If You’re Facing Divorce, Hire a Strong and Caring Advocate
We offer initial consultations at a reasonable cost to help prospective clients understand Oregon’s divorce process, review available legal strategies, and determine whether we’re the right fit for your case.
Our team at Romano Law have handled hundreds of Oregon divorce and family law cases over two decades. Highlights of our professional commitments and experience include:
Member, Oregon State Bar Family Law Section
Member, American Bar Association Family Law Section
Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Frequent attendee of Oregon State Bar and Multnomah County Bar Association family law lectures
More than 250 combined jury and bench trials
Over 10,000 hours in Oregon courtrooms
To schedule a confidential consultation, call 503-208-5529 or send us a message. We’re here to help.
Understanding Divorce in Portland
Divorces filed in Portland are usually heard in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, which means neither party needs to prove misconduct. The court will dissolve the marriage upon finding that irreconcilable differences have caused a permanent breakdown of the relationship.
Common Issues the Court Must Decide
Custody and parenting time
Child support and health insurance coverage
Spousal support (temporary, transitional, compensatory, or maintenance)
Division of marital property, retirement accounts, and debts
Responsibility for attorney fees and court costs
The Portland Divorce Process
Filing the Petition
One spouse, called the petitioner, files a petition for dissolution of marriage in Multnomah County. This begins the case and outlines requests for custody, support, property division, and other relief.
Response
The other spouse, called the respondent, has thirty days to file a written response and may include counter-claims. If no response is filed, the petitioner can request a default judgment.
Temporary Orders
While the case is pending, the court may issue temporary orders regarding custody, parenting time, financial support, or use of the marital home. In emergency situations, parties may request immediate temporary custody.
Discovery
Each side exchanges financial information, including tax returns, income statements, bank records, and retirement account data. This process ensures transparency and fairness before negotiation or trial.
Mediation and Settlement
Multnomah County strongly encourages settlement through mediation or a settlement conference before trial. If the parties reach an agreement, the court enters a Stipulated General Judgment of Dissolution.
Trial and Judgment
If settlement fails, a judge hears testimony, reviews evidence, and issues a General Judgment that dissolves the marriage and determines all rights and obligations.
Post-Judgment Matters
After a divorce is finalized, additional issues may arise, such as enforcement, contempt, or modification of custody, parenting time, or support. Our firm assists clients with post-judgment motions and compliance.
Key Considerations for Portland Families
Custody and Parenting Time
Judges base custody decisions on the best interests of the child. Parents are encouraged to create detailed parenting plans addressing school schedules, holidays, and communication.
Child Support
The court calculates support using Oregon’s official Child Support Guidelines. Adjustments may be made for parenting time, health insurance, or unique financial circumstances.
Spousal Support
Depending on the situation, spousal support can be transitional to help a spouse become self-sufficient, compensatory to recognize major contributions, or maintenance to balance long-term income differences.
Property and Debt Division
Oregon uses equitable distribution, not automatic 50/50 division. The court considers contributions of both spouses, financial and non-financial, when dividing homes, businesses, investments, and debts.
Why Portland Clients Choose Romano Law
Deep familiarity with Multnomah County family law judges and mediators
Decades of local courtroom experience in Portland and surrounding courts
Personalized strategy tailored to your family’s needs
Compassionate representation that balances advocacy with practical solutions
Our mission is to protect your children, your assets, and your peace of mind while guiding you toward a stable future.
About Managing Attorney Michael G. Romano
Michael Romano earned his Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Southern Oregon University. He began his legal career as a prosecutor before founding Romano Law in 2006.
He has personally tried hundreds of jury and bench trials, conducted numerous depositions, and spent thousands of hours in Oregon courtrooms. Mr. Romano exceeds continuing education requirements each year and is active in both state and national family law organizations.
Contact a Portland Divorce Lawyer
If you live in or near Portland and are considering divorce, call 503-208-5529 or send us a message to schedule a confidential consultation. Romano Law serves clients across the Portland metro area from our office at:
Romano Law, P.C.
13765 NW Cornell Rd, Suite 250
Portland, OR 97229