Founded in 1986 with a dedicated focus on providing clients exceptional legal services and outstanding customer service, SK&H will focus on your needs - whether you seek help with a divorce, custody, modification, will, trust or any other matter related to family law. We look for the most positive way for you to find resolution to any matters you have.
For us, clients come first. Our company motto is "Creative Solutions in Difficult Times." Bend Managing Shareholder Joel Kent elaborates, "We give our clients a different perspective on a problem, and perhaps a solution, that they hadn't thought of before."
For us, clients come first. Our company motto is "Creative Solutions in Difficult Times." Bend Managing Shareholder Joel Kent elaborates, "We give our clients a different perspective on a problem, and perhaps a solution, that they hadn't thought of before."
Services
Many people think of the term "family law" as a polite euphemism for "divorce law, " but the field actually covers much more than divorce. Family law issues include all aspects of marriage planning, dissolution of marriage, custody of children, family law mediation, and LGBT family law. Questions about these terms are common, and finding help can be confusing.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements empower couples to define their rights and obligations in case a marriage ends in divorce. These agreements are contracts that disclose the assets and debts of each spouse and dictate how those assets and debts should be distributed in the event of a divorce. The difference between a prenuptial and postnuptial agreement is that the former is written before a marriage and the latter is written during one.
If you are a parent going through a divorce, the custody of children involved will be a major concern. Under Oregon and Washington state child custody laws, "custody" is defined as a parent's right to make major decisions related to a child's upbringing. Typically, a custodial parent will have the right to make decisions for a child related to major medical care, education, religious training, and important social activities.
Sometimes after a divorce is finalized, circumstances change-perhaps through a new employer or relocation. If your resources, financial status, or lifestyle have altered since the original court order, you may be able to make modifications to your original support order, custody order, or parenting time schedule.
With the passage of Referendum 74 in Washington and Oregon's state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage overturned, these states recognize no legal differences between a same-sex marriage and an opposite-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage licenses issued in either one of these states are also recognized by the federal government, in accordance with the 2013 rulings by the Supreme Court.
Reviews (25)
Alicia D.
Jan 02, 2022
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There was no part of me that ever wanted to meet Jody or Anna. None! As a 20 year marriage was ending I started asking around for names of attorneys. I didn't have a clue where to start. But, there was one firm that came up several times from people I trusted - Stahancyk, Kent and Hook. I consulted with several firms before SKH and saved them for last. The old adage, save the best for last? Ask Jody or Anna their theory on how you capture a monkey. Hilarious and so wise. It was at that story, I said... Yes, they are the ones for me. They KNOW the law. But, more important than
Michele
Aug 19, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I am so thankful for Brad Miller's excellent representation. He successfully navigated and settled our very complex litigation with skill, creativity and grace. I highly recommend Brad to anyone needing strong representation in the divorce process.
I am so thankful for Brad Miller's excellent representation. He successfully navigated and settled our very complex litigation with skill, creativity and grace. I highly recommend Brad to anyone needing strong representation in the divorce process.
Elexis Kain
Jul 25, 2021
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Truly enjoyed my time working for SKH as a client advocate. So many benefits, including free lunches, a genuine effort by management to cultivate a positive work culture, A LOT of opportunities to grow, full benefits, and a team of AMAZING people across all departments. It's also a pro knowing you are working for, and learning from, the best of the best.
Christine Manaois-Meneses
Jun 26, 2021
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My experience was "Phenomenal" with Laurel Hook as my attorney, she assured and amazingly represented me in my case. Laurel listened to me and understood the importance of my story, she never gave up on me, instead she made me stronger to fight for what I believe in. Laurel had proven how supportive she was by perfectly advocating for me.
I hired and fired a couple of attorneys who just wanted a quick fix and settle, but I'm not a quitter, so when I hired Laurel and her team I knew I saved the best for last because within 8 weeks before trial, they gave 100% plus and more in representing me which
I hired and fired a couple of attorneys who just wanted a quick fix and settle, but I'm not a quitter, so when I hired Laurel and her team I knew I saved the best for last because within 8 weeks before trial, they gave 100% plus and more in representing me which
Kevin Magula
Jun 23, 2021
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Sumner Brooks
Jun 21, 2021
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Laurel Hook and her team at SK&H are amazing. After working with Laurel we were beyond pleased with the resolution of our complex, family court matter. We felt she went above and beyond to hear our needs, listen and prepare, and worked to resolve all our concerns. We are incredibly grateful for how much help and support we got from Laurel. Hands down we recommend you seek her for representation should you ever need someone. She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, proactive, and she is the person you want to have with you for the things that matter most.
