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Gevurtz Menashe

PDX 503.227.1515
WA 360.823.0410

Since 1982.

Attorneys for Children

Serving Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA

Representing Children with Care & Competence

When it comes to legal matters, the stakes and standards for minors are different. They require talented, experienced, and compassionate legal counsel working on their behalf. 

The attorneys at Gevurtz Menashe act as lawyers and advocates for children in family law cases in Oregon and Washington. In family law cases, the judge will want to avoid having your child appear in court, as that can be a very stressful and traumatic event. Instead, the court will sometimes appoint an attorney to speak on behalf of the child and advocate for the child’s best interests. Parents may request an attorney for their child, the child may request an attorney, or sometimes a judge will appoint an attorney for a child without one being requested. Whatever the situation, our team can help.

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Why Appoint an Attorney for a Minor?


A child attorney may be appointed for any number of reasons, such as:
  • Protecting the child’s rights when the child testifies as a witness
  • Advocating for a child who’s at the center of a messy custody battle
  • Helping a family reach an agreement regarding the child’s best interests
  • Assisting the court in creating appropriate custody or parenting time arrangements
  • Representing a child in cases of abuse, neglect, or juvenile justice
  • Mediating between a teen in specific instances when a parent is unable or unwilling to hear what the teen has to say
     

How Is an Attorney for a Child Different Than an Attorney for an Adult?

Lawyers are legal experts and advisors, no matter who — or how old — their clients are. Their obligation is to dutifully represent clients of all ages and work towards optimal outcomes.

However, the practice of law must be approached in different ways for children than for adults. Children aren’t fully developed and don’t have the same rights and autonomy and, therefore, need a seasoned child welfare lawyer to represent them.

Unlike for an adult client, an attorney for a minor child may:
  • Counsel and guide a child client
  • Explain complex legal actions and options in ways a child can grasp
  • Assess and accommodate a child’s ability to comprehend legal matters and participate in the process
  • Advocate on the child's behalf
  • Giving the child a voice in court by expressing the child’s wishes
  • Ensure that the child’s best interests are considered when settlements are worked out
  • Investigate details and possible solutions that serve the child in and outside of court

You Deserve an Attorney Specializing in Law for Minors

Extensive Experience

You benefit from our decades of practicing law and representing children — and winning cases like yours — in Oregon and Washington.

Child-Focused Perspective

You’ll get a child lawyer, advocate, and advisor all in one. And your child’s best interests are central to everything we do.

Comprehensive Service

Legal proceedings can be overwhelming for children and their families. We’re by your side making the process as stressless as possible.

Attorneys

  • Matthew Muenzen Matthew Muenzen Associate
    Matthew Muenzen

    Matthew Muenzen

    Associate
    Matt has spent most of his life doing his best to help others.  As a former police officer and public defense attorney, he was committed to supporting and assisting community members, organizations, and clients.  He uses his passion for helping others to guide, educate, and support family law clients. Depending on the circumstances, Matt can be a zealous advocate or a silent warrior. He knows what it takes to win a case or how to find a reasonable and collaborative resolution. Family law and juvenile law matters are often complicated and overwhelming.  Matt is genuine, dedicated, and hard-working and provides personal and customized legal advice to clients based on compassion and respect.

    Matt has been practicing family law, with an emphasis on juvenile law, since 2008, first in Tennessee and then in Oregon. He was previously a supervising attorney and a special advisor to a deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In addition to practicing family law, Matt has represented children and parents in child welfare matters and often presents on topics related to child abuse and neglect. When dealing with the Oregon Department of Human Services, many different types of legal issues can arise. There are severe consequences in these cases and Matt has the experience and tenacity to help people navigate the complex nature of these matters.

    Outside the courtroom, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, exploring the beauty of Oregon, tasting new bourbon and coffee, working in his yard, sharing his favorite movie quotes, and strength training.
     
  • Erin O'Riley Erin O'Riley Associate
    Erin O'Riley

    Erin O'Riley

    Associate
    The essence of what I do is to provide advice and advocacy for clients during some of the toughest moments in their lives. My greatest strength in this profession is my ability to listen, empathize, and offer creative solutions to help my clients not only succeed in court but also find a way forward after their family law case concludes. If you were to ask people who know me to describe me in a few words, I believe they would say "thoughtful."

    Throughout my career, I've learned that family law is not just about having the best legal arguments; it's about empathy, problem-solving, common sense, and good judgment. These qualities are crucial in achieving positive results when dealing with such personal and sensitive matters. What I like most about helping my clients is calming their fears about the court system, providing them with guidance and support during difficult times.

    In my free time, my top three hobbies and passions include working out to stay active and healthy, reading to broaden my horizons, and cooking to experiment with new flavors and cuisines.
Meet our entire team!

Our Locations

Portland

Vancouver

FAQ

  • Why should you hire an attorney for a child?

    Why should you hire an attorney for a child?

    Attorneys can help protect, advise, and advocate for a child. They can also facilitate going through the legal process so the experience is more efficient and less taxing on a child.

  • What are some differences and similarities between having an attorney for a child vs an attorney for an adult?

    What are some differences and similarities between having an attorney for a child vs an attorney for an adult?

    In both cases, the attorney is a legal expert and advisor, representing the client in pursuit of a desired outcome. However, because children and adults have different mental and intellectual capacities, roles, and legal standings, a lawyer’s efforts for each will differ. A children’s attorney will factor in the child's ability to understand and participate in legal proceedings and advocate on the child's behalf. However, an adult’s attorney generally represents their client’s wishes and legal rights.
     

  • What are some situations that require hiring an attorney for a child?

    What are some situations that require hiring an attorney for a child?

    Generally speaking, a children’s lawyer may be warranted when legal matters could affect a child's well-being or legal rights. Common situations for which a child may need an attorney include: child custody disputes, abuse or neglect allegations, and juvenile justice cases.

  • What is a juvenile court dependency case?

    What is a juvenile court dependency case?

    This is a legal proceeding in which it’s determined that a child needs to be in the state’s protection or care — often due to child abandonment, abuse, or neglect. Courts sometimes appoint a social worker or another guardian to ensure the child's welfare.

Testimonial

“All of my experiences with the entire firm of Gevurtz Menashe was first class. While not a situation I ever expected or anticipated being in, I feel so fortunate to have found their expert help. Shawn was a consummate professional and I felt in good hands from the start. I immediately trusted him and knew he would act in my best interest and conducted himself with integrity and a delightful bedside manner. Nakia was a wonderful communicator and was terrific in getting the work done, setting clear expectations for next steps and I never felt unclear about what was happening. What's more, their professional and friendly demeanor made the experience pleasant and took the sting out of the transaction at hand. I also had a great experience with Kevin in the accounting department - friendly, professional and straightforward. I would highly recommend Gevurtz Menashe to anyone that needs their services. Thank you, Shawn and Nakia!”

-Liz Swaggerty Olsen
 
   

Schedule Your Consultation Today

The Gevurtz Menashe team not only has over 40 years of legal expertise, but we also care deeply for children and families. Let our experience in family law, divorce, and estate planning help you or your child get the best possible results, as easily as possible. Contact us at our Portland (503-227-1515) or Vancouver (360-823-0410) office, or fill out the form on the contact page.