Salem, Oregon Divorce Attorney

Dedicated Oregon Divorce Lawyer Helping You Move Forward

Divorce can be one of the most difficult situations you may ever endure — legally, financially, and emotionally. Even when couples are civil with each other, ending a marriage is a major life change. It’s important to have a knowledgeable and insightful divorce lawyer on your side to ease your burden and walk you through the divorce process. The divorce attorneys at Litowich Law provide compassionate counsel and unwavering advocacy for each of our clients. We take the time to listen to your concerns and understand your situation because you deserve better than a pushy lawyer who tells you what to do. Whether you are considering collaborative divorce, mediation, or your divorce is a contested matter that must be litigated in the courtroom, we are devoted to helping you achieve fair results.

Standing With Clients During Their Toughest Times

There are many reasons a marriage might not work out. However, Oregon is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that a spouse does not need to blame the other spouse or prove any marital misconduct to get a divorce. Rather, a court will grant a divorce if one of the spouses believes that there are “irreconcilable differences” between the spouses that have caused the breakdown of the marriage. While some divorce cases are highly contentious and can take months or years to come to an end, others can be settled with little or no time spent in court. Regardless of whether your case is contested or uncontested, several critical issues must be resolved before a judge will sign a divorce judgment. Specifically, the following matters must be worked out during the divorce process:
  • Division of property and assets — Oregon is an equitable distribution state. In other words, a court will divide property and assets owned by the spouses in a way that is deemed fair, which is not necessarily equal. Marital property may include income derived from property, real estate, vehicles, artwork, pensions, jewelry, boats, and various other assets.
  • Allocation of debts — Any debts owed by either spouse must be accounted for and divided between the spouses before the divorce can be finalized. Debt is also subject to Oregon’s equitable distribution law.
  • Spousal support —Spousal support, commonly known as “alimony,” is payment made by the higher-earning spouse (woman or man) to the other spouse. The amount and duration of a spousal support award can vary based on the length of the marriage, the needs of the spouse, and various other factors. Whether spousal support is ordered can vary greatly from county to county in Oregon and it is not ordered in every case.
  • Child custody — When people have minor children together and they are getting divorced, custody and parenting time will be determined. Parents will be encouraged to enter into a custody arrangement that works for their family through mediation or mutual discussion. However, if parents are unable to come to an agreement, a judge will determine the outcome based on the best interests of the children.
  • Child support — Each parent has an obligation to financially support their children, regardless of which parent the children live with. If there are children, child support will be established in a divorce case using Oregon’s Uniform Child Support Guidelines.
Facing divorce and resolving the financial and legal issues associated with it can be overwhelming. However, having a diligent divorce lawyer to help you navigate the process can make all the difference in your case. With a focus on providing individualized attention to each client, the Oregon divorce lawyer team at Litowich Law are here to listen, help you identify your goals, and protect your rights.

Resolving Divorce Conflicts Through Mediation, Litigation, and Collaborative Divorce

Ending a marriage isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every Oregon divorce is unique, and each client has different objectives. Despite what TV and movies show us, going through a lengthy, costly, and stressful battle in court is the least common way to legally end a marriage. here are several other less stressful and less costly processes that may be used to resolve divorce conflicts while allowing you to remain in control of the outcome: uncontested divorce, collaborative divorce, mediation, arbitration, and negotiation. In addition to being less time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally volatile than a trial, alternative dispute resolution can be a more effective way to settle your case. Not only can methods such as mediation, negotiation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce reduce the amount of conflict in your divorce, but they also help you maintain privacy and civility between you and your spouse (who may also be the other parent of shared children). Importantly, by proceeding with an uncontested divorce or using alternative dispute resolution, the divorce process can be easier on your children — and you can ensure you are putting them first. The divorce lawyer team at Litowich Law are creative problem solvers skilled in negotiation and relationship management. We will carefully assess your situation and discuss whether a form of alternative dispute resolution is right for you. However, you can rest assured that you will have a dedicated advocate on your side who will work diligently to protect your interests in the courtroom as well.

Contact a Knowledgeable and Compassionate Salem Divorce Lawyer

This is your story — and it’s essential to have the guidance of an experienced Oregon divorce attorneys on your side as you move forward into the new chapter of your life. Based in Salem and serving clients throughout Oregon, Litowich Law is committed to standing with you every step of the way through what may be your most challenging times. We welcome you to contact us for a consultation.

Collaborative Divorce Attorneys in Oregon

Divorce can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. It can also take a significant economic toll. However, an alternative way to divorce exists that can reduce the negative emotional and financial impact of ending your marriage: collaborative divor… Read More