A good estate plan should not only dictate what will happen when you pass — it should also include a plan for incapacity. Guardianships and powers of attorney are two legal tools that can appoint someone to act on your behalf in the event you can no longer make decisions for yourself. While incapacity should be considered when creating a comprehe…
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Even when spouses agree to part ways, divorce can be an overwhelming chapter of your life. But there are a number of things you can do to prepare to help ensure the process runs smoothly. How to prepare for a divorce comes down to being organized and ensuring you take the time to gather your financial documents, create a budget, and get the legal a…
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All families and children in Oregon are unique — and many people choose to grow their families through adoption. When a child is adopted, it creates a legal parent-child relationship between the individual being adopted and their adoptive parent. Although adoption is a joyful occasion, it can also be a complex process and there can be a considera…
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Many people use social media to share news about major life events with friends and family. However, using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to update your loved ones about your divorce can be a critical mistake. Using social media as you go through the divorce process should be done cautiously — ranting about your soon-to-be ex-spo…
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Child support is crucial to help ensure a child’s needs are met. However, it’s not always simply one fixed amount that is paid over the course of time. There can be situations where a parent has difficulty meeting this financial obligation — and courts in Oregon recognize that there are reasons to modify child support. In such cases, the pare…
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Most people are familiar with prenuptial agreements. Commonly referred to as “prenups,” many might think that these contracts are only for celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. However, this is not correct — a prenuptial agreement is a crucial legal tool that can be used by anyone who wishes to have control over their assets and property in the…
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If you have a parenting plan in Oregon but you are looking to relocate to a different state, you might be wondering whether you can move away with your child. Perhaps you have an employment opportunity in another state or are looking to reside closer to extended family. Regardless of whether a parent has a valid reason for wanting to move, child re…
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Stepparents often develop close relationships with their stepchildren and form strong emotional bonds. However, they do not have the same legal rights as a biological parent when it comes to matters like custody or making decisions on behalf of the child. Stepparent adoption can offer crucial legal protections for both the parent and child. It can…
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Whether it’s your first holiday post-divorce or you’ve been apart for several years, co-parenting can be particularly challenging between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. While the holidays should be a time for relaxation, fun, and celebration, they can also be incredibly stressful when co-parents aren’t on good terms. However, by putting a…
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Parenting time is a crucial issue that must be determined in Oregon divorces when spouses who share children part ways. However, parenting time schedules can be complex — and it can often be difficult for parents to agree on all the details. In high-conflict situations where parents cannot agree on the issues concerning the terms of parenting tim…
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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