Skilled Lawyer For Property Division In Oregon Divorces
Dividing property during divorce can be one of the most stressful parts of ending a marriage. Oregon law addresses this process through equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair result rather than an automatic 50/50 split.
At Morris Family Law, our property division attorneys help our Portland clients address complex financial issues during divorce. Our team focuses on effective legal solutions to highly emotional issues and is experienced in the nuances and demands of high-conflict litigation.
When Separate Property Becomes Marital Property
Property acquired during the marriage is generally considered marital property, while assets obtained before marriage or through inheritance or gifts may be treated as separate property. However, separate property can sometimes become marital property through “commingling.” This happens when separate assets are mixed with marital finances in ways that make them difficult to distinguish. Common examples of commingling include:
- Depositing premarital funds into a joint account
- Using marital income to improve a property owned before the marriage
- Managing separate investments together during the marriage
When assets become intertwined, Oregon courts examine how the property was used during the marriage to determine how it should be divided.
What Factors Do Oregon Courts Consider In Property Division?
Courts in Oregon evaluate several factors when dividing marital assets in a divorce. Important factors may include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage, including homemaking
- Tax consequences related to the division of assets
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- The health, age and economic circumstances of each spouse
- Child custody arrangements
These factors allow Oregon courts to consider both financial contributions and nonfinancial roles within the marriage.
What Types Of Assets Are Divided In Divorce?
Property division often involves a wide range of assets accumulated during the marriage. Identifying and valuing these assets is a critical step in the divorce process.
Common examples of marital property include:
- The marital home and other real estate
- Retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, pensions and IRAs
- Businesses or professional practices
- Investments, including stocks, bonds and brokerage accounts
- Vehicles, jewelry, artwork and other valuables
- Bank accounts and savings
Understanding how these assets may be evaluated under Oregon law is an important step when preparing for divorce.
Speak With A Portland Property Division Attorney Today
Contact Morris Family Law today by phone at 503-278-8764 or through the online contact form to speak with a skilled property division lawyer. We are committed to giving our clients exceptional legal support in every family law matter.