Divorce is hard enough — but the process can become even more challenging when your spouse cannot be located. Under Oregon law, a respondent spouse must be served with notice that a divorce action has been started against them. But if they cannot be found after reasonable efforts were taken to find them, a court will likely allow that person to b…
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In many homes, pets are an important part of the family — and the thought of losing a beloved companion animal when your marriage ends can be devastating. When spouses decide to part ways, the issue of who gets to keep the pet can be a particularly contentious issue. If you have a pet and are facing divorce, it’s essential to understand how cou…
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If you’re getting ready to tie the knot, you might be wondering whether you and your soon-to-be spouse should execute a prenuptial agreement. If you searched the internet for information, you might even have come across websites advertising online prenuptial agreements and downloadable templates. While these sites might seem tempting, it’s esse…
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Mediation has become an increasingly common alternative to litigation. While many divorce mediation matters are handled by one mediator, co-mediation involves two trained professionals who work together with the spouses to reach a settlement agreement. Often, the use of two mediators coming from different professional backgrounds can result in a fa…
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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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Parenting or adopting a foster child is rewarding, but it can also be challenging. It’s essential to be aware that many children who have been placed in the foster care system have experienced some form of trauma. In fact, most children in foster homes have been through more than one traumatic event — and some have been through repeated trauma…
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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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Paid family leave is critical for new parents, whether their family has grown due to the birth of a child, by adoption, or through foster care. Unfortunately, many employers do not pay their employees for the time they take off to bond with a new child, and they are not required to do so. Although there is currently no mandate in Oregon that family…
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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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Salem attorney Sarah M. Litowich is an Oregonian through and through, with roots in rural eastern Oregon and the Willamette Valley. She is grateful for these deep Oregon roots because she learned the value of hard work and building and maintaining st… Read More