Top Wilsonville, OR Divorce Lawyers Near You

Are You Considering Getting a Divorce?

If you are considering ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership, arming yourself with information is your best first step. A skilled Wilsonville divorce lawyer can show you what will occur during a divorce proceeding and legally who is entitled to what.

The Divorce Process

Filing for divorce is the first step, but there are other options throughout the process. Most divorces have many questions as to the division of property and, if you have children, child custody and child support.

Some couples are able to reach an agreement through mediation, others may have to depend on the judge to make the final decision. While the divorce process will vary by state, you will have to file with a family court in your jurisdiction to obtain a final decree of divorce as well as to request child custody and child support payments. Divorce can be messy, so make sure to arm yourself with a divorce attorney.

Best Time to Seek Legal Help

No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

• What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
• What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

Does firm size matter?

For most consumer legal issues, the size of the practice is much less important than the experience, competence, and reputation of the attorney(s) handling your case. Among the most important factors when choosing an attorney are your comfort level with the attorney or practice and the attorney’s track record in bringing about quick, successful resolutions to cases similar to yours.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.