What We Can Resolve in Mediation
If you believe you'll be able to co-parent amicably, you're off to a positive start on the most important responsibility divorcing or divorced parents have. I will help you create a written framework, going far beyond the minimum requirements of ORS 107.169 to make it even smoother to make decisions together for your children.
Even if you believe you have a high conflict level, that same framework provide a comprehensive "manual" that you can rely on later. It will be part of your legally-binding divorce paperwork, so you can have confidence that the other parent will continue to cooperate.
A parenting plan is more than just a schedule (ORS 107.102). It's a roadmap for how you will co-parent, handling the known and unknown. A thorough parenting plan is a binding guidebook that you develop in mediation in hopes of never having to use it -- but knowing it's there if you need it.
I looked exhaustively for a detailed materials and could not find a resource with enough detail -- so I wrote my own 78-point proprietary protocol: the Parenting and Custody Toolkit (PACT), It's informed by two years of research and 21 years of mediation practice with families. I surveyed over 100 former clients about what works, what doesn't, and what they would have included in their parenting plan.
Every case that involves minor children must have the Oregon Child Support Guidelines worksheet completed, even if you want to change the amount or not exchange child support at all. I will help you calculate it accurately, mindful of the confusing nuances of the calculator. Then, I'll help you modify the amount if both of you agree -- or you can keep it exactly as it's calculated.
For most of my clients, child support alone is not adequate to fund all of the non-essential but still significant aspects of a child's life -- extracurricular activities, cell phones, driving, etc. To determine those important "extras," how to share the costs, and how to adjust them in the future as needs and resources, change, I have a detailed budget that I'll work with you to complete in mediation.
17 of the 78 components of my Parenting and Custody Toolkit (PACT) also address stipulations that you can put into your Marital Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan about sharing expenses for your minor children.
If an adult child is attending school and meets the requirements of ORS 107.108, child support may continue until the child turns 21 or is no longer a qualifying student, whichever occurs first. Most of my clients who have college-age children decide to provide support for longer or in a greater amount than the law would require. If you do as well, I'll ask you the right questions about those details during mediation.
If you have children who are not yet college-age, planning for college funding is an important component of divorce mediation. Also, if you already have college savings, I have elements of the PACT that apply to college funding to promote your goals and protect everyone involved.
Because I am a Family Law Financial Analyst, which means I have specialized financial training in addition to my law degree, I can assist you in understanding a broad continuum of assets to determine an equitable property division that is not only appropriate numbers-wise but also desirable in light of the parties' short-term and long-term needs.
In just the past 12 months, my clients have presented a total of 35 different types of assets. My Discovery-Driven Deep Dive is the 68-point proprietary financial protocol I developed in 2026 guides that thorough process.
I use that protocol and my financial and legal training to help you comprehend your options. I'll give you at least three (and usually four or more) options for each decision and help you evaluate your priorities based on understanding the limits and flexibility of your choices.
Although some cases include spousal support and some do not, I always review the three types of spousal support with my clients and explain the statutory factors under ORS 107.105(1)(d).
Whether your case involves one or more of the three types (compensatory, transitional, and maintenance) or none at all, we will discuss the factors and include in your Marital Settlement Agreement your decisions and rationale.
About Mediator Matthew House
I help clients amicably settle all the issues of an Oregon divorce, with my legal and financial training, applying both with attention to each person's needs and careful financial analysis. I give equal weight to the details and the "big picture" of asset division, spousal support, parenting plans, child custody, child support, property division, debt division, and post-divorce stability.
I hold degrees from the University of Oregon and the University of Idaho College of Law. I am a member of the Oregon Mediation Association and a Premium Member of mediate.com. Please feel free to read more about my background and my 'ohana approach.
Whether you are navigating complex real property division or drafting a parenting plan that prioritizes your children's well-being, let's discuss your situation, explore your options, and determine whether my approach is the right fit for your path forward. Please consider scheduling a consultation in my office or via Zoom. I offer a 20-minute meet-and-greet session free of charge, or a 90-minute introdution with a free first hour.
My office is convenient to Beaverton, Hillsboro, Portland, Tigard, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Lake Oswego and all suburbs within the tri-county area. I primarily work with Multnomah County, Washington County, and Clackamas County couples and families. I also serve clients throughout Oregon via video conference.
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Last Updated: August 18, 2026
Matthew House J.D. | Divorce Mediation
3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Suite 271
Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 643-5284
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Matthew House's practice is neutral, limited to divorce mediation and financial analysis. He holds a law degree but is not a member of the Oregon State Bar. No information provided on 503.legal constitutes legal advice. The use of this website does not form a mediator-client relationship.
© 2026 by Matthew House. All rights reserved.