Portland Divorce Lawyers Guide Clients

We stand by our clients in child custody, child support, alimony and equitable distribution of property matters

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. has helped Portland residents through tough legal issues for almost a century. Our firm is grounded in a tradition of excellence, while remaining innovative and adaptable to new laws, strategies and approaches.

We know that divorce is difficult. Our goal is to ease the stress as we advocate for your rights to property, child custody, child support and alimony.

What should you expect in the divorce process?

Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, so you file without citing any marital misconduct, but simply asserting your marital relationship is irretrievably broken. You must also meet jurisdictional requirements to file for divorce in Oregon. You or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months before filing. This residency requirement does not apply to legal separation.

To start the process, one of you must file a petition, which costs $273, and pay a small fee to a process server to serve a Summons and Complaint on the other spouse. The Respondent spouse must then submit an answer to the court, which can include a counter petition.

Generally, we schedule mediation as soon as we have completed preliminary discovery to identify and value community property and income and to prepare a case for child custody and parenting plans. Divorce can be completed relatively quickly if spouses agree to a settlement in mediation. On the other hand, if a lingering issue such as child custody remains unresolved, we may need to litigate. This extends the time from filing to dissolution.

We help you obtain the most equitable divorce judgment possible

Your needs and rights depend upon many factors, including the number and age of your children, the length of the marriage, and each spouse’s contributions to the marriage and ability to move forward. Our family law firm can help you with such issues as:

  • Child custody — We put your child first. While guiding you through custody issues in a divorce, we help you reach the situation mostly likely to enable your child to adapt and thrive after the divorce.
  • Visitation — Except when continuing contact is contrary to the best interests of the child, a parent has the right to visitation. Our attorneys help you establish a parenting plan that suits your schedule and maximizes your quality time with your child.
  • Child support — To fulfill the financial responsibility of raising your child, our lawyers help you get the most equitable child support terms available under Oregon child support guidelines and exceptions.
  • Alimony — Alimony is not mandatory, but is awarded at the discretion of the court. Depending upon the circumstances, we may argue for or against transitional, compensatory or maintenance spousal support.
  • Property disposition — Oregon law requires an equitable distribution of your marital property, rather than an equal division. We prove which property belongs to the marriage and fight for you to recover the best disposition possible.

Our law firm can often reach the results you want through mediation. However, we are also strong litigators who are willing to fight for you and your family.

Why you need a lawyer

Some websites and books tout do-it-yourself divorces. Unfortunately, by going it alone, you may sacrifice important rights. Correcting a mistake after you sign a divorce settlement or the judge issues the divorce decree is very difficult: you cannot revisit property division unless you can prove fraud or misrepresentation, and other issues require a substantial change in circumstances to obtain a modification of the order.

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. was established in Portland almost a century ago. We care about our neighbors in our Rose City. We know the Oregon laws inside and out. We know how the judge is likely to rule on a particular issue, and we take steps to protect your rights. That’s how we’ve earned our reputation for experience, skill and compassion that brings results.

Retain attorneys with experience, skills and compassion to guide you through your divorce

Schedule a consultation with Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P. to assist you with your divorce. Call now at 503-360-0554 or contact our firm online. We are located in the Pacific Building in downtown Portland, one block from Pioneer Courthouse Square.