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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One of the most emotional — and legally complex — issues in an Oregon divorce concerns the division of retirement accounts. Whether you’re divorcing after retirement or before, these assets are subject to division if they were acquired during the course of the marriage. However, the process for dividing retirement accounts will depend on the…
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Estate planning encompasses much more than writing a will or putting your assets into trusts. It also involves planning for the event of incapacity. Importantly, an advance directive is a tool that can be used to help ensure your wishes are carried out regarding your medical treatment in the event you are unable to communicate them yourself. What i…
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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