Best Family Lawyer in Portland
Andrew Levine
Family Lawyer
Andrew Levine is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Levine Law Center. Andrew focuses his practice on high-stakes family law disputes.
Andrew takes a compassionate, no-nonsense and results-oriented approach to his cases. A big-picture thinker, Andrew views cases holistically in terms of what makes the most sense for families during difficult times, while also strongly advocating for his client’s goals. Andrew has significant court experience in the tri-county area, having litigated multi-day trials before many of the judges on a variety of issues including custody, parenting time, property division, immediate danger motions, and restraining orders.
Since 2020, Andrew has been selected for Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars, an honor bestowed on more than 2.5 percent of all attorneys in the state. He has also been selected by Expertise.com as one of the Top-20 divorce lawyers in Portland, OR, and is in Elite Lawyer’s list of best family lawyers in the state of Oregon.
Andrew graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City.
Jill E. Brittle
Family Lawyer
Jill grew up in SE Portland, Oregon, and is a third-generation native Oregonian. She attended Portland State University, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, graduating with high honors.
In 2002, she began law school at Lewis & Clark Law School. Throughout college and law school, Jill worked full time in the Portland legal community. She spent five years working at the Oregon Law Institute, where she supported Assistant Dean Elizabeth Stephens in organizing continuing legal education seminars for local professionals. This afforded Jill the opportunity to work with well-respected attorneys and judges and solidified her love of the law.
Jill spent her last year of law school clerking at the Department of Justice in the Family Law Section. She appeared in court on behalf of the State of Oregon in cases involving the termination of parental rights, child support enforcement, and mental health issues. This allowed Jill to gain a unique insight into the challenges faced by Oregon families in the family law arena.
Jill began her private practice in 2006, which has focused on helping families as they transition through a divorce, or as they modify their agreements post-divorce or post-separation. Jill’s passion is helping clients make good decisions as they reform their families, or as they make adjustments to prior agreements that support their children’s best interests. She is also passionate about protecting children and providing access to the legal system for women and minorities. Jill’s pro bono work as a court-appointed attorney for children in high conflict cases allows her to support families in yet another way.
Nathan Holtey
Family Lawyer
Nathan Holtey has been practicing law for over 15 years. Raised in Ashland, OR, Nathan attended Tufts University in Boston, MA, before coming back to Oregon and attending the University of Oregon School of Law.
Nathan enjoys the practice of law and assisting clients with achieving excellent results. He focuses his practice on family law, and has handled every type of matter from 24-hour notice Restraining Order and Emergency Custody hearings to high asset divorces involving multiple businesses, spousal support, and complex property division.
Nathan and his wife Raluca have twin boys, and he enjoys camping, reading, and spending time with his family and friends. Nathan is a pilot and enjoys flying a Cessna around the Pacific Northwest.
Credentials, Education, Professional Associations and Community Activities
- Oregon State Bar Member Since 2001
- Partner, Brindle McCaslin & Lee, P.C. 2004-2011
- Oregon Super Lawyer 2017, 2018, and 2019
- Board of Delegates for Oregon State Bar 2008-2010
- Gus J. Soloman Inns at Court 2006-2007
- Fellow with the AAML since 2018
- Practicing for over 18 years
- Presenter at the American Bar Association 2017
- Presenter at the Oregon Family Law Conference 2018
Colin Amos
Family Lawyer
“Colin has excelled in his role as Managing Attorney of the Portland office”, says Managing Partner Rick Jones. “His tireless work ethic, commitment to customer service, and infectious enthusiasm have been a major reason why Goldberg Jones is among the elite firms in the area.”
Colin also has a keen eye for talented attorneys and has succeeded in assembling a team of attorneys who can effectively handle any family law matter presented. “Colin and his staff in Portland exemplify the purpose and goals of Goldberg Jones in representing husbands and fathers.”
Colin considers himself to be highly strategic in his approach to family law. He notes “there are very few events in life as important as a Divorce or custody matter.” “I believe that experience and compassion are essential traits for an attorney. However, it is aggressive, proactive advocacy that distinguishes us in our efforts to obtain the best results possible for our clients.”
Spending time with his wife and two children consumes all of Colin’s free time. He strongly supports their academic and athletic interests, coaching competitive soccer for both children. Colin exemplifies our firm’s client-centered approach when he says “I believe there is nothing more important than having the opportunity to be involved in your children’s lives on a regular basis. This continued involvement is why I am so passionate in the practice of family law.”
Christa Melton
Family Lawyer
As an attorney in the firm’s Everett office, Christa Melton assists clients in all areas of family
law, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, and parenting plan modifications.
Christa places a high value on integrity and quality in her work, and uses her superior written
and oral advocacy skills to obtain beneficial results for her clients. But it is the human side of
serving her clients that is most meaningful to her.
“I find great joy in working closely w
As an attorney in the firm’s Everett office, Christa Melton assists clients in all areas of family
law, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, and parenting plan modifications.
Christa places a high value on integrity and quality in her work, and uses her superior written
and oral advocacy skills to obtain beneficial results for her clients. But it is the human side of
serving her clients that is most meaningful to her.
“I find great joy in working closely w
Steven Mastanduno
Family Lawyer
Steven Mastanduno focuses his legal practice on family law, estate planning, and probate (including estate administration and guardianships). He understands that every family goes through change and has its own goals, and when the legal system is involved, these changes can be challenging. Steven strives to make these life changes as smooth as possible for you and your family. His focus is on resolving disputes without the need to litigate, and he is also a capable litigator and can skillfully represent you in court.
Steven was born in Portland, Oregon, and has lived here for most of his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and History from Skidmore College in New York and went to law school at Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. In law school, Steven and Nate met and became friends, ultimately deciding to go into business together starting in 2015. Today, Steven lives with his fiancée, Alex, and he occupies his free time cooking, gardening, and thrift shopping.
