Portland Divorce Attorneys

Oregon law does not recognize common law marriage. However, some unmarried couples may qualify as Unregistered Domestic Partners with certain rights when the relationship ends.

Our attorneys can help you determine your rights or obligations when ending a relationship

Yes. Oregon is a no fault divorce state. This means either spouse can pursue a divorce without proving a cause for the divorce (i.e. infidelity, abandonment, etc.). If either party wants to end the marriage, for any reason, they can get a divorce.

In Oregon, the terms “contested” and “uncontested” describe whether the spouses agree on the terms of their dissolution of marriage, not the divorce filing itself.

A divorce is contested when the spouses cannot reach agreement on one or more issues, such as property division, spousal support, custody, or parenting time. Contested cases typically move through a combination of settlement negotiations, required financial disclosures, and mediation. If the parties cannot resolve all issues, the case proceeds to trial and an Oregon circuit court judge decides the matters that remain unresolved.

A divorce is uncontested when the spouses agree on all the necessary terms. Their agreements are documented in a General Judgment of Dissolution, filed with the court, and reviewed by a judge. Once the judge signs the judgment, the divorce is finalized without the need for a hearing or trial. Uncontested divorces generally move more quickly and involve fewer court appearances.

Every Oregon divorce case is different. The primary factors affecting the timeline in a Portland-area divorce are complexity and the level of agreement between spouses.

The most simple Oregon cases (no business interests, no property, no children, no support) can often be resolved within weeks to a few months, especially when both parties exchange required financial information promptly and reach agreement early in the process.

More complex cases, particularly those involving property division, support, business interests, inheritances, trusts, or custody and parenting time disputes take longer. These often require document review, appraisals, evaluations, or depositions. Even when parties reach agreements, complex Oregon divorce cases commonly take several months to over a year, depending on the county’s scheduling timelines.

If there are no disputed issues an uncontested divorce can be filed with the court. This involves completing the necessary forms, documenting the agreement in a General Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, and submitting the documents for a judge to review. Once the judgment is signed by the judge, the divorce is finalized.

Oregon is not a community property state. Unlike community property states that divide marital assets 50/50, Oregon uses an equitable distribution system. Under Oregon law, the court divides property and debts based on what is fair, considering factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial and non-financial contributions, earning capacity, and overall economic circumstances. Because the standard is “equitable” rather than “equal,” the final division may or may not be a 50/50 split.

Our attorneys can review your specific circumstances and help you understand how Oregon’s equitable distribution rules may apply in your divorce.

Yes. Under Oregon law, legal separation and divorce are different processes, even though they address many of the same issues.

A divorce (formally called a “dissolution of marriage”) ends the marriage entirely. Once the divorce is finalized, spouses are no longer legally married and are no longer eligible for any marital benefits.

A legal separation, on the other hand, allows spouses to resolve the same issues such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and parenting time while remaining legally married.

Some Portland-area couples choose separation for financial or insurance purposes, personal or religious reasons, or as a transitional step before deciding whether to pursue a full divorce.

Both processes are handled through the Oregon circuit courts, and both require formal court orders outlining the terms.

Unmarried parties may qualify as unregistered domestic partners under Oregon law. If so, they may be entitled to certain property rights when the relationship ends.

Our attorneys are experienced in handling these cases and able to assist you in determining your rights.