DIVORCE: THE BASICS

What You Need to Know

Divorce is never easy, but understanding the basics can help reduce anxiety and allow you to make informed decisions. Oregon is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means you don't need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse to obtain a divorce.

In Oregon, the only ground for divorce is "irreconcilable differences" — meaning the marriage cannot be saved and there's no reasonable likelihood of reconciliation.

Key Issues in Divorce

Every divorce involves several key issues that must be resolved, either through agreement or by the court:

• Property Division: Oregon follows "equitable distribution," meaning marital property is divided fairly (though not necessarily equally).
• Spousal Support: Also called alimony, this may be awarded based on factors like length of marriage, earning capacity, and standard of living.
• Child Custody: Decisions about legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where children live).
• Child Support: Financial support for children, calculated using Oregon's child support guidelines.
• Parenting Time: The schedule for when each parent spends time with the children.

Types of Divorce

In Oregon, divorce proceedings generally fall into one of these categories:

• Uncontested Divorce: Both spouses agree on all terms. This is typically faster and less expensive.
• Contested Divorce: Spouses disagree on one or more issues, requiring court intervention.
• Collaborative Divorce: Both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving issues outside of court.
• Mediated Divorce: A neutral mediator helps spouses reach agreements.

At Crawley Law, we work with you to determine the best approach for your specific situation, always keeping your interests and the well-being of any children as our top priorities.