Family Law Practice Areas

 The end of a relationship is often emotionally draining and stressful, especially when there are children involved. Whether you are contemplating divorce, or you have been served with a divorce petition, there may be several issues that you must resolve, including child custody, visitation, spousal support, and asset division. The Russell Law Group, LLC is experienced in all aspects of divorce. Since the best outcomes are often obtained through negotiation, we are dedicated to getting the information you need to achieve a favorable outcome. When a compromised resolution cannot be reached, our vast litigation experience enables us to vigorously advocate on your behalf so that your rights are protected while obtaining the results you deserve.

In Oregon, spouses who want to separate, but not end their marriage have the option of filing a petition for legal separation. A legal separation is very similar to a divorce and often involves litigating the same issues, but at the end of the day, the parties are still married.  Some may choose legal separation for religious reasons, health care coverage, or to have the time to work out problems in the marriage. Whatever the reason may be, the Russell Law Group, LLC can help you navigate the process for obtaining a legal separation and advise you of the affects it may have on a later divorce. 

Many people are unaware that even if you are unmarried, property that is acquired during a relationship, under certain circumstances, can still be divided up as part of a court proceeding.  For example, if you made payments towards a mortgage, but the property is not titled in your name, you may have a claim to some or all of the equity that has accrued in that property. If you have found yourself ending a long term relationship where you have contributed either financially or non-financially to certain assets, contact the Russell Law Group, LLC to discuss your rights in the dissolution of a domestic partnership.

 If you have a child with another and are unmarried, the issues of custody, visitation, child support, and even paternity may arise at some point in time. Child custody and visitation may be among the most contentious and frustrating issues you ever have to go through.   To allow focus on the best interest of children and minimize the possible need for future litigation, negotiation and mediation are the preferred methods of resolving custodial arrangements in Oregon courts. However, when negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties must litigate their custody issues before the Court.  Attorney Kendra D. Russell,is highly experienced in the process of negotiating and mediating custodial arrangements, and is also highly skilled at advocating for your rights should the need for litigation arise.

 Looking for a lawyer for a grandparents’ rights case in Eastern Oregon? Many grandparents have taken on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren, a trend that has increased in recent years. Statistics show that in the past decade, the number of children living with their grandparents has risen as much as 50%.  Grandparents can take legal action to gain legal custody of children that they have been caring for, either temporary or permanent. At Russell Law Group, LLC, we will review the facts in your situation to determine how to move forward. Each case is unique and individual, and must be addressed with great caution. Generally, the best interest of the child is what is focused upon. Protecting parental rights is also extremely important. 

 Need an enforcement attorney in Eastern Oregon? State law allows for legal enforcement, we call "contempt," when a former spouse or relationship partner fails to follow through with terms of a court order. Often times, this involves a failure to pay money, whether that be an equalizing judgment, spousal support, or child support.  Attorney, Kendra D. Russell, frequently assists those who run into this problem.  If you are faced with an ex-spouse or ex-partner who refuses to abide by a court order, the Russell Law Group, LLC can help you request and obtain the legal remedies available in these situations.

 We understand that every marriage is meant to last forever. The reality, however, is that a legal structure already exists to adjudicate the division of your assets in the high proportion of marriages that do not last forever. A well crafted prenuptial agreement allows you, in large part, to set those terms yourself, according to a structure that is fair, equitable and agreeable to both parties.

Much like the marriage itself, a prenup is a contract between two people that spells out clearly defined rights and responsibilities. Attorney Kendra D. Russell, is experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and dedicated to making sure you are able to enter into an agreement that provides you and your family with financial stability and peace of mind.

 At Russell Law Group, LLC, attorney Kendra D. Russell is a proud advocate against domestic violence and is prepared to counsel individuals on either side of the abuse issue to ensure their rights are upheld in the court of law. Whether you are considering filing a petition for a protective order or have recently been served with a protective order, Kendra is here to help.  Kendra's experience in handling domestic violence cases allows her to confidently take on any case that involves abuse, creating solutions for those who are scared, threatened, or hurt by the actions of another.

In Oregon there are certain court orders that can be modified at a later date.  The most common are spousal support, child support, custody, and visitation. If circumstances have changed, it is important to have these orders officially modified by the court, as a failure to do so could lead to legal trouble, including contempt. If you are in a position where it is necessary to change the terms of a court order, contact attorney Kendra D. Russell.  Modifications are very common in family law proceedings and with the help of Kendra