S. B.
Jun 15, 2021
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Anna Friedhoff is a masterful attorney. She's been an absolute pleasure to work with during the most unpleasant and difficult time of my life. She makes herself available all hours of the day, every day of the week. When she gives you her cell number and tells you to call or text her at anytime, she means it.
Anna's incredibly sharp-witted, honest, thoughtful and has been a steadfast supporter of me and my children. I trust with 100% confidence I'm working with the very best attorney and law firm in all of Portland.
Anna's incredibly sharp-witted, honest, thoughtful and has been a steadfast supporter of me and my children. I trust with 100% confidence I'm working with the very best attorney and law firm in all of Portland.
H. H.
Jun 10, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Anna Friedhoff and her team have been absolutely top-notch throughout my very high-conflict divorce. She is calm and collected under pressure and thinks fast and creatively on her feet. Her team is Johnny-on-the-spot and communicative. The entire office has been very professional. I highly recommend them.
Anna Friedhoff and her team have been absolutely top-notch throughout my very high-conflict divorce. She is calm and collected under pressure and thinks fast and creatively on her feet. Her team is Johnny-on-the-spot and communicative. The entire office has been very professional. I highly recommend them.
Max Downing
Jun 01, 2021
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Divorces are always gut-wrenching, confusing, and lonely situations. Brad Miller represented me with compassion and honesty, always focused on filtering out the noise and providing clear and relevant guidance. His strategic perspective and deep understanding of the law make him one of the best. The fact that he is also a good person is a windfall.
Valerie Robinson
May 30, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
SK&H did a great job helping me navigate through a very difficult situation. Brad Miller knew what was in my best interest and fought for me even when I argued with him. He was compassionate, respectful and very knowledgeable about the law. Thanks, Brad and your team!
SK&H did a great job helping me navigate through a very difficult situation. Brad Miller knew what was in my best interest and fought for me even when I argued with him. He was compassionate, respectful and very knowledgeable about the law. Thanks, Brad and your team!
Stephen Gomez
Dec 12, 2020
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Brad Miller was my attorney for the dissolution of my marriage. He provided excellent context for what to expect--risks, timeframe and likely reasonable outcome. He was very responsive when I needed him. He treated the adverse attorney professionally and also was always two steps ahead of their tactics. The dissolution came to a satisfactory conclusion for me. I would highly recommend Brad for his strategic and professional competencies.
Ross S.
Jun 30, 2020
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I just experienced the most difficult year of my life. I was blindsided by divorce with 2 small kids who I adore and quickly set out to assemble my team. I had 4 total consultations with highly rated family law attorneys in Portland and left each consultation feeling depressed and defeated. I had most attorneys tell me that the process is biased against men when it comes to custody and, as a devoted father, it is the thing I care about above all else - more than the financial impact (which, of course, I greatly care about as well).
It was the last consultation that was different - the one with
It was the last consultation that was different - the one with
Lyndsay W.
Apr 02, 2020
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So here's the thing- divorce is awful. There's nothing positive to say about it but having a powerful legal team to guide you is the best thing you can do. I was referred to Brad Miller as a powerhouse for high-conflict, complex dissolutions. From the moment I met Brad I felt like I finally had a way out of the darkness. He had insights and a global perspective with extensive experience to help me make the best decisions possible. He referred me to his incredibly gifted associate, Anna Friedhoff and she was a godsend in the outcome of my case. Her relationships, expert connections, quick
Heathie L.
Mar 22, 2018
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Jim S.
Mar 01, 2018
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I absolutely love this law firm. They went to war to help me get my children back and I will forever be grateful. There is a reason they are the most feared law firm in Portland, and that's because they are the absolute best. From start to finish they made me feel confident, comfortable, and they really cared. I would never refer a loved one anywhere else. Make sure you at least meet with them before agreeing to use an attorney from anywhere else!
Liz B.
May 28, 2017
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If you are reading this post, then you are going through one of the worst experiences of your life, but the team at SKH really made me feel comfortable, safe, and helped me and my now ex-husband reach the best results that we could get. Phil and Anna were there for me whenever I needed their support. It could have been 10 pm on a Wednesday night, but I knew I could get a hold of them.
