A divorce can be extremely difficult and may consist of several legal complexities. It may be a challenging time for you emotionally, as well as financially. If you are looking for a reputable spousal support attorney in Portland, OR who you can trust, you can count on our team of attorneys at Levine Law Center. Our lawyers have years of combined experience in helping families regarding legal alimony matters and spousal support modifications.
Our Portland spousal support attorneys will go above and beyond to make certain that everything in our power is done to ensure the best possible outcome for your spousal support case. Take a look at our client reviews and see how we have helped people like you receive the legal support and representation that they need during difficult times. Let us help you while you are going through the difficult process of divorce.
Have questions about spousal support in Oregon? Our Portland spousal support attorneys have answers. Contact us online or call us at (503) 208-3459 today.
The length of the marriage, financial situation, and future earning potential all influence spousal support in Portland. Oregon legislation distinguishes three primary forms of spousal support:
Transitional spousal support funds a lower-earning spouse’s education or work training, helping them become financially independent. When one partner puts their job on hold to help the marriage or raise children, this kind of support is often given. Courts weigh things like:
Usually lasting only a limited term, transitional support is designed to enable the beneficiary to acquire the skills required to enter or re-enter the workforce effectively.
Compensatory spousal support honors one partner’s significant contributions to the earning capacity or career path of the other. This is frequently given in situations where a partner helped run a business, financially supported their partner’s schooling, or gave up job prospects for the sake of the marriage. Factors to consider are:
Because of the great sacrifices entailed, compensatory support may involve bigger sums or longer payment terms than transitional support.
Maintenance spousal support provides ongoing financial assistance when spouses have a substantial disparity in income and earning capacity. This support is typically awarded in long-term marriages where one spouse has been financially dependent. Courts assess:
Maintenance support may be awarded for an extended period or indefinitely in cases where the recipient spouse cannot achieve financial independence due to age, disability, or other factors.
While state law does provide some guidance for support arrangements, Oregon courts look at the specifics of each case to come to an appropriate and just support arrangement. According to the Oregon Department of Justice, spousal support terms must be under statutory guidelines that consider each spouse’s particular needs.
Spousal support or alimony is money paid by the supporting spouse to the supported spouse for their future benefit. Oregon laws control the requirements of spousal support in the state as well as the consequences for disobeying such orders.
Although spousal support is not awarded in every case, it will be granted if one spouse demonstrates financial need and the other spouse can pay for this support.
Anthony Stuart joined the Levine Law Center team in 2019 and is admitted to practice law in Oregon and Florida (presently inactive). He started his legal career in Florida and first started practicing family law alongside a complex business and family immigration law practice. After moving to Oregon in 2015, Anthony established a new law practice dedicated to working with small to medium-sized enterprises on regulatory matters, governmental affairs, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
In Oregon, a judge will consider a variety of factors when making a spousal support determination. These factors may include but are not limited to the following:
The court will also consider any other factors it deems relevant. In Oregon, the courts may also consider marital fault, such as infidelity or abuse, when awarding spousal support.
To determine the duration of spousal support you must look at each couple’s unique set of circumstances and the facts of their case. Spousal support in Oregon is based on equitable principles, meaning the court will decide an appropriate amount and duration based on what is equitable and fair. Sometimes, these payments will last for half the duration of the marriage, however; this is not true for every case.
At Levine Law Center LLC, we believe that every client deserves personalized attention and exceptional legal representation. With a team-oriented approach, extensive experience, and flexible payment options, we are committed to addressing your unique legal needs. Whether it’s protecting your business, family, or future, we’re here to deliver results that matter to you and your loved ones.
An experienced Portland family lawyer will protect your rights, fight for fair support terms, and help you navigate complex legal procedures. Spousal support is frequently part of a complicated, larger financial picture with extensive legal ramifications that will only be fully represented through legal advocacy. An attorney can help to ensure that all pertinent financial variables, such as income, employment potential, and living expenses, are accurately considered.
Here is how our attorneys at Levine Law Center can assist:
Having a skilled legal advocate on your side can be the difference in your case, ensuring the outcome is fair and just.
There is no automatic right to spousal support; courts evaluate several factors to determine whether spousal support will be awarded and, if so, in what amounts. This process is designed to ensure that economic reality is reflected in the financial assistance granted to one spouse by the other. Oregon courts consider multiple aspects, such as the standard of living established during the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, and earning capacity. Contributions to the marriage, whether financial or non-financial, are also evaluated, including caregiving responsibilities and homemaking roles. These factors help courts determine whether support is necessary and what type of support is appropriate.
