Brett E. Engel

Having practiced law in Portland for 20 years, Brett Engel is known as an exceptionally skilled litigation attorney. His busy practice focuses on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements and domestic partnership cases.  He has handled and tried cases throughout the State of Oregon.

A family law issue can present the most challenging time of a person’s life. Brett’s many years of experience help him understand the myriad issues that can affect his clients when dealing with challenging family issues.  One of Brett’s strengths is that he takes the time to fully understand his client’s needs and desired outcomes and then aggressively pursues those aims.

Options always exist for a client experiencing family transition.  Brett listens to his clients, and explains all options.  Some of those options involve peaceful negotiation and resolution, but sometimes a fair result can only be achieved with the court’s help.  As a trusted advisor to his clients, Brett discusses and explains the costs and benefits of various options at every step of the process. His goal is for his client to make good decisions (with his help) based on his or her needs and available resources.  Brett’s satisfaction comes with providing cost-efficient services that allow his clients to regain self-confidence and control over their own lives.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Brett graduated with his B.A. from the University of Vermont in 1988 and with his J.D. from Willamette University in 1995. He began his law career as a civil litigator in private practice, and transitioned to his family law practice in 1998.

When not at work, Brett spends his time reading books about history, fly-fishing (when time allows), and travelling in his motor home with his family. In fact, he ties his own fishing flies.