Family law appeals

Although my practice hasn’t always handled family law appeals, I have had significant successes since first jumping into the arena in 2002. Today I frequently handle appeals involving divorce, including child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Although this is difficult and sometimes heart wrenching work, it is also rewarding to assist those experiencing a difficult time in life.

Two notable decisions obtained as a family law appeals attorney

• In 2002, I took up on apeall the case of O’Donnell-Lamont & Lamont (260 KB), and won a reversal on June 10, 2004. In this unanimous 7-0 decision, the Oregon Supreme Court applied a recent holding of the United States Supreme Court and reversed the Oregon Court of Appeals in favor of my clients. This appeal resulted in an important victory for children throughout Oregon because the Court of Appeals’ decision establishes the legal precedent to be applied in future third-party child custody disputes, affording more protection for children. Read more…

• A few years later, I took up on appeal the case of Lillian Jane DiAmico v. Robert Ellinwood, III (1.1 MB), and won a reversal on December 13, 2006. In this 3-0 decision, the Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court (trial court), in favor of my client, Lillian, a seven-year-old child. This appeal resulted in an important victory for children throughout Oregon because the Court of Appeals’ decision preserves the statutory process intended by the Legislative Assembly to establish paternity against the types of defenses raised by Mr. Ellinwood against Lillian in the trial court. Read more…

Please call to learn more about my family law appellate practice, 503.274.4048.