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Not every marriage ends in a divorce—and not every separation means the same thing.

This episode of Modern Family Matters explores the significant differences between annulments, divorces, and legal separations—three distinct ways marriages can be dissolved. 

Host Steve Altishin and Founding Attorney Lewis Landerholm explain that annulments are increasingly rare in modern law because they require proving specific grounds (such as fraud, bigamy, or incest), whereas no-fault divorces are available in all states without proving wrongdoing. 

While annulments theoretically erase a marriage as if it never happened, the practical and financial burden of proving grounds makes them impractical for most people. The discussion clarifies that children's legal status, custody, and support remain unaffected regardless of which dissolution method is chosen, and that legal separations maintain marital status while dividing assets—a distinction that can create complications if parties later reconcile or decide to divorce.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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One of the biggest surprises in divorce?

The law often assumes equal contribution, even when one spouse earned the paycheck and the other carried the invisible labor.

This episode of Modern Family Matters explores the critical distinctions between marital and separate property in divorce proceedings, with particular emphasis on how these principles apply to business assets. 

Host Steve Altishin and Founding Attorney Lewis Landerholm explain that Oregon courts have jurisdiction over all property, but the presumption of equal (50-50) contribution applies specifically to marital assets—property that came into existence during the marriage, regardless of whose name appears on the title. 

The discussion emphasizes that while courts can divide any property, the burden of proof shifts dramatically depending on whether an asset is presumed marital or separate. When businesses are involved, complexity multiplies exponentially due to valuation challenges, emotional attachments, overlapping areas of law (trademark, copyright, regulatory compliance), and potential post-divorce complications. 

Let’s talk about separate vs. marital property, where this presumption comes from, and how it protects both spouses.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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Just like baseball, divorce has curveballs, foul balls, and unexpected plays. We sit down with Founding Attorney, Lewis Landerholm, to discuss the parallels between baseball and divorce, centering on the importance of keeping your eyes on the ball throughout the divorce process. They explore how setting clear priorities and goals from the outset helps clients navigate the often lengthy and emotionally taxing divorce journey. The conversation covers common pitfalls such as emotional fatigue, the temptation to fight over assets like the family home, and the risks of losing focus during discovery and negotiation. Louis emphasizes the attorney's coaching role in helping clients stay grounded and make decisions aligned with their long-term best interests, rather than reacting emotionally in the moment.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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⚾️ “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.” — Yogi Berra

In baseball, you don’t know the game is done until the last out is made. And in divorce? The same is often true.

In this interview with Founding Attorney, Lewis Landerholm, we break down why divorce isn’t always “over” when you think it is, what typically happens next, and how to avoid surprises during the final stretch.

Lewis and Steve discuss the various stages of divorce proceedings, from reaching agreements to judge rulings, and explain why the process continues well after a judgment is signed. The conversation covers the complexities of drafting final judgments, post-divorce obligations, and the potential need for enforcement or modification actions. They also highlight the importance of having ongoing support for clients navigating the numerous administrative and practical tasks that follow a divorce decree. 

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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Join us as we sit down with Enrolled Agent, and Founder of Golden Lion Tax Solutions, Morgan Q. Anderson, to discuss the immense financial benefits of taking the time to understand the relationship between taxes and family law matters.

The conversation covers joint tax liability, innocent spouse claims, strategic asset liquidation, capital gains considerations, and the importance of assembling a team of trusted professionals (attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors) to navigate these complex situations. The overarching theme is that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" when it comes to managing tax consequences during divorce proceedings.

As a leading divorce firm in Portland, our attorneys provide guidance on custody, alimony, separation, estate planning, and more. Learn what to expect in Oregon and Washington divorce cases and how we can help.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about Morgan and how she can help you with your tax questions, you can visit her website at: https://www.goldenliontaxsolutions.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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Join us as we sit down with Marriage & Family Therapist, Laurel van der Toorn, to discuss what you can do when a pending or active divorce starts to drudge up suppressed trauma for the high achiever. 

Laurel explains how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy works to help people process traumatic memories and heal attachment wounds. The conversation explores why high achievers often struggle during divorce, how childhood attachment styles affect adult relationships, and the importance of addressing trauma early. Laurel provides insights into the window of tolerance, the grieving process, and how effective trauma therapy can create permanent, positive change. 

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about how Laurel can help you, you can view her website at: https://www.laureltherapy.net/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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Join us as we sit down with Psychologist, Dr. Jack Stoltzfus, to talk about launching your child into adult life, ranging from whose responsibility it is, to the characteristics of a successfully launched child.

Dr. Stoltzfus shares his expertise on navigating the delicate balance between supporting adult children and encouraging their self-sufficiency, while maintaining caring connections. The conversation covers the growing issue of estrangement between parents and young adults, the impact of divorce on launching, and practical strategies for parents to help their children achieve the four developmental goals: identity, independence, intimacy, and intention. Dr.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about how Jack and how he can help you, check out his website at: https://parentslettinggo.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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In this episode, Steve Altishin speaks with Speaker and Author of Financial Epiphany, Scott Yamamura, about making personal finance accessible and actionable through simple principles. 

Scott introduces the concept of "the power of 16," explaining how money can multiply over a 40-year career when invested early. He breaks down complex financial concepts like compound interest into relatable terms, comparing financial ability to athletic ability that diminishes over time. 

The conversation covers practical strategies for retirement savings, college planning, debt management, and aligning financial goals with life purpose.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about how Scott can help you, you can view his website at: https://financialepiphany.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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In this insightful conversation, Steve Titian from Pacific Cascade Legal speaks with Dr. Bruce Chalmer, a couples therapist with over 30 years of experience, about the complex dynamics of betrayal, forgiveness, and rebuilding trust in relationships.

 Dr. Chalmer explains that betrayal uniquely hurts because it not only involves
someone breaking our trust, but also causes us to doubt our own judgment and sanity. He introduces a three-step forgiveness process—forgiving yourself, forgiving the person who hurt you, and "forgiving God" (accepting
reality as it is)—emphasizing that forgiveness is an "inside job" that doesn't necessarily mean restoring the relationship. 

The discussion covers how couples can heal from infidelity, the importance of faith (not necessarily religious) in accepting reality, and how both the betrayed and the betrayer must work through trust issues to move forward, whether together or apart.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about Bruce can help you, you can view his website at: https://brucechalmer.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.

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Join us as we sit down with Psychologist and Author, Gloria Vanderhorst, to discuss how our early histories can jump into the present without our awareness and undermine our interactions with our children and co-parenting abilities.

Gloria, who has practiced for 50 years, explains how the brain stores every experience—both accessible and hidden—and how these memories can suddenly emerge to affect our present-day interactions. The conversation explores gender differences in emotional expression, the impact of technology on children's communication skills, and practical strategies for divorced parents navigating co-parenting challenges. Gloria also introduces her journal book, "Read, Reflect, Respond," designed to help adults access deeper emotional insights through visual and written expression.

If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys, please call our office at (503) 227-0200, or visit our website at https://www.pacificcascadelegal.com.

To learn more about Gloria can help you, you can view her website at: https://drvanderhorst.com/

Disclaimer: Nothing in this communication is intended to provide legal advice nor does it constitute a client-attorney relationship, therefore you should not interpret the contents as such.