Some factors will be financial; however, the court also evaluates the parties’ health and age, as those things affect one’s earning potential and financial independence. Considerations such as the tax consequences of spousal support payments factor into decision-making, ensuring the support arrangement is not a financial burden on one of the parties. The court assesses these factors to make the fairest and best decision for both parties involved.
When the Court sets spousal support or alimony to a specific amount, it does not mean it is fixed or unchangeable. Courts are aware that financial situations can change over time, and either person may need a modification to be equitable. If the supporting spouse is terminated, substantially demoted, or suffers a disability that impacts their ability to provide support, then in all likelihood, the issue will end up in court, and the order may be amended. Similarly, if the recipient spouse remarries, finds stable employment, or improves financially, the amount of support can also be lowered or canceled.
The Oregon Department of Justice hosts a full guide detailing requesting changes, including forms required and progress steps. The burden of evidence to prove changed circumstances in the latter is substantial, so having an attorney can help you know what is necessary for the process to be as efficient and smooth as possible. An attorney can assist you with that process and ensure that your petition is appropriately filed, giving you a better chance to have the amendment approved.
If your ex-spouse refuses to pay the spousal support ordered by the court, take legal action to ensure compliance. Failing to pay court-ordered spousal support can cause financial hardship to the recipient; therefore, prompt action is necessary. There are various enforcement options available under Oregon law. These enforcement methods are in place to hold the entity that failed to comply responsibly and ensure that those entitled to financial assistance receive it.
They may have to file a motion to enforce it with the court or contact a family law attorney for help in enforcing the order. Wage garnishment allows for automatic deductions from the paying spouse’s paycheck, while property liens can prevent the sale or transfer of valuable assets until overdue payments are made.
With proper preparation, you can strengthen your case, increasing the chances of a good outcome. The hearings for spousal support require lots of paperwork and a compelling showing of financial need. Composing a compelling case relies on collating all relevant financial records — income statements, tax returns, bank accounts, etc. Accurate recording of daily living, medical, rental, and other expenses helps show the need for financial support. Furthermore, carefully arranging and presenting this material will enable the court to evaluate your circumstances properly.
We combine legal knowledge with a client-oriented approach to produce the best results at Levine Law Center. Choosing our company helps you to gain from the following:
We always approach its legal strategy with your financial interests and unique background in mind. This means our team digs into and analyzes your context so we can negotiate split settlements, show up in court, and play advisory roles that ensure you finally receive the proper support packages you deserve.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we represent you in litigating your case and asserting your worker’s compensation rights in court.
At every stage of your case, we ensure you understand what is happening, which we do through direct legal advice and approach.
At Levine Law Center LLC, we understand that navigating Oregon spousal support matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our dedicated team of alimony attorneys in Portland specializes in advocating for our clients’ rights and ensuring fair outcomes in spousal support cases. With our compassionate approach and extensive legal experience, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us online or call us at (503) 208-3459 today to speak with spousal support lawyer near you.
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Due to unexpected changes, such as losing a job or an increase or decrease in income, spousal support can be modified. As the supporting spouse may not be able to afford the original spousal support payments, it would be appropriate to change the spousal award amount.
Spousal support orders can be modified by showing the court that a substantial change in economic circumstances occurred. If either party’s earning capacity has changed since the divorce was finalized, this factor could warrant a change in the amount or duration of spousal support payments.
Unlike other states in the U.S., spousal support does not automatically terminate in Oregon when the other spouse gets remarried. Instead, the courts will consider whether the supported spouse’s new marriage has improved their financial situation and if a modification is appropriate.
Oregon courts will consider terminating spousal support when either party has experienced a substantial change in financial circumstances. If a supported spouse has not made reasonable efforts to become self-sufficient, the supporting spouse could ask the judge to terminate the spousal support order.
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In Oregon, spousal support will be granted if one spouse demonstrates financial need and the other spouse has the ability to pay for this support. It is not awarded in every case, and the decision is based on the specific circumstances and financial situations of the spouses involved.
Yes, spousal support orders in Oregon can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in either spouse’s financial situation. It is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced Portland spousal support lawyer to understand the process and requirements for modifying spousal support orders in Oregon.
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