Attorney in Salem, Oregon: Non-Traditional Families
Experienced Counsel for Domestic Partnerships
If you have been in a domestic partnership, the decision to end the relationship can lead to a lot of unanswered questions, even if you executed a cohabitation agreement. If you acquired property together, how does it get divided? If there are minor children born during your time together, who gets custody? Is there visitation? Should you take legal action to establish paternity? You want a lawyer who will know and understand your rights, who can help you identify your options, and who will give you an honest assessment of the likely outcome of your situation.
At the offices of Wheeler & Allen, Attorneys at Law, in Salem, I have over 14 years of experience handling a wide range of legal issues for couples who are not married, but have been in a committed relationship. I know from experience that the emotions you feel are no different from those of married couples. I provide compassionate and caring counsel to help you through difficult decisions. Contact my offices to schedule a private meeting to discuss your legal needs.
When domestic partnerships end, many of the same issues that face married couples come into play.
- Child Custody and Parenting Time. The rules governing child custody and parenting time are generally the same. The court will make determinations that are in the best interests of the child, considering such factors as the amount of time each parent has spent with the child, the ability of each parent to provide a healthy environment for the child, the extent to which custody with one parent will meet the educational and health needs of the child, and, in some situations, the preference of the child. I will help you establish and implement custody and parenting time arrangements that are in the best interests of your children while protecting your rights as a parent.
- Child Support. If paternity is established, child support may be ordered as established in the Oregon child support guidelines. I will review any proposed child support order to ensure that it complies with Oregon law and fairly considers all relevant income.
- Alimony. Spousal support is generally not available when domestic partnerships end.
- Paternity Actions. Paternity can be established voluntarily or through paternity testing. An acknowledgement of paternity is generally sufficient. I will protect your interests, whether you seek to establish or challenge paternity.
- Division of Property. I will work with you to fashion an equitable distribution of all debts and assets, including houses, investments and bank accounts, retirement plans and business assets. Let me help you understand your options.
For experienced legal representation in matters involving domestic partnerships, contact me to set up a confidential consultation. My offices are open during regular business hours and evening and weekend appointments are available upon request. I accept credit cards for payment of fees.
Wheeler & Allen, Attorneys at Law
1467 13th Street SE
Salem, OR 97302-2513
Phone: 503-371-7800
Fax: 503-370-4541
