p:cle publicationsbooksfamily … · 2008 rev contents volume 1 1 dissolution: jurisdiction and...

FAMILY LAW

2002 Revisionwith

2008 Cumulative Supplement

The Oregon State Bar legal publications are designed to help lawyersmaintain their professional competence. Although all material in this book isreviewed carefully before publication, in dealing with specific legal matters thelawyer should research original sources of authority. Neither the Oregon StateBar nor the contributors make either express or implied warranties regardingthe use of these materials. Each lawyer must depend on his or her ownresearch, knowledge of the law, and expertise in using or modifying thesematerials.

Drafting forms is essentially rendering legal advice. No handbook canassume that responsibility. The responsibility ultimately rests with theindividual lawyer. The forms in this book are suggested only. They have beencarefully checked for conformity with the law. Still, the facts in every caseinevitably require a variation from the published form. The forms are offeredhere for the limited purposes of illustrating the text and encouraging theelimination of obsolete and superfluous language.

The case citations in this book were Shepardized through June 2008. The ORS citations were checked through 2007.All URLs cited were accurate as of June 2008.

Printing History:First edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1966Second edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1977Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980Third edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986Fourth edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994Cumulative supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997Fifth edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004Cumulative supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008NOTE: This supplement replaces the 2004 supplement and

updates the 2002 edition of Family Law.

This handbook may be cited as:1 (2 OR 3) FAMILY LAW (Oregon CLE 2002 & Supp 2008)

Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 90-63590© 2008 by the Oregon State Bar

iii

EDITOR:SCOTT SORENSEN-JOLINK, B.A., Luther College (1972); J.D., Lewis & Clark

Law School (1976); member of the Oregon State Bar since 1977; seniorpartner, Sorensen-Jolink, Trubo, Williams & Williams, Portland.

OREGON STATE BAREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Karen L. Garst

OREGON STATE BARLEGAL PUBLICATIONS STAFF

Linda L. Kruschke, Publications ManagerRosina Busse, Publications Assistant Editor

Lorraine Jacobs, Publications AttorneyDean Land, Publications Attorney

Solange Lédée, Publications Administrative and Marketing SpecialistStacey Malagamba, Publications Production Coordinator

Cheryl L. McCord, Publications AttorneyKaren L. Zinn, Legal Research Assistant

Neil Savage, Indexer

2008 Rev

CONTENTS

VOLUME 1

1 Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradley C. Lechman-Su

Zachary J. Fruchtengarten2 Marriage; Annulment; Separation

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen C. Dillon3 Temporary and Final Relief

(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Sorensen-Jolink(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara J. Aaby

4 Domestic Violence; Family Abuse Prevention Act; Stalking Protective Orders

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . Hon. Maureen H. McKnight(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sybil K. Hebb(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Selig

5 Discovery(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James W. McClurg(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy A. Cornish

6 Property Rights and Division(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Saucy

Kevin C. GageLauren Saucy

7 Custody, Parenting Time, and Visitation(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Rackner

David C. Gearing

VOLUME 2

8 Child Support(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip F. Schuster II

William R. Valent(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rose L. Hubbard

9 Spousal Support(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip F. Schuster II

William R. ValentRose L. Hubbard

Contents (continued)

2008 Rev

10 Retirement Benefits(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel M. Ricks

11 Health Insurance Issues in Divorce(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas I. Kramer(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Whitman

12 Modification(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John W. Lundeen(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liza A. Burney

13 Tax Aspects of Divorce(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David G. Gannett(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Wetzel(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael C. Wetzel

14 Formal Agreements(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua D. Kadish

15 Unmarried Couples(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia D. Cumfer(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trina J. Strom

Susan H. Williams

VOLUME 3

16 Paternity(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence D. Gorin

17 Adoption; Assisted Reproduction(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Chally

Sandra L. Hodgson18 Enforcement

(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gordon L. Dick(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert C. McCann, Jr.

Kristen L. Sager-Kottre19 Appeal

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Johnson20 Change of Name

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janay Ann Haas21 Bankruptcy and Family Law

(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Vanden BosAnn Chapman

(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Todd TrierweilerMichelle FreedEric Marshack


2008 Rev

22 Mediation (2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua D. Kadish

23 Professional Responsibility and Family Law Practice

(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William J. Howe IIIKelly M. Evans

Table of FormsTable of Statutes and RulesTable of CasesSubject Index

1-12008 Rev

ZACHARY J. FRUCHTENGARTEN, B.S., J.D., M.B.A., University of Oregon(1996, 2000); member of the Oregon State Bar since 2002; associate, GevurtzMenashe Larson & Howe P.C., Portland.BRADLEY C. LECHMAN-SU, B.S., University of Nevada, Reno (1980); M.S.P.H.,J.D., University of Missouri, Columbia (1981, 1987); member of the Oregon StateBar since 1990; Johnson Renshaw & Lechman-Su P.C., Portland.*We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Paul Saucy, whokindly agreed to prepare forms for this chapter. We also acknowledge thecontribution of Hon. Eve L. Miller, who wrote the previous edition of thischapter.

