Divorce Lawyer in Portland, OR — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Portland, Oregon can significantly impact your financial security, parenting arrangements, and emotional well-being. Whether you're dealing with contested custody, complex assets, or a simple uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Portland — including local court procedures, residency requirements, attorney costs, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Portland?

You may need a Portland divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, parenting time, or legal decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or an uncooperative spouse

• Real estate, retirement funds, vested stock, or investments

• Business ownership or self-employment income

• Disputes over spousal support

• Domestic violence or need for a restraining order

• Suspected hidden assets or cash income

• A case likely to involve mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules & custody

• Child support & spousal support

• Property & debt division

• Retirement & pension distribution

• What happens with the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Portland divorce documents at a far lower cost than a traditional attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Portland, OR

Portland divorces are handled by the Multnomah County Circuit Court — Family Law Division.

Primary Filing Location

Multnomah County Courthouse
1200 SW First Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 988-3957

This court handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & spousal support

• Family abuse restraining orders

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Oregon supports mandatory e-filing through the Oregon eCourt system.

Oregon Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Portland:

• One spouse must have lived in Oregon for at least 6 months, AND

• Must currently reside in Multnomah County for filing

Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, using “irremediable breakdown of the marriage” as the standard.

How Divorce Works in Portland, OR

Here’s the typical Portland divorce process:

1. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

This begins your case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service can be completed by:

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Acceptance of service

• Certified mail (in limited cases)

3. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documents

• Bank statements

• Retirement & investment statements

• Real estate information

• Lists of assets & debts

• Tax returns

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Multnomah County may require:

• A mandatory parent education class

• Mediation for custody disputes

• A detailed parenting plan

• Custody evaluations in contested cases

5. Settlement, Mediation, or Trial

Uncontested divorces move quickly.
Contested cases often involve:

• Temporary support or custody hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Expert evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Dissolution

A judge signs the final judgment, legally ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Portland, OR?

Attorney fees in Portland tend to be higher than national averages.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $275–$450

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,000–$8,000

• Contested divorce: $12,000–$30,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $40,000–$100,000+

Custody disputes and financial evaluations significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Portland, OR

Here are respected Portland divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Goldberg Jones — Divorce for Men

https://www.goldbergjones-or.com

2. Stephens & Margolin LLP

https://www.stephensmargolin.com

3. Gearing Rackner & McGrath, LLP

https://www.grablegal.com

These firms handle contested custody, high-asset divorce, mediation, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Portland divorce is uncontested, a traditional attorney may not be necessary.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee divorce solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Oregon divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your forms with the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These services are ideal for couples seeking clarity, affordability, and simplicity.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Portland divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence is involved

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• Litigation is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Portland Couples

• Oregon-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Portland couples complete their divorce with confidence.

Start Your Portland Divorce Today

Whether you choose an attorney or an online divorce platform, the most important step is starting. Divorce.com offers a streamlined, affordable, and stress-free option for Portland families.