When I have family members come to me – grandparents, aunts, stepparents – there is a big concern of continuing the relationship with the family member. The relationship with the family member is typically strained at the time that one of these third parties is trying to seek legal help to be able to see children, but when you file a lawsuit against a family member, the strained relationship is going to get even worse and potentially irrevocably severed. I always try to be very careful about making decisions to sue family members, and try to figure out if that is the only last resort, if it’s necessary, and if there are other ways to resolve the issues. I counsel the family members to make a careful decision about something that can potentially affect their family relationship for many, many years to come – if not permanently.
Laura Schantz, a Beaverton divorce and family lawyer and mediator has helped clients find creative solutions to complex financial matters involving asset division, spousal support, and child support. To learn more about Laura Schantz and her firm, visit www.oregondivorceattorney.com.
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