BRADLEY C. LECHMAN-SU*ZACHARY J. FRUCHTENGARTEN 1

DISSOLUTION:JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

I. (§1.1) INTRODUCTION

II. JURISDICTIONA. (§1.2) Jurisdiction over Family Law MattersB. (§1.3) Subject-Matter Jurisdiction

1. (§1.4)Domestic Relations Statutes in General2. (§1.5)Dissolution, Separation, and Annulment3. (§1.6)Custody and Parenting Time4. (§1.7)Child Support

C. (§1.8) Personal Jurisdiction1. Methods of Obtaining Personal Jurisdiction

a. (§1.9) Oregon’s Long-Arm Statutesb. (§1.10) Other Bases for Establishing

Personal Jurisdiction

1-2 2008 Rev

2. (§1.11) Service of Process—In theUnited States

a. (§1.12) Personal Serviceb. (§1.13) Substituted Servicec. (§1.14) Office Serviced. (§1.15) Service by Maile. (§1.16) Service by Publicationf. (§1.17) Service on Minorsg. (§1.18) Initiating Instrumentsh. (§1.19) Method of Service in Ongoing

Casesi. (§1.20) Voluntary Appearancej. (§1.21) Return of Summons; Proof

of Service; Service Fees3. (§1.22) Service of Process—Outside

the United StatesD. Other Types of Jurisdiction

1. (§1.23) Jurisdiction in Rem2. (§1.24) Conciliation Jurisdiction

III. VENUEA. (§1.25) GenerallyB. Change of Venue

1. (§1.26) Generally2. (§1.27) Transfer of Files in Modification or

Enforcement ProceedingC. Disqualification of Judge

1. (§1.28) Grounds2. (§1.29) Procedure

IV. PARTIES TO A DISSOLUTIONA. (§1.30) Petitioner and RespondentB. (§1.31) Child Attending SchoolC. Third Parties

1. (§1.32) Persons with Economic Interests2. (§1.33) Psychological Parents, Grandparents,

and Delegation Agreements

1-32008 Rev

D. (§1.34) The State of OregonE. (§1.35) Death of a Party

V. (§1.36) PLEADINGS AND MOTIONSA. The Petition

1. In Generala. (§1.37) Title of Petitionb. (§1.38) Contents of Petitionc. (§1.39) Documents to Be Filed or Served

with Petition or Before HearingB. (§1.40) Pleadings

1. (§1.41) Grounds for Dissolution, Annulment,or Separation

2. (§1.42) Custody or Parenting Time3. (§1.43) Child Support4. (§1.44) Spousal Support5. (§1.45) Property6. (§1.46) Change of Name7. (§1.47) Attorney Fees and Costs8. (§1.48) Vital Statistics9. (§1.49) Insurance Coverage

C. (§1.50) Responsive Pleadings inDomestic Relations Cases

D. (§1.51) Motion PracticeE. (§1.52) Default

VI. (§1.53) SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

VII. (§1.54) DISCOVERY

VIII. TRIAL OR HEARINGA. (§1.55) 90-Day Waiting PeriodB. (§1.56) Respondent Defaults or Waives

Further AppearanceC. (§1.57) Request for Special Findings

IX. JUDGMENTS AND OTHER POSTTRIAL MATTERSA. Judgments

1. (§1.58) Judgments in General2. (§1.59) Judgment Liens

1-4 2008 Rev

3. (§1.60) Corrections to JudgmentsB. (§1.61) Motion to Set Aside Judgment

and for New TrialC. (§1.62) Relief from JudgmentD. (§1.63) AppealE. (§1.64) Posttrial Transfer of Venue

X. (§1.65) ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

XI. (§1.66) REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION, ANDENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGNJUDGMENTS AND ORDERS

A. Registering a Foreign Judgment1. (§1.67) Child Custody Determination2. (§1.68) Child Support Order3. (§1.69) Restraining Order

B. (§1.70) Recognition of a Foreign JudgmentC. (§1.71) Enforcing a Foreign Judgment

FORMS1-1 Summons in Domestic Relations Suit1-2 Proof of Service of Summons1-3 Certificate Regarding Pending Child-Support Proceedings1-4 Petitioner’s Affidavit to Segregate Protected Personal

Information1-5 Segregated Information Sheet1-6 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage1-7 Notice Regarding Continuation of Health Coverage1-8 Notice Required by ORS 107.089 (Regarding Documents that

Parties Must Furnish to Each Other)1-9 Notice of Statutory Restraining Order Preventing Dissipation

of Assets1-10 Waiver of Discovery Requirements of ORS 107.0891-11 Certificate of Residency1-12 Asset Template1-13 Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)1-14 Affidavit of Mailing Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)

1-52008 Rev

1-15 Notice of Lis Pendens1-16 Transmittal Letter Regarding Notice of Lis Pendens1-17 Acceptance of Service1-18 Petitioner’s Motion to Waive Statutory Waiting Period1-19 Affidavit for Waiver of Statutory Waiting Period1-20 Order Waiving Statutory Waiting Period1-21 Respondent’s Consent to Waiver of Waiting Period

and Entry of Judgment1-22 Petitioner’s Motion for Default1-23 Nonmilitary Affidavit of Petitioner1-24 Respondent’s Consent to Default1-25 Order of Default1-26 Petitioner’s Motion for General Judgment of Dissolution1-27 Certificate of Service (Motion for General Judgment

of Dissolution)1-28 Affidavit of Petitioner1-29 Parenting Plan

I. (§1.1) INTRODUCTIONThis chapter addresses jurisdiction and procedure in domestic relationscases, focusing on dissolution cases. The topics discussed in this chapterinclude jurisdiction (both subject-matter jurisdiction and personaljurisdiction), venue, parties in a dissolution case, pleadings and motions,and registration and recognition of foreign judgments and orders.

