Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law
Understand Your Rights and Responsibilities
Firm Overview
The practice focuses primarily on family law including dissolution, custody and support issues, administrative and modification cases. I also continue to practice in other areas of law including bankruptcy, estate planning and probate issues.
Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law (GFBL) is conveniently located in Gresham, Oregon. GFBL was established by Lillian Suelzle Watson in 2001 to provide legal representation to individuals facing various legal issues in a supportive atmosphere in their local community. At GFBL we focus our practice in the Multnomah and Clackamas Circuit Courts and in the US District Court of Oregon.
Due to attorney-client privilege, I am unable to include example cases.
Main
1217 NE Burnside Road
Suite 204
Gresham
OR
97030
- (503) 492-4229
- (503) 491-4891
Fees
Initial consultation for Family Law issues is $100.00 and for Bankruptcy the Initial consultation is free
We offer "non-contested" actions in family matters based on a flat fee within a specific range. This is based on the complexity of your case. If the case is later contested, it can be converted to an hourly fee. Wills range from $350 (each) to $700 if they contain trust language or other provisions. A will for a spouse will be reduced by $50. Bankruptcy chapter 7 start at $1,200 for attorneys fees plus costs. There will be an additional fee if your income is at or above the median income range required for the means test.
- Senior Attorney $240
- Associate Attorney $200
Office Information
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Floyd Watson
No
English
We protect the rights of our clients in cases ranging from divorce to debtor's rights to wills. All members of the Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law team are very family-oriented professionals committed to excellent client service.
We know how far-reaching family issues can become and our experience reflects the serious nature that complications of family life can involve. We represent clients in a variety of family law issues, including:
Divorce or legal separation
Paternity
Parenting time and custody issues
Establishing or modifying child or spousal support
Changes or modifications of existing judgments
Administrative hearings
Enforcement of current judgments
Child custody â These issues have a lasting impact on the entire family involved with the issues. For example, child custody determinations are inherently emotive and difficult for parents and their children. We advocate for our clients in these situations when they cannot easily speak for themselves.
Modifications â Final decisions can be challenging to reach in some cases, especially for those that involve alimony or spousal support. After a period of time beyond original decisions, post-judgment modifications may become necessary. Financial circumstances can easily change for a variety of reasons in today's world and trigger the need for modifications. We offer clients experienced representation for child support modifications and spousal support modifications.
How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?
I focus on bankruptcy and family law for several reasons. One is that soon after graduating law school, I had the opportunity to assume the clients of a long time attorney friend who was retiring. This gave me the start in my own practice. Second, I enjoy assisting clients who deal with tough life choices and helping them walk through changes toward a positive future.
What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Often a family law matter can be handled effectively by the client with a few directions. We offer consultation services on a limited basis to the self represented individual (pro se). If your matter becomes complex, we can step in, switch representation to full representation, and appear on your behalf.
Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We can walk a client through the various self-help forms based on the time needed.
Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
When we provide self-help advice, we do not appear in court on your behalf; instead we "coach" you on the various steps that must be taken.
Lillian Suelzle-Watson
Prior to attending law school, I was employed as a legal secretary, an administrative assistant in commercial lending, and a residential loan officer beginning in 1991.
I worked as a legal secretary for approximately seven years, and then became an office assistant in a commercial lending department. During this time I completed my education and received my B.A. I became a residential loan officer and enjoyed working for clients so they could become homeowners. When the banking community was undergoing changes, I realized that I now had the education to attend law school. I believe that my time working with clients as a loan officer helps me to understand that clients need professionals to navigate complex issues.
I believe that my strengths are empathy, listening, grasping the big picture and knowing my current judges. I believe I am viewed as an ethical and responsible member of the local legal community and feel very much at home in the Gresham S.E. Portland area.
Personal interests:I enjoy spending time with my husband, Floyd, and my adult children and grandchildren. I also enjoy my garden, my church family, and being involved in my local community.
- Bar Number: 010985
Oregon , 2001
- Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College
Juris Doctorate , 2000
Portland, OR
Moot Court - Regional - Marylhurst University
Bachelor of Arts , 1992
Marylhurst, OR
Noah Bishop
Noah understands that his clients are making financial decisions that will impact their lives both today and in the future. He will assist you in making the correct choice while explaining a complicated process. He and our staff at Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law will ensure that your case is completed completely with diligence from beginning until discharge.
- Bar Number: 092871
Oregon , 2009
- Lewis and Clark Law
JD Law , 2009
Noah obtained his law degree from the Lewis and Clark Law School in 2009 where he received several honors; these included the Scholar's List, Outstanding Clinical Advocate and an associate editor for the Environmental Law Review.
Natalie Hedman
The idea of marriage and/or family is a dedication by civil contract on the surface, but also, less evidently a commitment to self-expression and personal growth. Sometimes the same components that work together to make a healthy person and relationship are also the components that work against a continued commitment. It is my purpose to help persons safely and fairly transition to a healthier place in life regardless of their family structure, socioeconomic backgrounds or difference.
Natalie is also very involved in the community. The Multnomah Bar recently wrote an article on Ms. Hedmanâs community involvement in October, 2010. She has taught at Heald College on various legal courses to paralegal students.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys biking, gardening, and running in the forest. Because of her deep appreciation for nature and community, she can frequently be found participating in a number of community or outdoor activities. Most of all though, she loves spending time with her daughter, her friends, and her dog.
- Bar Number: 091976
Oregon , 2009
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