Tualatin Family Law Attorney Resolving Your Complex Legal Family Issues
Family law is complicated and emotional. At Martin, Elliott & Snell P.C., we are committed to providing an environment where our clients feel cared for. When you work with our attorneys, we build a personal relationship with you and ensure that we are doing the best work possible for you. You can feel secure in the fact that we are striving to bring peace back to your family.
You can rely on our 40-plus years of serving the Tualatin community. From divorce to post-decree modifications, we can help you resolve your family law concerns in a way that seeks to preserve important relationships and minimizes the effect on your children. To learn how we can guide you through family law challenges, please contact us today.
Our Comprehensive Oregon Family Law Practice
Since 1985, we have been serving the people of Portland and the surrounding areas with the following family law issues:
- Divorce
- Legal separation
- Mediation
- Child custody
- Parenting plans
- Child support
- Alimony and spousal support
- Property settlements
- Modifications
- Domestic partnerships
- Adoptions
As we get to know your family, we will create a personalized plan to bring you the most peaceful resolution possible. Our attorneys will be by your side throughout the entire legal process. We will assist you in finding the outcome that works for your family, whether that be through negotiation, private mediation or litigation.
Get Clarity On Family Law Questions In Oregon
The legal process involved in family law matters brings many questions and uncertainties. For decades, our team has helped families across Oregon find answers. Below, we address the questions our clients ask most frequently. If you have concerns not covered here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Which Oregon family laws are important to know before filing a family law claim in court?
Understanding Oregon’s family laws gives you a solid foundation before you begin any legal process. These laws affect everything from how you file for divorce to how the court decides child custody matters:
- No-fault grounds (ORS 107.025): In Oregon, you do not need to prove your spouse did something to end your marriage. You simply need to show that your marriage has broken down beyond repair due to irreconcilable differences.
- Fair division of property (ORS 107.105(1)(f)): Courts in our state follow “equitable distribution” rules when dividing property and assets in divorce. This means that instead of a 50/50 split, judges consider what is fair based on factors such as each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage and future financial needs.
- Residency requirement (ORS 107.075): To file for divorce in Oregon, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing.
- The “best interest of the child” principle (ORS 107.137): Oregon courts make all child custody decisions based on what serves the child’s welfare. Judges consider factors like the child’s relationship with each parent, stability in home environments and each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent.
The way these laws affect your case will depend on your family’s particular needs, history and current challenges. We take time to understand your specific situation so we can help you navigate these laws in a way that works best for you and your loved ones.
When is litigation necessary in an Oregon family law dispute?
While many family disputes can be solved through mediation or talking things out, sometimes going to court becomes necessary. You may need to take legal action when:
- You and the other person can no longer talk to each other effectively.
- Your situation involves domestic abuse.
- Someone has alcohol or drug problems that affect the family.
- You have serious concerns about your children’s well-being.
- Your former partner is hiding money or assets.
- The other party refuses to follow the orders that the court already put in place.
Going to court should be your last option, but we understand that in some cases, it’s the only way to protect yourself and your family. If you face any of these challenges, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the court process with care.
How can I modify an existing family law order in Oregon?
You can request changes to existing court orders when a substantial change in your circumstances has occurred since the original ruling. To modify an order, you must file paperwork with the same court that issued your original order, clearly explaining the changes in your situation and why the modification serves justice and fairness. Common modifications include changes to child custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, child support amounts or spousal support payments.
Contact Our Trusted Attorneys In Oregon
It’s important to work with attorneys you can trust to take care of you. Martin, Elliott & Snell P.C. is home to Tualatin’s longest practicing attorneys. You can be confident in our extensive legal experience to guide you and your family through your life transitions. We can also help you with any related estate planning matters.
Our attorneys are well-known throughout Oregon and are familiar with many of the family courts in the state. We bring that experience to create a strategy that will benefit you and your family. If you have a legal family issue, contact our firm online or give us a call in Tualatin at 503-868-5057. We can meet with you by phone or video chat.