Prioritize Your Children
How Can I Help My Children Before The Divorce?
Try not to let your marital issues or impending divorce affect your relationship with your children or your spouse’s relationship with them. This is best for your children, and will help you when determining custody. If you are seeking custody of your children, you will need to show the Oregon divorce court that you consistently have your children’s best interests in mind and that you will facilitate your children’s relationship with their other parent. Demonstrating these two things gives you the best chance at a favorable parenting plan.
If you have minor children, whether you are the mother or father, make sure to give them your full attention before and during divorce. Your children may have many questions and fears as they observe parental conflict and separation. You can support your children by being attentive and present in their lives. Also, try not to argue with your spouse in front of your children.
Try to continue your children’s routines as much as possible, especially once you separate from your spouse. Reassure your children that both of their parents love them and will both continue in their lives. There are many resources out there, both for children and for adults, which discuss what children need to know about divorce and how you can help them through the process.
Should I Change My Parenting?
If you have not taken an active parenting role before, you may want to do so now, especially if you want the Oregon divorce court to award you substantial parenting time. Learn your children’s daily routines and develop relationships with their caregivers. This will help you during the divorce if custody is disputed and the judge needs to see your parenting abilities. It will also prepare you for your future role as a single parent.
Again, there are numerous guidebooks about single parenting and parenting styles. If you want good parenting advice, it’s out there.
Read More: Consider Whether, When and What to Tell Your Spouse
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Client testimonials
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"I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!- Christine P.
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"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.- P.O.
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"I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.- T.M.
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"We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.- P.M.
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"I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!- M.L.
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"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.- R.R.
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"You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.- M.F.
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"Thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you."Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you.- R.C.