Introduction
Finding the right family law attorney in Salem, Oregon can make all the difference when your family is facing one of life’s most difficult transitions. At Regele Law, LLC, attorney Stacy Regele dedicates her entire practice to family law — helping individuals and families in Salem, Marion County, and Polk County move forward with confidence and clarity.
Whether you are going through a divorce, working out a child custody arrangement, or navigating a complex paternity matter, Regele Law, LLC is here to guide you every step of the way. The firm’s approach is warm, accessible, and focused on your family’s long-term well-being — not just the outcome of a single case.
Stacy Regele earned her law degree from Willamette University College of Law and has been admitted to practice law in Oregon. She is a member of both the American Bar Association and the Marion County Bar Association, and has been recognized as a Rising Star — bringing real, focused experience to every family law matter she handles.
About Salem, OR
Salem is Oregon’s state capital and the county seat of Marion County, situated in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With a population of over 170,000 residents, Salem is one of the largest cities in Oregon and serves as a hub for families, businesses, and government services throughout the region.
The city is home to the Oregon State Capitol, Willamette University, and a vibrant mix of cultural and community resources. Salem neighbors Polk County to the west, and many families in the area live, work, and raise children across both counties.
Family life in the Salem area is rich and diverse. The community includes traditional families, LGBTQ families, blended families, and multi-generational households — all of whom may encounter family law questions at some point. Regele Law, LLC proudly serves the full breadth of Salem’s community, including residents of nearby communities like Keizer, Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence.
Family law matters in Salem are handled primarily through the Marion County Circuit Court, located at 100 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301. For Polk County residents, cases are typically heard at the Polk County Courthouse in Dallas, Oregon. Understanding local court procedures and expectations matters — and it is one more reason to work with a Salem-based family law attorney who knows the local legal landscape.
Services Available in Salem, OR
Regele Law, LLC offers a full range of family law services to individuals and families in Salem and the surrounding areas. Every service is delivered with compassion, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to your family’s future.
Divorce
Divorce can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be a battle. Stacy Regele helps Salem clients navigate the divorce process — from filing paperwork to dividing assets and resolving spousal support — with as little stress as possible. Learn more about how to file for divorce in Salem, Oregon with our step-by-step guide.
Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. Under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 107, a dissolution of marriage can be granted when the court finds irreconcilable differences between the parties. You can review Oregon’s divorce statutes at oregonlegislature.gov.
Cooperative Divorce
Not every divorce has to end in a courtroom battle. Regele Law, LLC offers cooperative divorce options that help couples reach fair agreements outside of court, saving time, money, and emotional energy. If you are wondering whether this path is right for you, read our guide on what cooperative divorce in Oregon means for your family.
Cooperative and collaborative approaches can be especially helpful when children are involved, because they often reduce conflict and help both parents stay focused on what matters most — the kids.
Spousal Support / Alimony
Spousal support — sometimes called alimony — can be an important part of a fair divorce settlement, especially when one spouse earns significantly more than the other. Oregon courts consider multiple factors when awarding spousal support, including the length of the marriage, each party’s earning capacity, and the standard of living established during the marriage.
Stacy Regele helps Salem clients understand their rights and options around spousal support, whether they are seeking support or being asked to pay it. The Oregon Judicial Department provides general guidance on support matters at courts.oregon.gov.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Child custody matters are often the most emotionally charged part of any family law case. Regele Law, LLC helps parents in Salem work toward custody arrangements that truly serve their children’s best interests. Our Child Custody 101 guide covers the basics every parent should understand before entering the process.
Oregon recognizes both legal custody — which involves decision-making authority — and physical custody, which determines where a child lives. Courts in Marion and Polk Counties base their decisions on the best interests of the child standard, as outlined in ORS 107.137.
Parenting time schedules can be highly customized to fit each family’s unique situation. If co-parenting directly with the other parent is difficult, Regele Law, LLC can also advise you on parallel parenting strategies. Learn more in our post on whether parallel parenting might be right for your Oregon family.
Property Division
Oregon is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly — though not necessarily 50/50 — between spouses. Assets like the family home, retirement accounts, and business interests all need to be carefully evaluated and divided as part of a divorce.
Regele Law, LLC helps Salem clients understand what property is subject to division and how to protect their financial interests throughout the process. For a deeper look, visit our guide on how property is divided in an Oregon divorce.
Father’s Rights & Paternity
Fathers have equal rights under Oregon law, and Regele Law, LLC is committed to helping dads in Salem establish and protect those rights. Whether you need to establish paternity or fight for fair parenting time, Stacy Regele is a strong advocate for fathers and their children.
Establishing paternity in Oregon can be done voluntarily through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics or through a court order. Learn more about your options in our detailed article on father’s rights and paternity in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Justice also provides resources on paternity at doj.state.or.us.
