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 —…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in the collaborative divorce process. They can assist spouses with navigating the emotional challenges of divorce and help them find ways to cope with the stress that often comes with going through the process of ending a marriage. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, having a collabor…
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Child custody is often an emotional issue for parents who are divorcing or parting ways. However, it’s important to understand that custody matters aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are several different types of child custody arrangements in Oregon, depending on the needs of your family and the best interests of your child. What are the Differen…
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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