PRACTICE TIP: Forms relevant to a dissolution of marriage areincluded at the end of this chapter and are also available online at<www.ojd.state.or.us/osca/cpsd/courtimprovement/familylaw/familylawforms.htm> (click on Information and Packet 1).

§1.2 / Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure

1-6 2008 Rev

II. JURISDICTIONA. (§1.2) Jurisdiction over Family Law Matters

Circuit courts have jurisdiction over dissolution proceedings andother family and family-related matters, including child custody and thesupport of a child or a spouse. See ORS 3.130, 3.255(1), 3.260, 3.270.

A family court department may be established in the circuit courtof a judicial district. ORS 3.405. Judges serving in the family courtdepartment “have the same jurisdiction, authority, powers, functions andduties as any other circuit court judge.” ORS 3.405(3).

The types of cases that may be assigned to a family courtdepartment include proceedings under ORS chapters 107–110 (domesticrelations matters), 25 (support enforcement), 125 (protective proceedings),419A–419C (proceedings under the juvenile code), 111–117 (probateproceedings), and 426 (mentally ill and sexually dangerous persons) as wellas proceedings under ORS 430.397–430.401 to commit a mentally illperson. Any criminal proceeding that involves domestic violence or othercrime between family members may also be assigned to a family courtdepartment. ORS 3.408.

When a proceeding specified in ORS 3.408 is assigned to a familycourt department, the presiding judge of the judicial district “shall insure,when reasonable and appropriate, that all cases that involve the sameminor child be assigned to the same judge.” ORS 3.414.

B. (§1.3) Subject-Matter Jurisdiction Subject-matter jurisdiction is the legal authority of a court to inquire

into a matter of dispute between the parties and to shape a remedy.Jurisdiction of the subject matter is the power to deal with the generalsubject involved. In other words, the court must have cognizance of theclass of cases for which the one to be adjudicated belongs. Callahan v.Employment Division, 97 Or App 234, 238, 776 P2d 21 (1989). Subject-matter jurisdiction depends on whether a court has constitutional orstatutory authority to make an inquiry. Watanabe and Watanabe, 140 OrApp 85, 88, 914 P2d 701 (1996).

Subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be conferred by consent orwaiver. Logsdon v. State and Dell, 234 Or 66, 71, 380 P2d 111 (1963).An order or a judgment rendered by a court without subject-matterjurisdiction is void ab initio, and contempt for disobedience of the order

Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure / §1.4

1-72008 Rev

will not lie. Rowland and Kingman, 131 Or App 204, 210–211, 884 P2d561 (1994).

1. (§1.4) Domestic Relations Statutes in GeneralFamily law courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Proceedings in

a suit for divorce are purely statutory, and the powers that the courtexercises are the mere creation of statute. Quinn v. Hanks, 192 Or 254,265, 233 P2d 767 (1951). A court that fails to adhere to a statute thatconfers subject-matter jurisdiction lacks subject-matter jurisdiction, andany judgment it enters is void. Rowland and Kingman, 131 Or App 204,208–210, 884 P2d 561 (1994). But not all statutes confer subject-matterjurisdiction.

“Although strict application of procedural statutes may beappropriate in dissolution cases, it does not follow that any error inapplying such statutes divests the court of subject matter jurisdiction.”Wood v. White, 28 Or App 175, 178, 558 P2d 1289 (1977).

There is “a fundamental distinction between the absence ofjurisdiction and the erroneous exercise of that jurisdiction.” Wood, supra,28 Or App at 178–179 (court’s improper waiver of statutory waitingperiod in defendant’s dissolution was merely error in exercise of properlyobtained jurisdiction and did not render dissolution void). See Watanabeand Watanabe, 140 Or App 85, 88, 914 P2d 701 (1996) (filing ofstipulated judgment after case had been dismissed did not divest court ofits subject-matter jurisdiction; late-filed judgment was not void).

In Weller v. Weller, 164 Or App 25, 988 P2d 921 (1999), thehusband, an Idaho resident, obtained a divorce in Idaho. Subsequently,the wife filed a complaint in Oregon seeking spousal support. The trialcourt dismissed the wife’s complaint. The wife contended that the trialcourt erred in concluding that it lacked jurisdiction over the husband andin failing to make an award to her based on her husband’s enhancedearning capacity. Agreeing with the trial court, the court of appeals heldthat once the dissolution proceeding concluded in Idaho, the Oregon courthad no subject-matter jurisdiction to make an award based on thehusband’s enhanced earning capacity. Because it concluded that theOregon trial court lacked jurisdiction over the subject matter, the courtof appeals did not address whether the trial court lacked personaljurisdiction over the husband.

iii1996 Supp

EDITOR:SCOTT SORENSEN-JOLINK, B.A., Luther College (1972); J.D., Lewis & Clark

Law School (1976); member of the Oregon State Bar since 1977; seniorpartner, Sorensen-Jolink, Trubo, Williams & Williams, Portland.

