The following links are designed to help answer some of your questions about marriage, adoption, divorce, child custody, and other family law topics. The information provided here is not intended to cover every situation. The resources listed below contain general legal information that should not be used as a substitute for specific legal advice. Please remember that the law is always changing through actions of the courts and the Legislature.
Oregon Judicial Department Family Law Website
http://courts.oregon.gov/sites/OJD/OSCA/cpsd/courtimprovement/familylaw/index.page
Forms and help with form preparation
Forms: Optional Statewide Family Law Forms
Brochure: How to Prepare for Your Divorce, Legal Separation, Custody or Support Trial
Website: OregonFormsHelp.org (for help with an uncontested divorce)
The Oregon Department of Human Resources runs this free Oregon child support program. Cases are taken by the Department of Justices Support Enforcement Division and local district attorneys. The service establishes support orders for children on the Oregon Health Plan, public assistance grants, or in-state custody or foster care. Recorded information.
Portland: (503) 229-5729
Salem and elsewhere in Oregon: (503) 373-7300
(Collect calls are accepted.)
Statewide Child Support Helpline
This service provides legal advice and assistance to low-income parents who have problems with child support cases handled through the Support Enforcement Division, a District Attorneys Office, or the Child Support Accounting Unit. Office hours vary.
(800) 383-1222
Services for Children and Families
This state office conducts child abuse and neglect investigations, as well as day care center licensing and investigation. Family counseling sessions and parenting classes are also available. Includes Spanish recordings.
Portland: (503) 731-3100
Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Portland: (503) 365-9644
Elsewhere in Oregon: (800) 622-3782
Problem Solvers
Oregon lawyers volunteer as Problem Solvers to offer free legal information and advice to children. Any young person between the ages of 11 and 17 can call to request a referral to this program. Referrals include a thirty minute office visit with a volunteer lawyer. This service is not available in all areas.
Portland: (503) 684-3763
Elsewhere in Oregon: (800) 452-7636
Information on Mediation
A mediator is a neutral facilitator trained to help people resolve their own disputes. Mediation can eliminate the need to file a lawsuit or go to court. It is often the best way to resolve disputes between people who have an ongoing relationship, such as parents, neighbors and business partners. The Oregon State Bars Lawyer Referral Service has information on mediation programs and professional mediators throughout Oregon.
Portland: (503) 684-3763
Elsewhere in Oregon: (800) 452-7636
Internet Resources
http://www.osbar.org/resources/eresources.html
Oregon Law Help
Information for low-income Oregonians
http://www.oregonlawhelp.com