Bar Admissions
Oregon, 2015
Education
J.D. – Willamette University College of Law
Honors: Certificate in dispute resolution
Pro-Bono Activities
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Willamette University Law & Government Clinic
St. Andrews Night Clinic
CLiF Project
Peter Bunch
Family Lawyer
Peter graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1993, where he was a Thomas More Scholar and an associate editor of the Gonzaga Law Review. Following graduation, Peter worked for two years as a law clerk for the Honorable Edward Warren of the Oregon Court of Appeals. He then joined the law firm of Kennedy, King, and Zimmer. While at that firm, Peter worked on many different kinds of cases, including complex environmental litigation, business disputes, attorney and medical malpractice, appeals, and family law.
In 1998, Gary Zimmer asked Peter to join him in forming a new law firm, where Peter worked with Gary in the firm known as Zimmer & Bunch, LLC. Gary and Peter developed one of the premier family law firms in Oregon.
In 2010, Peter decided to open a smaller practice, with a focus on outstanding client service in matters involving family law, including divorce, legal separation, child custody, parenting time, support, paternity, third party custody and visitation, the resolution of complex family law property divisions, high asset divorce, including business valuation and inheritance issues, interstate family law disputes, grandparent custody issues, and a wide range of other family law disputes. In addition, Peter has an active appellate practice in all areas of civil disputes.
Peter was a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers from 2006 though 2022. Peter is a member of the Multnomah Bar Association and is a frequent speaker on a wide variety of topics for continuing legal education seminars.
C. Sean Stephens
Family Lawyer
Sean Stephens is the founding shareholder of OneTec Family Law, PC. He was born in Eugene, Oregon and is a fourth generation Oregonian.
Mr. Stephens attended the University of Oregon and graduated in with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in English Literature. His psychology studies emphasized early childhood development.
Mr. Stephens attended Willamette College of Law in Salem, Oregon, and graduated in 1994. Mr. Stephens worked in private practice before founding OneTec Family Law, PC.
Mr. Stephens was a founding partner in Stephens & Margolin LLP where he practiced for 13 years through the firm’s dissolution in 2021. Always interested in how technology can assist lawyers help clients better, Mr. Stephens has long been fascinated with how technology can assist lawyers provide superior services to clients. He founded OneTec Family Law PC both to provide both exemplary services to family law clients in Oregon and bring modern tools to aid the pursuit of each client’s goals.
What You Should Know About Stepparent and Second Parent Adoptions
Stepparent and second-parent adoptions are important legal processes that help solidify the relationship between a child and a non-biological parent. Whether you are a stepparent looking to adopt your spouse’s child or a same-sex partner seeking to secure legal rights, here’s what you should know about these types of adoptions:
1. Definition of Stepparent and Second Parent Adoptions
- Stepparent Adoption: This occurs when a stepparent legally adopts the child of their spouse. It typically involves terminating the parental rights of the non-custodial biological parent, allowing the stepparent to become the child’s legal parent.
- Second Parent Adoption: Commonly used in LGBTQ+ families, this allows a non-biological parent to adopt a child without terminating the biological parent’s rights. Both parents then have equal legal status in relation to the child.
2. Legal Rights and Responsibilities
- Full Legal Parentage: Once the adoption is finalized, the adoptive parent (whether a stepparent or second parent) gains full legal rights and responsibilities for the child. This includes decision-making authority, inheritance rights, and obligations for child support in the event of a divorce.
- Security for the Child: Adoption provides the child with legal security, ensuring they have the same rights as a biological child, such as access to health insurance, Social Security benefits, and inheritance rights from the adoptive parent.
3. Consent and Termination of Parental Rights
- Biological Parent’s Consent: In stepparent adoptions, the non-custodial biological parent’s rights must typically be terminated, either voluntarily or through a court process if the parent is deemed unfit or has abandoned the child.
- In Second Parent Adoption: The adoption can proceed without terminating the other parent’s rights, meaning the child continues to have two legal parents.
4. The Adoption Process
- Home Study: Some jurisdictions require a home study, where a social worker assesses the adoptive family’s living situation and suitability. In many cases, stepparent adoptions may have simplified requirements compared to other types of adoption.
- Court Proceedings: The adoption process involves filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing. A judge will review the case to ensure the adoption is in the best interest of the child before granting the adoption decree.
5. Challenges and Considerations
- Legal Complexities: The process can vary significantly by state or country, so it’s important to understand the specific legal requirements in your jurisdiction. In some areas, second-parent adoptions may face more legal hurdles, especially in cases involving same-sex couples.
- Impact on Family Dynamics: Adoption can have a profound impact on family dynamics. It’s essential for all parties involved, including the child, to be emotionally prepared for the changes that adoption brings.
6. Benefits of Adoption
- Emotional Security: Adoption can provide a sense of belonging and stability for the child, knowing they are legally part of the family.
- Legal Protections: In cases where something happens to the biological parent, adoption ensures that the child remains with their adoptive parent without legal complications.
7. Alternatives to Adoption
- Guardianship: In some cases, guardianship might be considered as an alternative to adoption. While it provides legal responsibility for the child, it does not confer the same permanent rights as adoption.
- Parental Rights Agreements: These agreements can be used in some jurisdictions to grant certain rights to a stepparent or partner without going through the full adoption process, though they do not provide the same legal standing as adoption.
Conclusion
Stepparent and second-parent adoptions are crucial steps in legally affirming the relationship between a child and a non-biological parent. While the process can be complex, it offers significant emotional and legal benefits for the family. Consulting with a family law attorney can help navigate the specific requirements and challenges of these adoptions, ensuring a smooth and successful process.