» Guardianship

Conservatorships are essential to ensure those who are incapable of taking care of their own financial affairs have someone trustworthy to make business, legal, and monetary decisions for them. Unfortunately, those who are appointed as conservators don’t always act in the best interests of the protected person and sometimes take advantage of thei… Read More

Adoption is a big decision. If you are considering growing your family through adoption, there are many things you should consider before you start the process. Being an adoptive parent will bring many changes to your life and the lives of those in your family. Not only should you be aware of the legal process regarding adoption, but you must also… Read More

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,… Read More

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… Read More

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… Read More

Paid family leave is critical for new parents, whether their family has grown due to the birth of a child, by adoption, or through foster care. Unfortunately, many employers do not pay their employees for the time they take off to bond with a new child, and they are not required to do so. Although there is currently no mandate in Oregon that family… Read More

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. For parents and caregivers who are raising a child with Down syndrome or other special needs, it is important to start thinking about what happens when your child becomes an adult. Fortunately, many adults with Down syndrome are able to live full, meaningful lives and, with some support, they are quite capa… Read More

If you are concerned about the well-being of a grandchild, there are options you may be able to pursue as a grandparent. While Oregon does not have a law that is specific to grandparents rights, there are laws that allow third parties (including grandparents, foster parents, stepparents, or other relatives) to ask the court for visitation or custod… Read More