private practice in the area of family law for over 32 years; I spent 25 years at the same location in the Montavilla neighborhood of Southeast Portland, before relocating my practice to Wood Village in 2021. I have successfully handled a wide range of family law cases throughout that time. I am especially gratified to have many referrals from former clients to their friends and family. I will do my best to represent you, and will try to consistently provide you with a full explanation of the pros and cons of your particular situation, so that you can make an informed choice.
"Do I have to commit to a lawyer if I have a situation I think I can handle on my own?"
People often fear committing their time and money to an attorney in situations where they believe either the law or the facts of their situation is clearly on their side. However, even if the outcome of a case seem like they should be certain, given the factors involved, it may not go in your favor if you are not aware of additional details - like filing deadlines, appropriate service of paperwork on opposing parties and local court rules. I offer initial office visits (consultations) at reasonable rates, so you can review your family law situation with an experienced attorney without having to commit to having that attorney represent you.
I have never had someone leave an office visit with me saying they didn’t learn anything. There are always additional details and fresh perspectives to be gained by reviewing your situation with a professional who has your best interests in mind.
Key things to know…
Neither Parent has the legal custody of a child until a court says so....
Until there is a Court Order letting the parents of a child know who the Court has determined will have the temporary or long-term custody of a child, neither parent has the 'legal' custody of that child. Most parents think that if they have the physical custody of their child or children, it affords them higher legal rights to that child, but they are wrong. Seeing an attorney who knows the intricacies of family law, including custody orders, will put you miles ahead in helping determine your child's future.
You may not benefit from "Do It Yourself" or paralegal assisted case filings
Over the past couple of decades, I have seen many people whose personal, financial and legal futures have been damaged by participating in a "do-it-yourself" or paralegal assisted case without the benefit of advice from an attorney. You do not have to retain an attorney in order to receive the benefits of quality legal advice. In even the most simple family law cases, important factors can be overlooked, and often, if the situation isn't fixed during the course of the case, it may be too late to fix that issue later. For matters like prenuptial agreements, the DIY approach can lead to financial disaster if you make a mistake on the forms, and end up hurting yourself in the event of a later divorce.
Family Law is an ever-changing and developing field, with new laws, regulations, local court rules and other forms of information coming down the pike all the time.
Child support charts, the rules for property division, civil and criminal laws and other rules that impact family law cases change frequently, and it is difficult for even full-time legal practitioners to keep up with all of the new information, let alone someone who doesn't practice law for a living ! What was true last year may not still hold true for your case this year. Seeing an attorney who practices family law, and has experience with and exposure to other related areas of the law will greatly increase your chances of getting the most up-to-date information on the laws that apply to your specific case.
Your case is not just like your neighbor's, your cousin's, or your boss's case
For most people who have not been through a family law case of their own, their only point of reference is their best friend's divorce from five years ago, or their cousin's recent custody battle. While there is a lot of helpful information and some good ideas to be gained from looking at the situations of people who have been through family law cases before you, it is not a guarantee that your situation is the same, or that your outcome will be like theirs.
Each family law case is it's own unique situation, and each case deserves a review and approach that is tailored to it's own special circumstances. By seeing a family law attorney experienced in finding the approach to best suit your case, you increase your odds of having the result you want from your situation.