Portland Divorce Law Blog

The suffering economy may be leading to an increase in domestic violence. The Police Executive Research Forum recently found that 56 percent of the 700 responding agencies surveyed reported that the poor economy is driving an increase in domestic violence. This is an increase from 40 percent in 2010.

Financial hardships, such as unemployment, can cause increased stress in the home, which can lead to increased domestic violence. Eugene, Ore., Police Chief Pete Kerns has stated that troubling increases in assaults have coincided with the timing of the financial crisis and the slow recovery. The increase is seen in the number of annual assaults reported. In 2011, aggravated assaults increased to 234, up from 188 in 2010. Simple assaults increased in 2011 to 1,552, from 1,440 in 2010.

Oregon residents are aware that nontraditional family structures are very common today. With varying family configurations, child custody or visitation issues are more and more relevant. Did you know that an increasing number of firstborns in the country have unmarried parents? These numbers have changed significantly in recent years.

The amount of first children born to women cohabitating with a male increased from 12 percent in 2002 to 22 percent in 2006 to 2010. In addition, the percentage of cohabiting new fathers rose from 18 to 25 percent. These statistics come from the National Center for Health Statistics, which is based on data collected from 2006 to 2010.

Nobody marries expecting to get a divorce. Nevertheless, as many Oregon residents know, it can happen. When it does, it is important that you protect your rights. One way to do this is through a prenuptial agreement.

A prenuptial agreement allows individuals to shelter their financial interests before entering a marriage. However, it is not uncommon for a prenuptial agreement to be in dispute during a divorce.

Oregon basketball enthusiasts would probably agree that Allen Iverson was one of the best point guards that ever played in the NBA. At the peak of his career, he married his wife, Tawanna. Sadly, while Iverson's basketball profession was solid, the couple's marriage was not. Specifically, rumors surfaced that Iverson may have been unfaithful. Now, as the couple deals with a pending divorce, Tawanna has filed court documents asking the basketball player to submit a list of every woman he had sexual relationships with during their marriage.

First, Iverson's wife filed for divorce in 2010. Nevertheless, she dropped the petition when the couple attempted to resolve their differences. Ultimately, Tawanna filed again in the summer of 2011. In her recent petition, she requested custody of the couple's five children, child support and alimony.