Practice Areas

Divorce

Family Law and Divorce Attorney

Divorce or Legal Separation may involve many different issues, such as child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support (alimony) and property division. If you are considering divorce, or if your spouse has started divorce proceedings against you, then you may be experiencing considerable stress. Decisions made at the beginning of your case may have a major impact on the final outcome as well as on the financial stress you experience while your case is pending. Having practicedlaw for over 22 years, the law office of Stephen Bedor has helped people through this process and can assist you in making decisions which will lead to a better outcome.

Seek advice on how issues are handled in the county where your case will be filed. Clackamas County (Lake Oswego, West Linn, Oregon City, Clackamas, Wilsonville, Milwaukie), Washington County (Tualatin, Beaverton, Tigard, Sherwood, Aloha, Hillsboro), Multnomah County (Portland, Southwest Portland, Gresham), and Marion County (Woodburn, Salem, Kaiser) all have different local rules and procedures which will affect your case. If you are already separated and your spouse lives in a different county then seek advice on which county will be best for your case.

Think carefully and obtain legal advice before making decisions which will affect the outcome of your case. We provide legal advice to clients just thinking about divorce or legal separation to those making tough divorce related decisions. If custody and parenting time are disputed then obtain advice before moving from the marital home, establishing a parenting pattern or taking other steps which could affect the outcome of these issues. As an experienced family law attorney, I understand the importance of being prepared, so we work diligently to ensure our clients needs and rights will be met.

Taking Charge of your Future

No matter where you are in the divorce process, it is imperative you begin preparing for your future, especially financially. As an experienced divorce attorney, I have compiled this “To-Do List”:

1. Gather and copy all of your family's financial records, including:

   • Income tax returns for the past several years, plus schedules and attachments and the most recent pay stubs for yourself and your spouse and computerized financial records.

   • Statements for checking, savings, money market, brokerage, pension, 401k, IRA and other accounts - stock records and certificates (either held jointly or by you alone), all records on any stock options or other employee benefits and all records in your safe or safety deposit box.

   • Appraisals of real estate or personal property and applications and paperwork for loans.

   • Wills, trust and life insurance documents. Open an account in your name at a bank or credit union your spouse does not use. Save as much money as possible there. You may need it, especially if your spouse tries to terminate any joint credit cards.

   • All financial and other records relating to any family owned business, including records of new orders, bids, etc. - try to copy the income and expense records for the last five years.

2. Open new checking and savings accounts in your own name. Save as much money as you can. Obtain a safety deposit box at the same bank. Protect your small valuables and family heirlooms by removing them from the family home.

3. If you don't already have credit in your name, establish it now. Apply for a department store card, gas card, VISA or MasterCard. Obtain a copy of your credit report.

4. Make a list of all your family's assets, ranging from automobiles to art and antiques. Try to note when each was acquired, the cost, and how much it would cost to replace.

5. If you receive health insurance through your spouse, see your doctor or dentist now for any exams or treatments you may need, assuming these visits are covered.

6. Don't sign new contracts with your spouse for loans or any other financial commitments without first consulting an attorney.

7. Please, most important for you, obtain legal advice. Know the consequences before you act.

Contact the law office of Stephen Bedor, so we can begin working on getting you the results you deserve. As a skilled law office, we will help relieve the stress of going through a divorce and move quickly so you can get on with your new life.