Ending a marriage is not easy. Not only can divorce be emotionally difficult, but the process may present many legal challenges when spouses have disagreements over the various issues that must be decided — such as property and asset division. However, in Oregon, there is a way to divorce that is often more efficient and effective than going thro…
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Under Oregon law, both parents have the right to spend time with their children. Whether parents are divorced or were never married, a parenting plan that addresses parenting time must be filed along with a child custody order. Not to be confused with the term, “custody,” which has to do with decision-making, “parenting time” determines whe…
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In Oregon, an adult may legally adopt another adult as their child. These types of adoptions are often done for emotional reasons and can legalize a parent-child relationship that the parties had for many years. Adult adoption can also be important to solidify inheritance rights and legalize a strong connection or bond between the parties. However,…
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If you are concerned that your loved one cannot manage their financial affairs — and a financial power of attorney was not executed — you might consider petitioning the court for a conservatorship. A conservator can assist someone who cannot make decisions about their money or property. However, it’s important to understand that there are cer…
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If you have an elderly family member who can no longer make decisions on their own behalf, you may consider a guardian arrangement. Not to be confused with a conservatorship (which has to do with financial decision-making), an adult guardianship is a legal arrangement to assist an incapacitated individual with making healthcare and personal decisio…
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Collaborative divorce is an innovative alternative to litigation that comes with numerous advantages for both parties. Rather than engage in a lengthy — and costly — court battle, collaborative divorce is a non-adversarial process that allows spouses to divorce amicably, privately, and efficiently. Typically, couples who participate in the coll…
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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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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