Just about everyone understands that marital property division is a part of divorce. But it may not be until you are actually facing a divorce that you wonder: how exactly does the court decide who gets what? Portrayals of divorce in the media often show one spouse “taking the other one for all they are worth.” It’s no wonder that the specifi…
Read More
If you have created a blended family, you and your new spouse have probably faced some challenges or loss in the past, and chosen to build a hopeful new future together. You’re older and wiser, and you’ve learned some valuable lessons that will help your new family to thrive. One of those lessons is likely that everything goes more smoothly if…
Read More
Adoption can be a wonderful way to expand your family and open your home to a child who needs one. However, the process can often feel overwhelming with so many different pathways that you can take. It’s important to be familiar with the different avenues for pursuing legal adoption to determine how to make the right decision for your family —…
Read More
A common estate planning tool that is used to pass assets is a trust. These instruments allow a third party to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary and distribute them in accordance with the instructions provided by the creator. While there are many different types of trusts that can be used based on your objectives, they fall into one of two cat…
Read More
If you are thinking about divorce, it’s important to understand that fighting a lengthy battle in the courtroom isn’t the only way to end your marriage. Depending on the facts of your case, there can be many advantages to divorce mediation vs. litigation. While litigation takes place inside the courtroom before a judge, mediation is an alternat…
Read More
If you and your spouse are divorcing or you’re separating from your partner, a parenting plan will need to be put into place if you share a child together. This is a written document that outlines how your child will split their time, who will care for them on a daily basis, and how decisions will be made about their health, welfare, and educatio…
Read More
It’s never too soon to create an estate plan. In fact, estate planning for young families can help ensure you have peace of mind that your children will be taken care of in the event of the unexpected. A comprehensive estate plan can address the issue of who will raise your children if you pass away or become incapacitated. You can also specify h…
Read More
If you’re looking for a method to divorce that will reduce your stress, keep your costs down, and put the best interests of your children first, there are two alternatives to litigation you should know about: collaborative divorce vs. mediation. Both forms of alternative dispute resolution take place outside the courtroom and allow the parties to…
Read More
If you are going through a divorce or legal separation and spousal support is an issue, it’s crucial to be aware of your rights. Commonly referred to as “alimony,” spousal support is payment made to the lower-earning spouse after divorce to help maintain the financial status quo. A spouse of either gender can make a request for spousal suppor…
Read More
A comprehensive estate plan involves much more than drafting a last will and testament. Trusts are crucial estate planning tools that can be used to provide for your family, avoid probate, plan for incapacity, and protect your assets for future generations. There are many different types of trusts that can be used in Oregon, depending on your speci…
Read More
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