OREGON STATE BAREXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Karen L. Garst

OREGON STATE BARLEGAL PUBLICATIONS STAFF

Linda L. Kruschke, Publications ManagerRosina Busse, Publications Assistant Editor

Lorraine Jacobs, Publications AttorneyDean Land, Publications Attorney

Solange Lédée, Publications Administrative and Marketing SpecialistStacey Malagamba, Publications Production Coordinator

Cheryl L. McCord, Publications AttorneyKaren L. Zinn, Legal Research Assistant

Neil Savage, Indexer

2008 Rev

CONTENTS

VOLUME 1

1 Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradley C. Lechman-Su

Zachary J. Fruchtengarten2 Marriage; Annulment; Separation

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen C. Dillon3 Temporary and Final Relief

(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Sorensen-Jolink(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara J. Aaby

4 Domestic Violence; Family Abuse Prevention Act; Stalking Protective Orders

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . Hon. Maureen H. McKnight(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sybil K. Hebb(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Selig

5 Discovery(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James W. McClurg(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy A. Cornish

6 Property Rights and Division(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Saucy

Kevin C. GageLauren Saucy

7 Custody, Parenting Time, and Visitation(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Rackner

David C. Gearing

VOLUME 28 Child Support

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip F. Schuster IIWilliam R. Valent

(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rose L. Hubbard9 Spousal Support

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip F. Schuster IIWilliam R. ValentRose L. Hubbard


2008 Rev

10 Retirement Benefits(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel M. Ricks

11 Health Insurance Issues in Divorce(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas I. Kramer(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Whitman

12 Modification(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John W. Lundeen(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liza A. Burney

13 Tax Aspects of Divorce(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David G. Gannett(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joseph Wetzel(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael C. Wetzel

14 Formal Agreements(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua D. Kadish

15 Unmarried Couples(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cynthia D. Cumfer(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trina J. Strom

Susan H. Williams

VOLUME 316 Paternity

(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence D. Gorin17 Adoption; Assisted Reproduction

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John ChallySandra L. Hodgson

18 Enforcement(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gordon L. Dick(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert C. McCann, Jr.

Kristen L. Sager-Kottre19 Appeal

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Johnson20 Change of Name

(2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janay Ann Haas21 Bankruptcy and Family Law

(2002 ed) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Vanden BosAnn Chapman

(2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Todd TrierweilerMichelle FreedEric Marshack


2008 Rev

22 Mediation (2002 ed & 2008 supp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua D. Kadish

23 Professional Responsibility and Family Law Practice

(2008 rev) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William J. Howe IIIKelly M. Evans

Table of FormsTable of Statutes and RulesTable of CasesSubject Index

1-12008 Rev

ZACHARY J. FRUCHTENGARTEN, B.S., J.D., M.B.A., University of Oregon(1996, 2000); member of the Oregon State Bar since 2002; associate, GevurtzMenashe Larson & Howe P.C., Portland.BRADLEY C. LECHMAN-SU, B.S., University of Nevada, Reno (1980); M.S.P.H.,J.D., University of Missouri, Columbia (1981, 1987); member of the Oregon StateBar since 1990; Johnson Renshaw & Lechman-Su P.C., Portland.*We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contribution of Paul Saucy, whokindly agreed to prepare forms for this chapter. We also acknowledge thecontribution of Hon. Eve L. Miller, who wrote the previous edition of thischapter.

BRADLEY C. LECHMAN-SU*ZACHARY J. FRUCHTENGARTEN 1

DISSOLUTION:JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

I. (§1.1) INTRODUCTION

II. JURISDICTIONA. (§1.2) Jurisdiction over Family Law MattersB. (§1.3) Subject-Matter Jurisdiction

1. (§1.4) Domestic Relations Statutes in General2. (§1.5) Dissolution, Separation, and Annulment3. (§1.6) Custody and Parenting Time4. (§1.7) Child Support

C. (§1.8) Personal Jurisdiction1. Methods of Obtaining Personal Jurisdiction

a. (§1.9) Oregon’s Long-Arm Statutesb. (§1.10) Other Bases for Establishing

Personal Jurisdiction

1-2 2008 Rev

2. (§1.11) Service of Process—In theUnited States

a. (§1.12) Personal Serviceb. (§1.13) Substituted Servicec. (§1.14) Office Serviced. (§1.15) Service by Maile. (§1.16) Service by Publicationf. (§1.17) Service on Minorsg. (§1.18) Initiating Instrumentsh. (§1.19) Method of Service in Ongoing

