Divorce Lawyers in Oregon
Our legal system is complicated, so most lawyers specialize in different types of law. If you're looking for a lawyer to help you get a divorce, look for a "family law lawyer" or a "divorce lawyer" to handle your case.
This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions about divorce lawyers in Oregon. For more help hiring a lawyer, check out the Guide to Hiring a Lawyer in Oregon.
Do you need a lawyer to get a divorce?
Not always. If you have a simple divorce, you can start your divorce using Oregon's free court forms. You can also get basic help for free from a family law facilitator at your local court.
However, you should talk to a lawyer if:
- You're afraid of your spouse.
- You or your spouse have retirement accounts, own a home, are in a lot of debt, or have a lot of titled property (cars, boats, trailers, etc.).
- Your spouse lives in another state.
- You're involved in other legal matters (like bankruptcy, child welfare, or a guardianship case).
- You need to file for divorce immediately but don't meet the residency requirements for starting a divorce in Oregon.
If you're afraid of your spouse, visit this page for information on leaving an unsafe or unhealthy relationship.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
Predicting the total amount you'll spend on a divorce lawyer is difficult. It depends on the level of conflict between you and your spouse and the complexity of your case.
Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour. According to a recent Oregon report, the average hourly rate for a divorce lawyer is $300. You can easily spend $30,000 or more if you hire a lawyer to represent you in a contested court divorce.
Do divorce lawyers take payments?
Yes, most divorce lawyers take payments. Your lawyer may expect you to make these payments during your case:
- Retainer payment. Most divorce lawyers will ask you to pay a retainer before they start working on your case. Retainer payments can vary from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the lawyer, the complexity of your case, and the work they've agreed to do for you.
- Monthly payments. Many lawyers will also expect you to make monthly payments to keep up with the work they're doing in your case. The monthly payment will vary from lawyer to lawyer.
- Replenishment payments. If your lawyer is doing a lot of work for you, and they've used up your retainer, or your monthly payments aren't keeping up with their work, they may ask you for more money. This is often called a "replenishment" payment.
- Post-divorce payments. If you still owe money after your case is done, your lawyer will likely expect you to make payments until you pay off your bill.
If you can't keep paying your lawyer, your lawyer may stop representing you. If that happens, they have to warn you before they stop. They can't leave you in a bad situation.
Are there any free or low-cost divorce lawyers in Oregon?
Yes, some lawyers or law firms in Oregon offer free or reduced fees to low-income people. Unfortunately, there aren't many, and most of these lawyers or firms are very busy. You can use the Oregon Law Help legal directory to see if there are options for free or reduced-cost family law lawyers in your area.
What if I can't afford a divorce lawyer?
If you can't afford to hire a lawyer, here are some other options:
- Use Oregon's free court forms to represent yourself
- Get help with your forms from a family law facilitator
- Consider mediation or having an informal trial to resolve your case
Ready to hire a lawyer?
If you're ready to hire a lawyer, click the buttons below for help finding a good lawyer and tips for saving money during your case.
If you're ready to hire a lawyer, our Guide to Hiring a Lawyer in Oregon provides step-by-step guidance on finding and choosing the right lawyer for your case.
Many people hire a lawyer at the beginning of their case but run out of money halfway through it when they need a lawyer the most. But, if you follow a few tips for saving money on a lawyer, you can prevent this from happening to you.
- Getting a divorce in Oregon can be simple or complicated, depending on your situation.
- You might not need a lawyer if your divorce is straightforward. But it's good to talk to one if things are more complex, like if you have a lot of property or are worried about your safety.
- Divorce lawyers can be expensive, but there are ways to manage the costs or find help if you can't afford one.
- Remember to look around and talk to different lawyers to find the best one for you. Understanding how lawyers charge can help you save money in the long run.
- If you can't afford a lawyer, use Oregon's free court forms and your local court's family law facilitator services. You can also use the Legal Directory on this site to see if there are any free or low-cost family law lawyers or law firms in your area.