Brad K.
Apr 20, 2017
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I worked with Laurel Hook and Anna Friedhoff at Stahancyk Kent & Hook and was very impressed with their professionalism, insight and skill.
Laurel is a partner at the firm and is as high caliber as they come. I was constantly amazed by her level of retention and focus. She's a busy woman who has heard many stories over the years but was able to remember and engage small details from the earliest stages of my case. She also has keen insight into both the patterns she's seen before as well as the uniqueness of my specific situation. This experience and poise was a critical difference
Laurel is a partner at the firm and is as high caliber as they come. I was constantly amazed by her level of retention and focus. She's a busy woman who has heard many stories over the years but was able to remember and engage small details from the earliest stages of my case. She also has keen insight into both the patterns she's seen before as well as the uniqueness of my specific situation. This experience and poise was a critical difference
M. N.
Feb 27, 2017
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Professional, responsive, thorough and caring. Mr. Arthur Saito went above and beyond the scope of what one might think are 'normal' responsibilities. His concern for the well being of all affected parties was, and is, very much appreciated. A true professional and a quality firm to engage should the need arise.
Darren K.
Nov 09, 2015
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I used this firm (specifically Laurel Hook) to help me with a parenting time issue. They ended up "inappropriately billing" me to the tune of thousands of dollars. I've seen other clients of the firms billing statements and the same thing happened to them. In 2011 a judge ruled that they "inappropriately billed" me and they were ordered to pay me back. I filed a complaint with the Oregon State Bar. Almost four years later, the Bar found that Laurel Hook, a named partner in the firm had indeed "inappropriately billed" me. She was punished by the Bar, but the Bar
Amber B.
Mar 25, 2015
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Lindsay Howk from Stahancyk, Kent & Hook recently represented me in my divorce proceedings. She was knowledgeable, professional, and extremely responsive. I honestly can say that I don't know how I would have made it through the past 9 months without her expertise. Not only did she assist with finalizing my divorce, she was able to provide me with excellent referrals to mediators, mortgage brokers and CPAs. Lindsay is a very hard worker and attentive to the needs of her clients. Thank you, Lindsay, for helping me through this very difficult time in my life!
V. A.
Mar 05, 2015
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Jody did a 'bait and switch' on me. She told me she would personally represent me when I pointedly asked her who would represent me. She also told me that I would keep pre-marital assets. A Jr. attorney showed up in court. All of my friends who attended court described my representation as very poor.
After $150,000 in fees to Jody, I lost half my assets. My advice: Get in writing who is representing you. Don't go to Jody.
After $150,000 in fees to Jody, I lost half my assets. My advice: Get in writing who is representing you. Don't go to Jody.
Greg K.
Oct 28, 2014
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I've recently discovered that the attorney who contacted me and represented himself as a 'business dispute' specialist, John Crawford, also happens to be married to Jody Stahancyk. So, now I'm dealing with this guy, who was brought in by Stahancyk, Kent & Hook to attempt to sue me for the fees that are in dispute. I recommend that you do your homework on this firm. Ask around town to find out what other attorneys' opinions are with regards to how this firm conducts business.
Mr. Crawford is accusing me of conducting an 'online campaign' because I've
Mr. Crawford is accusing me of conducting an 'online campaign' because I've
Kent L.
Sep 05, 2014
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I went to Jody Stahancyk for help with a child custody evaluation as she came highly recommended from a business associate. I was blown away by the overall experience. Jody has been more of a parental consultant, spiritual adviser, therapist and friend above all else. Fortunately, she and her team are also world class attorneys. She was able to get a favorable judgment and has helped me be a better father and co-parent in the process. I'm grateful for their insights, creativity and attention. I would be very concerned if I ever ended up on the other side of the table from an SKH associate
Sabrina P.
Jan 31, 2014
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I am going through a complicated divorce and Stahancyk, Kent and Hook make me feel like I am their only client. I am constantly in communication with my lawyers. I am being supported in ways that are above and beyond their call of duty. They are extremely creative. I feel protected and confident moving through this process. I can reach one of my lawyers day or night just to talk. They offer external resources for my daughter and I. They hand deliver documents to my house. I feel like this firm is saving my life. In one of the darkest times for a person they shed new light on life.
Melissa M.
Dec 30, 2013
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