Casesi. (§1.20) Voluntary Appearancej. (§1.21) Return of Summons; Proof

of Service; Service Fees3. (§1.22) Service of Process—Outside

the United StatesD. Other Types of Jurisdiction

1. (§1.23) Jurisdiction in Rem2. (§1.24) Conciliation Jurisdiction

III. VENUEA. (§1.25) GenerallyB. Change of Venue

1. (§1.26) Generally2. (§1.27) Transfer of Files in Modification or

Enforcement ProceedingC. Disqualification of Judge

1. (§1.28) Grounds2. (§1.29) Procedure

IV. PARTIES TO A DISSOLUTIONA. (§1.30) Petitioner and RespondentB. (§1.31) Child Attending SchoolC. Third Parties

1. (§1.32) Persons with Economic Interests2. (§1.33) Psychological Parents, Grandparents,

and Delegation Agreements

1-32008 Rev

D. (§1.34) The State of OregonE. (§1.35) Death of a Party

V. (§1.36) PLEADINGS AND MOTIONSA. The Petition

1. In Generala. (§1.37) Title of Petitionb. (§1.38) Contents of Petitionc. (§1.39) Documents to Be Filed or Served

with Petition or Before HearingB. (§1.40) Pleadings

1. (§1.41) Grounds for Dissolution, Annulment,or Separation

2. (§1.42) Custody or Parenting Time3. (§1.43) Child Support4. (§1.44) Spousal Support5. (§1.45) Property6. (§1.46) Change of Name7. (§1.47) Attorney Fees and Costs8. (§1.48) Vital Statistics9. (§1.49) Insurance Coverage

C. (§1.50) Responsive Pleadings inDomestic Relations Cases

D. (§1.51) Motion PracticeE. (§1.52) Default

VI. (§1.53) SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT

VII. (§1.54) DISCOVERY

VIII. TRIAL OR HEARINGA. (§1.55) 90-Day Waiting PeriodB. (§1.56) Respondent Defaults or Waives

Further AppearanceC. (§1.57) Request for Special Findings

IX. JUDGMENTS AND OTHER POSTTRIAL MATTERSA. Judgments

1. (§1.58) Judgments in General2. (§1.59) Judgment Liens

1-4 2008 Rev

3. (§1.60) Corrections to JudgmentsB. (§1.61) Motion to Set Aside Judgment

and for New TrialC. (§1.62) Relief from JudgmentD. (§1.63) AppealE. (§1.64) Posttrial Transfer of Venue

X. (§1.65) ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS

XI. (§1.66) REGISTRATION, RECOGNITION, ANDENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGNJUDGMENTS AND ORDERS

A. Registering a Foreign Judgment1. (§1.67) Child Custody Determination2. (§1.68) Child Support Order3. (§1.69) Restraining Order

B. (§1.70) Recognition of a Foreign JudgmentC. (§1.71) Enforcing a Foreign Judgment

FORMS1-1 Summons in Domestic Relations Suit1-2 Proof of Service of Summons1-3 Certificate Regarding Pending Child-Support Proceedings1-4 Petitioner’s Affidavit to Segregate Protected Personal

Information1-5 Segregated Information Sheet1-6 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage1-7 Notice Regarding Continuation of Health Coverage1-8 Notice Required by ORS 107.089 (Regarding Documents that

Parties Must Furnish to Each Other)1-9 Notice of Statutory Restraining Order Preventing Dissipation

of Assets1-10 Waiver of Discovery Requirements of ORS 107.0891-11 Certificate of Residency1-12 Asset Template1-13 Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)1-14 Affidavit of Mailing Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)

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1-15 Notice of Lis Pendens1-16 Transmittal Letter Regarding Notice of Lis Pendens1-17 Acceptance of Service1-18 Petitioner’s Motion to Waive Statutory Waiting Period1-19 Affidavit for Waiver of Statutory Waiting Period1-20 Order Waiving Statutory Waiting Period1-21 Respondent’s Consent to Waiver of Waiting Period

and Entry of Judgment1-22 Petitioner’s Motion for Default1-23 Nonmilitary Affidavit of Petitioner1-24 Respondent’s Consent to Default1-25 Order of Default1-26 Petitioner’s Motion for General Judgment of Dissolution1-27 Certificate of Service (Motion for General Judgment


I. (§1.1) INTRODUCTIONThis chapter addresses jurisdiction and procedure in domestic relationscases, focusing on dissolution cases. The topics discussed in this chapterinclude jurisdiction (both subject-matter jurisdiction and personaljurisdiction), venue, parties in a dissolution case, pleadings and motions,and registration and recognition of foreign judgments and orders.

PRACTICE TIP: Forms relevant to a dissolution of marriage areincluded at the end of this chapter and are also available online at<www.ojd.state.or.us/osca/cpsd/courtimprovement/familylaw/familylawforms.htm> (click on Information and Packet 1).

§1.2 / Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure

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II. JURISDICTIONA. (§1.2) Jurisdiction over Family Law Matters

Circuit courts have jurisdiction over dissolution proceedings andother family and family-related matters, including child custody and thesupport of a child or a spouse. See ORS 3.130, 3.255(1), 3.260, 3.270.

