Divorce is more than a legal event; it is a significant financial and familial transition. As a solo practitioner based in Portland, Oregon, I leverage a Juris Doctor and 21 years of experience to help families navigate this process outside of the courtroom. My objective is to provide a structured, neutral environment where complex decisions—both financial and emotional—can be resolved with precision and clarity.

My approach to mediation is rooted in the philosophy of 'Ohana' — the conviction that family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. This perspective is personal for me; as a child of divorced parents, I understand firsthand the long-term impact that the mediation process has on a family's future. I carry this mindset into every session, ensuring that while a legal partnership may be ending, the parental partnership remains intact and functional for the years ahead.

Professional Experience & Methodology

I’ve spent 21 years combining a law degree with hands-on financial management. I don't just push for a middle ground; I build agreements on solid numbers. My focus is on ensuring long-term stability for everyone involved.

Specialization in Youth Advocacy & Parenting Plans

A significant portion of my practice since its inception in 2005 has been dedicated to serving as a parenting plan expert and divorce coach. I recognize that the needs of adolescents require specific mediation strategies. My goal as a child-centered and teen-inclusive mediator is to shield children from the fallout of litigation by creating realistic parenting plans that evolve alongside the family. This specialization ensures that the unique voices of older children are considered and accounted for without placing them in the center of the conflict. I work to ensure that parents have the tools necessary to support their children through the restructuring of the household.

Financial Analysis Expertise

As a family law financial analyst, I provide a detailed look at marital estates, tax implications, and future financial health. This oversight ensures that both parties understand the immediate and long-term consequences of their decisions. This level of detail reduces the likelihood of post-divorce disputes and provides a clear roadmap for the next chapter of your life. My approach ensures that the division of assets is handled with the technical rigor necessary for complex estates, including retirement accounts, real estate holdings, and business interests.

Role and Professional Standing

While I hold a Juris Doctor (JD), I do not practice law or provide legal advocacy. Instead, I offer neutral mediation and financial analysis services. My background -- professionally and personally -- informs the process without the adversarial nature of traditional legal representation. This distinction allows me to focus entirely on resolution, neutrality, and the financial integrity of the agreement rather than litigation. For 21 years, my services have been 100% neutral; I have never worked with individual adult clients in divorce-related matters.

Core Practice Values

• Neutrality: Maintaining a balanced environment where both parties are heard and respected throughout the mediation process.

• Precision: Applying over two decades of experience to ensure mathematical accuracy and thoroughness in every settlement.

• Resolution: Prioritizing out-of-court settlements to preserve family resources, reduce conflict, and protect mental health.

• Specialization: Bringing targeted expertise to families with preteens and teens to ensure age-appropriate and sustainable parenting outcomes.

Family Law Mediator Matthew House, J.D.