Family Law Order Modifications
Life changes — and when it does, your family law orders may need to change too. Regele Law, LLC helps Salem clients modify existing custody, parenting time, and support orders when there has been a significant change in circumstances.
Oregon courts will consider modifications when a substantial change has occurred since the original order was entered. Common reasons include a job change, relocation, or a shift in a child’s needs.
Grandparents’ & Third-Party Parental Rights
Grandparents and other close family members sometimes need legal help to maintain or establish a relationship with a child they love. Oregon law does allow grandparents and certain third parties to petition for custody or parenting time under specific circumstances.
Regele Law, LLC helps grandparents and other caretakers in the Salem area understand their legal options. Our post on whether a grandparent can get custody or visitation in Oregon is a great starting point.
LGBTQ Family Law
Regele Law, LLC warmly welcomes LGBTQ individuals and families. Stacy Regele has experience with same-sex divorce and child custody matters, and understands the unique legal considerations that LGBTQ families may face in Oregon.
Whether you are navigating a same-sex divorce, establishing parental rights, or working out a custody arrangement, you deserve knowledgeable and affirming legal support. Read our guide on LGBTQ divorce in Oregon for same-sex couples in Salem.
Why Choose Regele Law, LLC
Regele Law, LLC stands out in Salem because attorney Stacy Regele has dedicated her entire legal practice to family law — nothing else. That single-minded focus means clients receive knowledgeable, experienced guidance tailored specifically to Oregon family law matters.
Stacy Regele graduated from Willamette University College of Law right here in Salem, giving her deep roots in the local legal community. She has been recognized as a Rising Star and maintains active membership in both the American Bar Association and the Marion County Bar Association.
The firm’s philosophy is people-first. Rather than pushing clients toward unnecessary litigation, Stacy Regele looks for practical, out-of-court solutions whenever possible — while still being fully prepared to advocate in court when it matters. This balanced approach saves clients time, money, and emotional hardship.
Regele Law, LLC also takes pride in being genuinely accessible. Family law questions do not wait for convenient moments, and the firm strives to communicate clearly, respond promptly, and make every client feel heard and supported throughout their case.
From traditional families to LGBTQ families, fathers asserting their rights, and grandparents fighting to stay in a grandchild’s life — Regele Law, LLC serves the full spectrum of Salem’s families with the same warmth and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Salem, Oregon?
Oregon has a mandatory 90-day waiting period after a divorce petition is filed before a dissolution can be finalized. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all issues can sometimes be resolved close to that 90-day mark. Contested divorces that require court hearings or a trial can take considerably longer — sometimes a year or more depending on the complexity of the issues involved.
Does Oregon favor mothers over fathers in custody cases?
No. Oregon law does not give preference to either parent based on gender. Courts in Marion and Polk Counties decide custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the ability to co-parent, and the child’s adjustment to home and school. Fathers have equal rights, and Regele Law, LLC actively helps dads assert those rights.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Oregon?
Legal custody refers to which parent has the authority to make major decisions about a child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing. Physical custody refers to where the child primarily lives. Oregon courts can award sole or joint legal custody, and parenting time schedules are separate from legal custody decisions.
Can grandparents seek visitation or custody in Oregon?
Yes, under certain circumstances. Oregon law allows grandparents and some other third parties to petition for custody or parenting time if it is in the child’s best interest and specific legal criteria are met. This area of law can be complex, and working with an experienced Salem family law attorney like Stacy Regele is strongly recommended.
Does Regele Law, LLC handle same-sex divorce and custody?
Absolutely. Regele Law, LLC warmly welcomes LGBTQ individuals and families. Stacy Regele has experience handling same-sex divorce and child custody matters and is committed to providing knowledgeable, affirming legal support for every family.
What areas does Regele Law, LLC serve?
Regele Law, LLC primarily serves clients in Salem, Oregon and the surrounding Marion County area, including Polk County communities like Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence, as well as nearby cities like Keizer. The firm is admitted to practice law in Oregon.
How do I get started with Regele Law, LLC?
The easiest first step is to reach out to Regele Law, LLC directly to schedule a consultation. You can visit the firm’s contact page at regelelaw.com/contact or call to speak with someone who can help you understand your options and next steps.
Contact Regele Law, LLC
If you are facing a family law matter in Salem, Marion County, or Polk County, Regele Law, LLC is ready to help. Attorney Stacy Regele offers compassionate, focused legal guidance for all types of family law issues — from divorce and child custody to paternity, modifications, and LGBTQ family law.
You do not have to face this alone. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a clearer, more stable future for you and your family.
Visit our contact page at regelelaw.com/contact or call Regele Law, LLC to speak directly with our team. We are here when you need us.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Regele Law, LLC. Every family law situation is unique, and you should consult with a licensed Oregon family law attorney to get advice specific to your circumstances. Regele Law, LLC is admitted to practice law in Oregon only.