A family court department may be established in the circuit courtof a judicial district. ORS 3.405. Judges serving in the family courtdepartment “have the same jurisdiction, authority, powers, functions andduties as any other circuit court judge.” ORS 3.405(3).

The types of cases that may be assigned to a family courtdepartment include proceedings under ORS chapters 107–110 (domesticrelations matters), 25 (support enforcement), 125 (protective proceedings),419A–419C (proceedings under the juvenile code), 111–117 (probateproceedings), and 426 (mentally ill and sexually dangerous persons) as wellas proceedings under ORS 430.397–430.401 to commit a mentally illperson. Any criminal proceeding that involves domestic violence or othercrime between family members may also be assigned to a family courtdepartment. ORS 3.408.

When a proceeding specified in ORS 3.408 is assigned to a familycourt department, the presiding judge of the judicial district “shall insure,when reasonable and appropriate, that all cases that involve the sameminor child be assigned to the same judge.” ORS 3.414.

B. (§1.3) Subject-Matter Jurisdiction Subject-matter jurisdiction is the legal authority of a court to inquire

into a matter of dispute between the parties and to shape a remedy.Jurisdiction of the subject matter is the power to deal with the generalsubject involved. In other words, the court must have cognizance of theclass of cases for which the one to be adjudicated belongs. Callahan v.Employment Division, 97 Or App 234, 238, 776 P2d 21 (1989). Subject-matter jurisdiction depends on whether a court has constitutional orstatutory authority to make an inquiry. Watanabe and Watanabe, 140 OrApp 85, 88, 914 P2d 701 (1996).

Subject-matter jurisdiction cannot be conferred by consent orwaiver. Logsdon v. State and Dell, 234 Or 66, 71, 380 P2d 111 (1963).An order or a judgment rendered by a court without subject-matterjurisdiction is void ab initio, and contempt for disobedience of the order

Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure / §1.4

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will not lie. Rowland and Kingman, 131 Or App 204, 210–211, 884 P2d561 (1994).

1. (§1.4) Domestic Relations Statutes in GeneralFamily law courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Proceedings in

a suit for divorce are purely statutory, and the powers that the courtexercises are the mere creation of statute. Quinn v. Hanks, 192 Or 254,265, 233 P2d 767 (1951). A court that fails to adhere to a statute thatconfers subject-matter jurisdiction lacks subject-matter jurisdiction, andany judgment it enters is void. Rowland and Kingman, 131 Or App 204,208–210, 884 P2d 561 (1994). But not all statutes confer subject-matterjurisdiction.

“Although strict application of procedural statutes may beappropriate in dissolution cases, it does not follow that any error inapplying such statutes divests the court of subject matter jurisdiction.”Wood v. White, 28 Or App 175, 178, 558 P2d 1289 (1977).

There is “a fundamental distinction between the absence ofjurisdiction and the erroneous exercise of that jurisdiction.” Wood, supra,28 Or App at 178–179 (court’s improper waiver of statutory waitingperiod in defendant’s dissolution was merely error in exercise of properlyobtained jurisdiction and did not render dissolution void). See Watanabeand Watanabe, 140 Or App 85, 88, 914 P2d 701 (1996) (filing ofstipulated judgment after case had been dismissed did not divest court ofits subject-matter jurisdiction; late-filed judgment was not void).

In Weller v. Weller, 164 Or App 25, 988 P2d 921 (1999), thehusband, an Idaho resident, obtained a divorce in Idaho. Subsequently,the wife filed a complaint in Oregon seeking spousal support. The trialcourt dismissed the wife’s complaint. The wife contended that the trialcourt erred in concluding that it lacked jurisdiction over the husband andin failing to make an award to her based on her husband’s enhancedearning capacity. Agreeing with the trial court, the court of appeals heldthat once the dissolution proceeding concluded in Idaho, the Oregon courthad no subject-matter jurisdiction to make an award based on thehusband’s enhanced earning capacity. Because it concluded that theOregon trial court lacked jurisdiction over the subject matter, the courtof appeals did not address whether the trial court lacked personaljurisdiction over the husband.

F-12008 Rev

TABLE OF FORMS

Chapter 1—Dissolution: Jurisdiction and Procedure1-1 Summons in Domestic Relations Suit1-2 Proof of Service of Summons1-3 Certificate Regarding Pending Child-Support Proceedings1-4 Petitioner’s Affidavit to Segregate Protected Personal

Information1-5 Segregated Information Sheet1-6 Petition for Dissolution of Marriage1-7 Notice Regarding Continuation of Health Coverage1-8 Notice Required by ORS 107.089 (Regarding Documents

that Parties Must Furnish to Each Other)1-9 Notice of Statutory Restraining Order Preventing

Dissipation of Assets1-10 Waiver of Discovery Requirements of ORS 107.0891-11 Certificate of Residency1-12 Asset Template1-13 Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)1-14 Affidavit of Mailing Letter to DOJ (Welfare Case)1-15 Notice of Lis Pendens1-16 Transmittal Letter Regarding Notice of Lis Pendens1-17 Acceptance of Service1-18 Petitioner’s Motion to Waive Statutory Waiting Period1-19 Affidavit for Waiver of Statutory Waiting Period1-20 Order Waiving Statutory Waiting Period1-21 Respondent’s Consent to Waiver of Waiting Period

and Entry of Judgment1-22 Petitioner’s Motion for Default

Table of Forms (continued)

