Family Law
Experienced Family Law Lawyer in Southern Oregon
Matt understands that divorce, separation, and custody disputes are overwhelming for nearly everyone who finds themselves in the last place they thought they would be. With it comes life-changing decisions, financial adjustments, and emotional strain.
What most people do not know is, there are customized legal solutions that will help ease the trauma and allow them to move forward with less stress and more confidence. That is what Matthew Rowan Law provides. Matt is a legal advocate who create real solutions for real people, so they can take back control of their lives and start anew.
An attorney should not add to the strain of the situation or enflame emotions. Matt understands that no two marriages — or divorces — are the same, and each requires a creative approach to pursuing solutions that minimize our client’s damages, costs, and emotional turmoil.
Our Services
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Dissolution of domestic partnership
- Custody disputes
- Parenting time
- Child and spousal support
- Restraining orders
- Juvenile/DHS
- Relocation of parent
- Trial advocacy
- Appeals
Five Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reach a final marriage or partnership dissolution in Oregon?
Whether couples end their marriages or relationships for an abrupt reason, like adultery or deception, or because they have grown apart, there is no legal timeframe — or waiting period — to bring the relationship to a close. The details of your dissolution will dictate the time it takes to finalize your divorce. We can help you understand the best legal approach to producing real solutions that will allow you to move forward efficiently and effectively.
Do I have to attend mediation before getting divorced in Oregon?
Family law mediation can help couples reach decisions about their dissolution, property distribution, child custody, and finances to help reduce the number of details that may need to be finalized at trial — or remove the necessity for trial altogether. The Oregon family courts encourage mediation when couples cannot agree on the important aspects of their dissolutions and mandate the process for contested custody and parenting time cases unless waived by a judge. Mediation can give both parents and non-parents more control over their cases and the outcomes, even when it is not mandated by the courts. We can help you determine the best way to move forward with your family law case, so you can pursue the best outcome with less financial and emotional stress and anxiety, so you can begin your next personal journey with confidence.
My spouse or partner cheated on me. Does this matter in Oregon?
Oregon is a no fault state. Infidelity is not generally taken into account except for limited purposes.
What is the difference between parenting time and custody in Oregon?
Simply put, custody deals with who has decision making authority over minor children; custody means the legal right and responsibility to provide the primary care of a minor child. Custody is different from parenting time. Parenting time, in Oregon, is the actual time that a minor child has contact with a legal parent. The terms are mistakenly used interchangeably by parties.
How do I stop my spouse or partner from taking all of my liquid assets before a dissolution is finalized?
In Oregon, as soon a dissolution suit is initiated, a statutory restraining order automatically goes into effect that is designed to maintain the status quo during the pendency of the proceedings. The restraining order restrains the petitioner and respondent from:
- changing or allowing the lapse insurance policy coverages;
- transferring or disposing of property in which the other party has an interest except in the usual course of business;
- making extraordinary expenditures; or
- exercising pre-divorce authority as an agent on behalf of the other party (i.e. suspending any existing power of attorney).
No further action needs to be taken. However, it is important to note that this restraining order only goes into effect when a petition for dissolution is filed and it is not, on its face, backwards looking. Care should be taken if marital assets start disappearing where no dissolution proceedings have been initiated; if this is noticed, you should contact an experienced family law attorney like Matt immediately.
Matthew Rowan Law
219 S. Holly St.
Medford, OR 97501