Under the umbrella of Family Law, we meet a number of needs, and not just the traditional areas that normally fall under family law.  The specific areas are set out below.  Just let us know if we can help you with any of your family law needs.

Adoption: We do all types of adoptions, including same-sex second parent adoptions, step-parent adoptions, immediate family adoptions, state adoptions, and international adoptions.  We also counsel clients on best options for their particular circumstances.  We developed guardianship documents protect biological and non-biological parents alike during the process.  If you choose a formal adoption ceremony, we make all arrangements with the judge.  We can come directly to the hospital or your home without any additional charge as soon as the child is born in order to finalize documents.  Most importantly, we make sure that all the necessary legal documents are in order so there is no question about parental rights or the rights of your child.

Assisted Reproduction: Science has given many people the opportunity to be parents who might otherwise have been denied that joy.  Whether you are using donor eggs, donor sperm, or a surrogate, we can draft an agreement that meets your specific needs.  We represent egg donors, sperm donors, surrogates, intended parents and recipient parents.  We know this can be a very sensitive time, especially for intended parents and recipient parents.  With both personal experience and legal expertise, we can help make this journey successful and enjoyable. Whatever assisted reproduction method you choose, make sure the legal documents secure the rights of the child and rights of the intended parent or parents.

Divorce: In Oregon, divorce is called dissolution.  Married couples and registered domestic partners must legally dissolve their marriage or registration, regardless of whether there are disputes over property division.  Couples in domestic partnerships that are not registered may also take advantage of the courts to help with separating property and other entanglements from the relationship.  Often, we can reach resolution without a trial.  We welcome clients who seek resolution through collaborative divorce. But if litigation is the only method to completing your divorce, we are strong and capable trial lawyers too.

Custody: Whether it is an initial custody determination, parenting time issues or modification of custody or parenting time, we have the experience to help you through this difficult experience.  We believe that parents need to place the child or children at the apex of all decisions concerning custody and parenting time, and encourage the parties to keep the children as the focus as well.  We often represent a partner of a same-sex couple, including those who are not a legally recognized parent.  We have also counseled clients in psychological parenting rights, and grandparent rights.

Spousal Support and Child Support: Often questions arise about child support and spousal support, especially in non-traditional families, such as “Does a step-father have to pay child support?” and “If we are Registered Domestic Partners, can I get spousal support or domestic partner support?”Determining the proper amount of child support has become a complex and uncertain are for which many clients seek our assistance.  We keep apprised of all new developments so that we can accurately inform you and protect you.

Domestic partnerships, pre-nuptial, and post-nuptial agreements: Even with Registration of Domestic Partnerships, a domestic partnership agreement can be a useful tool in setting out the couple’s expectations.  Formerly know as Living Together Agreements, they can do much more than concern disposition of property upon dissolution.  They can be useful tools to creating a trusting and knowing relationship.  We understand the laws that apply to these types of agreements, as well as to pre nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.