F-22008 Rev

1-23 Nonmilitary Affidavit of Petitioner1-24 Respondent’s Consent to Default1-25 Order of Default1-26 Petitioner’s Motion for General Judgment of Dissolution1-27 Certificate of Service (Motion for General Judgment


Chapter 2—Marriage; Annulment; Separation2-1 Petition for Annulment of Marriage (2008 supp)2-2 Stipulated Judgment of Annulment of Marriage (2008 supp) 2-3 Petition for Unlimited Separation (2008 supp)2-4 General Judgment of Unlimited Separation (2008 supp)2-5 Stipulated Order Allowing Amendment of Petition to

Change Relief Sought from Unlimited Separation toDissolution (2008 supp)

2-6 Motion and Order to Show Cause Regarding Conversion ofGeneral Judgment of Unlimited Separation to SupplementalJudgment of Dissolution of Marriage (2008 supp)

2-6A Affidavit in Support of Motion and Order to Show CauseRegarding Conversion of General Judgment of UnlimitedSeparation to Supplemental Judgment of Dissolutionof Marriage (2008 supp)

2-7 Order to Convert General Judgment of UnlimitedSeparation to Supplemental Judgment of Dissolutionof Marriage (2008 supp)

Chapter 3—Temporary and Final Relief3-1 Petitioner’s Motion for Ex Parte and Pendente Lite

Orders (2008 supp)3-2 Affidavit of Petitioner3-3 Ex Parte Temporary Restraining Order3-4 Order to Appear and Show Cause (2008 supp)


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3-5 Respondent’s Answer to Show Cause Order (2008 supp)3-6 Stipulated Temporary Custody and Support Order (2008 supp)3-7 Motion for Consolidation3-8 Order Consolidating Abuse Prevention Act Proceeding

with Dissolution Proceeding3-9 Notice to Appear (2008 supp)3-10 Motion for Temporary Protective Order of

Restraint Ex Parte (2008 supp)3-11 Affidavit in Support of Motion for Temporary

Protective Order of Restraint Ex Parte (2008 supp)3-12 Temporary Protective Order of Restraint Ex Parte (2008 supp)3-13 Summons to Appear and Defend Motion, Affidavit,

and Order to Show Cause (2008 supp)3-14 Motion for Temporary Status Quo Order

(Postjudgment) (2008 supp)3-15 Affidavit in Support of Motion for Status Quo

Order (Postjudgment) (2008 supp)3-16 Order to Show Cause—Temporary Status Quo

(Postjudgment) (2008 supp)3-17 Summary of Money Awards (2008 supp)3-18 Notice of Lis Pendens (2008 supp)

Chapter 4—Domestic Violence; Family Abuse Prevention Act;Stalking Protective Orders

4-1 Order from Hearing to Contest Restraining Order(Family Abuse Prevention Act) (2008 supp)

4-2 Ex Parte Motion and Order to Amend Order andReduce to Judgment (2008 supp)

Chapter 5—Discovery5-1 Notice Regarding Mandatory Disclosure (ORS 107.089)

(2008 supp)5-2 Notice Regarding Omission of Assets (ORS 107.452)5-3 Financial Affidavit


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5-4 Request for Production of Documents (2008 supp)5-5 Exhibit A to Request for Production of Documents—General5-6 Exhibit B to Request for Production of Documents—Business

Chapter 14—Formal Agreements14-1 Prenuptial Agreement—Separate Assets14-2 Prenuptial Agreement—Joint Assets (2008 supp)14-3 Additional Options for Prenuptial Agreement (2008 supp)14-4 Marital Settlement Agreement (2008 supp)

Chapter 15—Unmarried Couples15-1 Agreement for Unmarried Couple15-2 Nomination of Guardian and Conservator15-3 Appointment of Person to Make Decisions Concerning

Disposition of Remains15-4 Petition for Dissolution of Domestic Partnership (2008 supp)15-5 Petition for Dissolution of Domestic Partnership, and

Custody, Parenting Time, and Child Support (2008 supp)15-6 ORCP 79 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and

Motion for Order to Show Cause Why PreliminaryInjunction Should Not Be Entered (2008 supp)

15-7 Affidavit in Support of Motion for Temporary RestrainingOrder and Motion for Order to Show Cause WhyPreliminary Injunction Should Not Be Entered (2008 supp)

15-8 ORCP 79 Temporary Restraining Order and Order toShow Cause Why Preliminary Injunction Should NotBe Entered (2008 supp)

15-9 Stipulated Mutual Restraining Order (2008 supp) 15-10 Declaration of Joint Tenancy in Personal Property (2008 supp)


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Chapter 16—Paternity16-1 Mother’s Petition to Establish Paternity16-2 Father’s Petition to Establish Paternity16-3 Complaint for Declaratory Judgment16-4 Respondent’s Written Challenge to Blood-Testing

