Legal Question in Family Law in Oregon

What are the requirements to file for abandonment in my state?

I fled a domestic violence situation in Aug. of 2000. My husband and I stayed seperated for 3 years and I finally divorced him last year. I did the divorce myself and I couldn't find him so the judge allowed me to post the papers in the courthouse for 30 days and granted my divorce. I was granted full custody of my 2 children. My children (7 and 9yrs old)have not seen their father in 5 years, he does not pay child support and they have not spoken to him in 11 months. We have not had a stable address or phone number for him in years and he is in and out of jail. He does not contact the children by letters or phone either. Does this qualify for abandonment? Do I need an attorney to file for abandonment? Thank you.


Asked on 4/29/05, 3:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lawrence D. Gorin, Atty. Law Offices of Lawrence Gorin

Requirements to file for abandonment in Oregon.

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YOUR QUESTION #1:

Does this qualify for abandonment?

ANSWER: Yes, probably, at least from a pracical standpoint.

YOUR QUESTION #2:

Do I need an attorney to file for abandonment?

ANSWER: Yes, when filing a lawsuit, it is generally most helpful to have a lawyer handling your case. (Kinda like going to the hospital for surgery. It is generally most helpful to have a surgeon handling your case. Unless, of course, you feel confident enough to do it yourself.)

BUT....... I don't understand just what it is that you seek to gain or accomplish by filing for "abandonment." In other words, exactly and specifically just what is it that you want a judge to do for you?

LAWRENCE D. GORIN

http://www.divorcesource.com/OR/pages/ldgorin.html


Law Offices of L.D. Gorin

521 S.W. Clay St., Suite 205

Portland, Oregon 97201

Phone: 503-224-8884 (afternoons, Pacific time)

Fax: 503-226-1321

E-mail: [email protected]

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Answered on 4/29/05, 5:21 pm


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