Domestic Relations & Family Law 

  At Peterson Law Group we strive to assist you in successfully navigating family transitions and helping you through one of life's greatest challenges.

Marital Dissolution 

Custody and Parenting Time 

Child Support 

Modification of Judgments 

Civil Unions 

Domestic Partnerships 

 Contempt and Enforcement of Judgments

Grandparents Rights

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements 

Name Changes 

Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) Restraining Orders 

Adoptions 

Guardianships and Conservatorships

Marital Dissolution & Divorce

Divorce is the legal process for dissolving your marriage that encompasses asset and debt division, custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support.  At Peterson Law Group our services range from helping clients legally effectuate a mutually agreed division of assets and allocation of parenting time and custody, to fighting the long drawn out battle in the courtroom.  Many counties offer self-help forms to enable parties to prepare the divorce pleadings themselves, however, the more complicated your situation is, the more likely you will need assistance in obtaining the resolution that meets your immediate needs and protects your needs in the future.  Moreover, if you are the spouse that has not been involved in handling the day to day finances, you may need to utilize the legal discovery tools available for production of information and records to ensure full disclosure. 

Custody & Parenting Time 

Both married and unmarried parents will need to establish a custody and parenting time arrangement for their minor children.  In common parlance, many people mistakenly use custody and parenting time interchangeable.  Custody refers to legal control and decision making, whereas parenting time dictates when the child is with either parent.  Moreover, the non-custodial parent is not without legal rights to their children.  Both the custodial and non-custodial parent have the authority to request medical records and school records, consult with medical providers, school staff and teachers concerning the child's welfare and education,  make emergency health care decisions, and be the child's conservator, guardian ad litem, or both. 

Child Support 

Oregon law requires that the both parents contribute to the financial wellbeing of a minor child as well as qualifying children attending school that are over 18 and under 21. The Oregon Legislature has implemented a formula to determine the amount of child support that is owed which accounts for the parties incomes, the number of overnights with the minor child, the cost of health care to the child and the parents, and a few additional factors.  The Division of Child Support initiates a review of the child support award every few years to make sure the award is still just and appropriate, but the child support award may be reviewed at the request of either party upon a showing of substantial change of circumstances.  Child support can be modified administratively, or through the circuit court. Contact Danielle and Peterson Law Group to set up an appointment to determine which route is best for you.