If you are concerned that your loved one cannot manage their financial affairs — and a financial power of attorney was not executed — you might consider petitioning the court for a conservatorship. A conservator can assist someone who cannot make decisions about their money or property. However, it’s important to understand that there are cer…
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If you have an elderly family member who can no longer make decisions on their own behalf, you may consider a guardian arrangement. Not to be confused with a conservatorship (which has to do with financial decision-making), an adult guardianship is a legal arrangement to assist an incapacitated individual with making healthcare and personal decisio…
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Oregon is a no-fault divorce state. This means that a spouse does not have to prove marital misconduct to obtain a divorce. Instead, they only need to allege “irreconcilable differences.” In addition, Oregon law doesn’t require that both spouses agree to end their marriage — one party can file for divorce regardless of whether the other is…
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If you’re thinking about adoption, it’s important to be aware that there are many laws and regulations throughout the process. Not only is there a considerable amount of paperwork that must be completed, but there are a variety of complex legal matters you might encounter. While the procedures associated with adoption can often be overwhelming,…
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COVID-19 took a substantial toll on many aspects of our lives. Critically, many marriages were affected, and divorce during Covid seemed like a very real possibility for many couples, while others were strengthened. The shutdowns, stay-at-home orders, and restrictions forced couples to face marital issues that previously went ignored or unnoticed.…
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Not only is property divided during divorce, but debt is also typically split between the spouses when a marriage legally ends. Divorce and property division are frequently considered together, but often, couples do not consider what happens with divorce and debt. No matter which spouse’s name is on a credit card, a loan, or a mortgage, both shar…
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For many same-sex couples, there is one legal parent despite both individuals taking an equal part in raising the child. Often, the reason for this is because only the biological parent has legal status or is on the birth certificate — unless the other parent adopts the child. For same-sex couples who wish to ensure that each parent has equal leg…
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Co-parenting can be one of the most challenging aspects of your life following a divorce. It requires good communication, flexibility, and the coordination of several schedules. While co-parenting can be stressful when you are also trying to overcome the pain of your marriage ending, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, there are a number…
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If you’ve been considering planning your estate, you may be wondering whether a will or trust is right for your specific situation. Wills and trusts are two types of estate planning tools that can be used individually or together, as part of a comprehensive estate plan. What is the difference between a will and a trust, though? While the obje…
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Adoption can be the most fulfilling experience a person has in their lifetime. However, if you are unmarried and single, you may be wondering whether you are eligible to adopt a child. In Oregon, families are diverse, and you can adopt whether you are single, married, or in a domestic partnership. Applicants for adoption are not considered based on…
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Sarah M. Litowich is a lifelong Oregonian with roots that stretch from rural eastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley. Those deep connections shaped her belief in hard work, honesty, and the importance of strong, lasting relationships—all values tha… Read More