Marriage dissolution laws vary from state to state. The state of Oregon recognizes three main ways to end a marriage: divorce, annulment, and legal separation. These three methods are outlined as follows:
Divorce is the method of ending a marriage that most people are familiar with. In Oregon, a divorce is called a “dissolution of marriage.” A dissolution of marriage is started with one spouse files a petition for dissolution. This spouse then becomes the petitioner. The other spouse becomes the respondent. In some cases, spouses file for divorce together and are called co-petitioners.
Divorce can be a bit more complicated when the divorcing spouses have children together. If there are children involved, the petitioner must also file a certificate regarding child support proceedings, support orders, and a Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) declaration. A UCCJEA declaration must list any pending custody or parenting time proceedings.
You do not need any specific reason to get a divorce. Oregon is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means the petitioner does not have to prove the respondent did something wrong in the marriage. The only reason that must be listed for the dissolution is that the marriage has problems that cannot be fixed. This is commonly known as “irreconcilable differences.”
The marriage is officially ended by divorce when a judgment of dissolution of marriage is signed by a judge. This judgment will include all of the judge’s rulings and may state:
All of these decisions can affect your life for a long time to come. This is why it’s vital for you to contact a qualified Portland family law firm as soon as possible in order to protect your rights.
An annulment is different from a divorce because while a divorce ends a legally valid marriage, an annulment states the marriage was never valid in the first place. A granted annulment will make it as if you were never married in the eyes of the law.
Annulments may only be granted in certain circumstances. It must be demonstrated that one party was incapable of entering into or consenting to the marriage. This may be because:
A judgment of legal separation does not officially end a marriage forever, but it recognizes that irreconcilable differences between the spouses have caused the temporary breakdown of the marriage. A legal separation does still have the authority to divide property and debts, establish child or spousal support, and more.
Those in a legal separation cannot marry anyone else. Therefore, if you want to officially end your marriage and marry someone else, you must proceed with divorce or annulment (if applicable).
Mediation gives Portland couples a powerful way to end a marriage without a fight. Instead of battling it out in court, both sides sit down with a neutral mediator to work through issues like child custody and property division. According to the Oregon Judicial Department, families often reach better outcomes when they choose their own solutions rather than letting a judge decide.
Here’s why mediation makes a huge difference:
At the end of the day, choosing mediation in Portland means less stress, lower costs, and more control over your future.
Collaborative divorce lets couples stay in charge without setting foot in a courtroom. In Portland, this method brings together spouses, their attorneys, and sometimes even financial and child specialists to resolve issues in a calm, respectful way.
Why go the collaborative route? A few big reasons stand out:
Wondering if it’s right for you? If you want dignity, privacy, and lower costs, collaborative divorce could be a game-changer.
Divorce ends a valid marriage, while annulment erases it as if it never happened. That’s the key difference. According to Cornell Law’s Legal Information Institute, annulments apply when a marriage wasn’t legally valid in the first place.
A few situations where annulment might apply include:
Most people in Portland are better suited for divorce rather than annulment because Oregon recognizes no-fault grounds.
Choosing the right lawyer can change everything about your divorce experience. It’s not just about paperwork—it’s about who’s standing beside you during one of life’s toughest moments.
Here’s what makes a huge difference when picking your Portland family lawyer:
Divorce is never easy, and the myriad of options available to you can make it seem overwhelming. By working with an experienced Portland attorney, you can make a decision that’s right for you and your family. Our team here at Levine Law Center is here to help you through the process.
Call Levine Law Center at (503) 208-3459 or online to schedule a free consultation.
