Our interest in law and legal services began while in High School where most of the classes seemed boring, and mundane, however, there were a few other classes, and teachers that piqued our interest.

A few of the classes that fueled our desire to want to learn more were Business Law, History and the Constitution and Bill of Rights, Speech and Legal Debate, Language Arts of the Law

During high school we were a by-product of divorce as our parents separated, and subsequently divorced, and our life changed suddenly while trying to understand each parents experience with the process of dissolution.

Later in life we were a party to our own divorce, custody, support, and parenting. Experiencing support arrearages, and a spouse denying visits, prompted us to take the advice of two local judges we knew from officiating high school athletics.

Their advice was very direct, and simplified where both judges, as friends, explained that 'divorce' is a 'Civil' matter, and not criminal, and that a person can represent themselves with fair and reasonable due process without hiring an Attorney.
 
Secondly, they suggested we visit the local County law library and start reading the Oregon Revised Statutes of Dissolution, the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure, and the Local Court Rules. Then I was tasked with reading court cases, and attending actual divorce proceedings at the court house to gain an understanding of the process of Petitioner vs. Respondent.

Because we needed to attempt to modify a divorce decree that at the time was under three (3) jurisdictions-counties with custody, support, and the original decree were all seated in different Courts. 

We were facing against all odds to have to earn the favor of three Courts to sign Orders of Modification. First came the endorsement of a Marion County judge, then a Jackson County judge, and finally a Deschutes County judge appearing in chambers (pre-911) and along side the opposing party's Counsel.

Amazingly, we succeeded and were able to move the matter to a Settlement Court which was placed on the record, and the original decree was modified, support lowered, and visitation restored. 

Our costs were $0, other than time, energy, and effort to proceed with each filing, document, affidavit, and petition. The cost of the opposing party's attorneys fees, of which they attempted to demand we pay, was $12,000 dollars. The Settlement Court ruled in our favor thus denying us responsible for any attorney fees because we showed we made 3 offers to settle the matter the previous 18-months during the impasse.

My two judge friends were elated for our success, and suggested if we couldn't afford to go to law school, that we at least look into becoming a Paralegal. 

We helped a few friends in the next couple of years, and went on to another career, but returned to the desire to want to help people who haven't the resources to 'lawyer up,' and who don't have an understanding of being peppered with papers from a divorce attorney, or how to make the first move to want a divorce.

While every divorce seems to end the same, there is always a difference in how a divorce begins, proceeds, and changes in time with respect to incomes of the parties, assets, parenting, and of course children aging over time, and the needs, best interests, and care ever changing in all aspects of a divorced family.

From our high school days, and having a few classmates who became successful attorneys, prosecutors, and public defenders, and to being friends with a few judges, we have traveled full circle, and enjoy the opportunity to mentor, guide, inform, and advocate for you in divorce, and in other civil matters, too.

The main thing we learned in civil matters is to present, and argue or defend 'Fact' and 'Law.' And, prepare for the worst, and expect the unexpected, and keep your matter private, and try not to share it publicly. Divorce IS a lawsuit, and what you say and do, can or will be used for, or against you.

In closing about us, we always suggest you consult an Attorney at some point during the process, whether you contract our services, or another Paralegal.

We hope we can help you find peace of mind, and feel more confident about the process, and potential outcomes. Please email us if you would like to know more. Thank you. 399divorceinoregon@gmail.com

Office Hours:
via Email and by appointment