Procedure and Results16-5 Petition Challenging Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity

(Fraud, Duress, or Material Mistake; Procedural Invalidity)16-6 Petition to Vacate Paternity Determination of

Paternity Determination16-7 Mother’s Rescission of Paternity Acknowledgment16-8 Father’s Rescission of Paternity Acknowledgment

Chapter 17—Adoption; Assisted Reproduction17-1 Surrender, Release, and Consent to Adoption

(Independent Adoption)17-2 Certificate of Irrevocability and Waiver (2008 supp)17-3 Affidavit of Birth Mother17-4 Birth Father’s Surrender, Release, and Consent to

Adoption by Stepparent (2008 supp)17-5 Petition for Adoption (Independent Adoption) (2008 supp)17-6 Petition for Adoption (Agency Adoption) (2008 supp)17-7 Petition for Adoption (by Stepparent) (2008 supp)17-8 Motion for Appointment of Guardian (Independent)

(2008 supp)17-9 Order Appointing Guardian (2008 supp)17-10 General Judgment of Adoption

(Independent Adoption) (2008 supp)17-11 General Judgment of Adoption

(Agency Adoption) (2008 supp)17-12 General Judgment of Adoption (Stepparent) (2008 supp)


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17-13 Motion for Order to Show Cause Why ProposedAdoption Should Not Be Granted Without Parent’sConsent; Order (2008 supp)

17-14 Statement Pursuant to ORS 109.309(6)(a)(A) (2008 supp)17-15 Petitioners’ Affidavit Regarding Adoption Registry

(2008 supp)17-16 Birth Parents’ Affidavit Regarding Adoption Registry

(2008 supp)17-17 Affidavit Regarding Counseling17-18 Summons (2008 supp)17-19 Answer (2008 supp)

Chapter 18—Enforcement18-1 Lien Record Abstract (2008 supp)18-2 Obligee’s Sworn Statement (Required When Registering a

Foreign Support or Income-Withholding Order) (2008 supp)18-3 Letter to DCS Requesting Registration and Enforcement of

a Foreign Support or Income-Withholding Order (2008 supp)18-4 Affidavit of Judgment Creditor’s Lawyer

(Required When Filing a Foreign Judgment) (2008 supp)18-5 Petition for Registration of a Foreign Judgment (2008 supp)18-6 Letter to Court Clerk Requesting Filing of Foreign

Judgment (2008 supp)18-7 Motion for Order to Appear and Show Cause re Remedial

Contempt (2008 supp)18-8 Order to Appear and Show Cause re Remedial

Contempt (2008 supp)18-9 Letter to Court Clerk Requesting Registration of a Child

Custody Determination Under UCCJEA18-10 Notice to Parent or Person Acting as a Parent for

UCCJEA Registration18-11 Letter to Court Clerk Verifying Service of Notice to

Parent or Person Acting as a Parent


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18-12 Petition for Expedited Enforcement of ChildCustody Determination (2008 supp)

18-13 Order re Expedited Enforcement of Child CustodyDetermination (ORS 109.797) (2008 supp)

18-14 Petition and Application for Warrant to TakePhysical Custody (ORS 109.807) (2008 supp)

18-15 Order and Warrant to Take Physical Custody(ORS 109.807) (2008 supp)

18-16 Ex Parte Motion for Order of Assistance (2008 supp)18-17 Ex Parte Order of Assistance (2008 supp)18-18 Petition for Warrant in Lieu of Writ of Habeas

Corpus (2008 supp)18-19 Order for Warrant in Lieu of Writ of Habeas

Corpus (2008 supp)18-20 Warrant in Lieu of Writ of Habeas Corpus (2008 supp)18-21 Motion re Enforcement of Parenting Time Pursuant

to ORS 107.434 (2008 supp)

Chapter 19—Appeal19-1 Notice of Appeal19-2 Notice of Filing Money in Lieu of Undertaking19-3 Stipulation Waiving Supersedeas Undertaking19-4 Joint Motion to Dismiss Appeal Pursuant to

Settlement (2008 supp)19-5 Statement of Costs and Disbursements (2008 supp)19-6 Petition for Attorney Fees (2008 supp)

Chapter 20—Change of Name20-1 Application for Change of Name (For Minor Child When

No Notice Required to Parent) (2008 supp)20-2 Order to Give Notice and Appear and Show Cause20-3 Notice of Proposed Name Change (2008 supp)20-4 Certificate of Posting Public Notice (2008 supp)


F-82008 Rev

20-5 Order and Judgment Changing Name (2008 supp)20-6 Notice of Judgment Changing Name (2008 supp)20-7 Application for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem

(Under Age 14)20-8 Application for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem

(Age 14 and Over)20-9 Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem (Under Age 14)20-10 Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem (Age 14 and Over)

Chapter 22—Mediation22-1 Mediation and Fee Agreement (2008 supp)22-2 Mediation Services Agreement22-3 Mediated Custody Agreement (2008 supp)22-4 Consulting Lawyer Services Agreement22-5 Stipulated Request for Mediation and Order (2008 supp)22-6 Request for Mediation by One Parent and Order (2008 supp)