Divorcing in Salem, Oregon

Salem attorney Michael A. Neal helps clients file for divorce in Oregon. Mr. Neal understands that spouses often arrive at the decision to divorce after trying emotional circumstances. During a divorce, legal and personal issues often intersect. Our family law firm brings a unique sensitivity to each client because not all marriages—or divorces— are the same.

Addressing the important questions

If you plan to file divorce in Salem, Keizer or the Willamette Valley, an experienced divorce lawyer can help you address legal questions and possible disputes that could arise between you and your spouse:

• Property division: if an agreement cannot be reached between spouses, then the court will divide the property equitably and without regard to fault.
• Spousal support: if spouses are unable to reach an agreement, a court may specify the terms of spousal support (alimony) based on factors such as the length of the marriage and the financial needs of each spouse. Fault for divorce is not a factor.
• Child custody and visitation: the court bases its custody decision on the best interests of the child and involves considerations such as emotional ties of child and parent and whether any spousal abuse has occurred. Gender is not considered a factor by the court.
• Child support: both parents are expected to contribute child support in proportion to their relative incomes

The State of Oregon favors marital settlement agreements. And for couples attempting to reach agreements outside of court, Mr. Neal is willing to represent one of the parties in crafting just such a marital settlement agreement.

Filing for divorce: the process

In order to file for divorce in the state of Oregon, you or your spouse must have been living in the state for at least six months. If you do not meet the residency requirements, you may want to consider pursuing legal separation in Oregon as a legal step towards full dissolution of marriage.

Oregon is considered a “no fault” state, which means that neither spouse has to provide any compelling grounds for divorce beyond “irreconcilable differences.”

The length of the divorce process depends, in part, on whether you and your spouse are filing an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. A contested divorce means that you and your spouse were not able to agree to terms of divorce and require a court to make final decisions on contentious questions. Michael A. Neal, PC, is prepared to help clients divorcing in Salem and the Willamette Valley, regardless of the situation.

Summary dissolution

Summary dissolution is an option available to divorcing couples that seeks to expedite the legal process. You may contact Salem divorce lawyer Michael A. Neal to see if you are eligible.

Call toll-free 866-319-0701 or use our convenient web contact form
for divorce help in Salem, Keizer, and the Willamette Valley