Portland Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

Experienced Uncontested Divorce Attorneys Serving Portland, Oregon

Portland Uncontested Divorce AttorneyDid you know that the vast majority of divorces in Oregon are uncontested? An Oregon “uncontested divorce,” sometimes called a “stipulated divorce,” is when both parties have reached a full agreement on the terms of their marital dissolution, without court intervention. This divorce agreement will include a division of all assets and debts, a determination of custody, the creation of a parenting plan, and an order for child support and/or spousal support if appropriate.

Reaching a full settlement agreement with your spouse on the terms of your divorce carries many benefits. First, the agreement underlying the uncontested divorce is a known quantity; you know what the outcome is going to be. Contrastingly, some degree of uncertainty is always present if you take a case to trial and let a judge decide the issue. Second, uncontested divorces are cheaper than contested divorces because there are no issues to be argued about between attorneys. Finally, people who craft the terms of their own uncontested divorce tend to be more likely to adhere to the terms. Although there is always a bit of give and take in reaching an agreement, the parties know that they had a direct role in reaching an outcome instead of having a judge dictate the outcome.

It is important that your uncontested divorce documents are drafted correctly and quickly. Avoid the risk of procedural errors or unenforceable terms in your judgment by hiring one of our experienced family law lawyers to prepare the documents.

For a reasonable flat fee, we will prepare the Oregon uncontested divorce documents, file them with the appropriate court, and provide you with copies for your records. You never have to set foot in the courthouse with this option! Contact our Portland uncontested divorce lawyer to schedule a consultation to begin the process.

What To Expect In An Uncontested Divorce Consultation

We meet with all potential clients in person for the first consultation. This allows us to meet potential clients and hear the background of each case, to determine if your case is a good fit for our office, and to provide information about a client’s rights and responsibilities under Oregon law. We offer this initial consultation for a flat fee. Please note: Our office may only represent one party in the uncontested divorce. We will not meet with both parties together during or after the initial consultation.

When starting the process for finding a lawyer, potential clients often ask “who is the best lawyer in Oregon for an uncontested divorce” or the “who is the best-uncontested divorce attorney in Portland?” The answer is the lawyer who gets the results you need. Like the rest of family law, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selecting a family law attorney. The best attorney for you is the one who listens to your circumstances, provides solid legal advice, and facilitates and achieves your goals. Contact one of our Portland family law lawyers today to set up a consultation.

Uncontested Divorce Lawyer In Portland

The majority of divorces in Oregon are uncontested. So what does this mean?

What Is An Uncontested Divorce?

Many couples who are considering divorce want to do it as quickly and amicably as possible. Under specific circumstances, a couple may be able to divorce quickly and easily with an uncontested divorce. Reaching agreements with your spouse holds many benefits and sets a precedent for cooperation. Additionally, you will be making the decisions concerning the dissolution of your marriage, not a judge.

People who decide on an uncontested divorce typically better adhere to their terms. Without the added influence of arguments and negotiation between attorneys, this also makes them less costly in the long run. While an uncontested divorce will always require a compromise between spouses, having some direct control over its terms can greatly benefit your future relationship than if a judge had dictated the terms you were forced to live by.

Do You Need Grounds For Divorce In Oregon?

Because Oregon is a no-fault state when it comes to a dissolution of marriage, there is no need to allege any wrongdoing by the other party to seek a divorce. Consequently, the only grounds that are permissible under law in Oregon are irreconcilable differences. You may file for divorce as the initiator, or petitioner, with the other spouse as the respondent, or you may file together as co-petitioners.

Requirements For An Uncontested Divorce In Oregon

Certain requirements must be met to be able to take advantage of the most simplified uncontested divorce option in Oregon, called a summary divorce. The first requirement is residency. To obtain a divorce in Oregon, there are two ways you can meet these residency requirements. These are:

  • You were married in the state of Oregon, and at least one spouse currently resides there.
  • At least one spouse has lived in the state of Oregon for a minimum of six months.

Other requirements that must be satisfied to seek a summary divorce (an even more streamlined process) in Oregon are:

  • You have been married for 10 years or less
  • You have no biological or adopted children together who are under the age of 18
  • You have no biological or adopted children together over the age of 18 who are attending school
  • Neither spouse owns real estate in Oregon or any other state
  • You own less than $30,000 in personal property, either individually or jointly
  • You owe no more than $15,000 in debt, either individually or jointly
  • Neither spouse is pregnant
  • Both waive the right to spousal support
  • Neither spouse is requesting temporary orders
  • There are no other divorce, separation, or annulment actions pending in another state

What Happens If There Are Children Involved?

When a couple cannot qualify for a summary dissolution because they have minor children, they still may have the ability to take advantage of an uncontested divorce without going to court. This will require that the couple agrees on all matters of child custody and child support, as well as the completion of a parenting education course.

Getting Legal Oversight

In the case of any divorce in Oregon, you want to ensure all documents are properly drafted and executed to avoid errors. In this case, having the oversight of a Portland uncontested divorce lawyer can ensure that your documents are properly executed and filed with the appropriate court. At Jill Brittle Family Law Group, we will ensure that your uncontested divorce is correctly drafted and filed. We charge one reasonable flat fee for this service. Contact us today if you are considering an uncontested divorce in Oregon.