I have been practicing law in Hillsboro and the surrounding communities since I graduated from law school at the University of Oregon in 1996 and have focused my practice on marital and family law. I am a shareholder with Hillsboro Law Group, PC and currently head the Family Law Team for the firm. I understand through firsthand experience that issues related to marriage, family and other relationships can be among the most stressful and confusing you will ever encounter in your life but I am skilled at educating and guiding you through whatever process you are encountering whether negotiating and litigating the most complex contested financial and custody cases or drafting and finalizing uncontested divorces. My family law practice encompasses not only divorce but also domestic partnerships, separation agreements, spousal support, child support, custody, parenting time (visitation) and domestic violence (FAPA).
In addition to my marital and family law practice, I also focus on representing individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies as well as individuals who have been arrested for, or convicted of, DUI including diversion entry and probation violations.
In my over 20 years of practice, I have cultivated and maintained a trustworthy and reliable reputation among both my colleagues with whom, and the judges before whom, I regularly practice. I have direct and consistent interaction with all of my clients and have developed and maintained a solid reputation for being accessible and prompt in communicating with my clients whether by phone, e-mail or in person.
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
5289 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 110, Hillsboro, OR, 97124-3399
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Renee | June 10, 2016 | Hired Attorney
James was the exact type of lawyer I needed for my divorce. He was both extremely helpful and laid-back throughout my divorce process. He was able to put my anxieties at ease by his extensive knowledge regarding joint custody, child support and the divorce process in general. Very glad I hired this m...
Posted by Ike | April 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney
James and his team are outstanding. They are thorough, prompt and precise in the way they do business. They handled my bankruptcy case and received a discharge in under 3 months. I would recommend them to anyone seeking help with any and all legal issues. If they don't specialize in your area of need...
Posted by Jessica | January 8, 2013
Mr. Zwaanstra and his firm were fast acting, and ready to begin working on my case immediatly after our counsultation. Mr Zwaanstra explained everything to me clearly. He made me aware the situation i was dealing with for 7 years on my own, I did not have to fight anymore, and that it would come to...
Posted by anonymous | June 8, 2012
I hired Mr. Zwaanstra to represent me in a very ugly family law case. My ex-husband had been very abusive to me and our children and he helped me through both the restraining order process and the divorce case, including fights over both custody and child support, with dignity and respect. I will n...
"I endorse James. James is an excellent attorney. He is experienced and pleasant to work with. Look no further if you need a divorce."
"I have worked with James on a number of cases involving division of retirement and pension assets incident to divorce. James continuously shows an excellent level of competency on all matters relating to divorce and family law. He is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and respect in dealing with opposing attorneys. I give him my highest and unqualified endorsement, without hesitation or reservation."
"James is very personable and has extensive exerience in family law. His knowledge, experience, and professionalism are a benefit to his clients and fellow attorneys. I highly recommend James for family law cases."
"James has been a leading divorce attorney in Washington County, Oregon for the last decade, and excels at creating practical solutions for his clients."
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Estate planning lawyer
1993
Collegiate Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi
2012 - Present
Attorney, Hillsboro Law Group, PC (Formerly Known As Garland, Burton, McCaffery, PC)
2011 - 2012
President, Zwaanstra Law Office, PC
1997 - 2011
Principal, Zwaanstra & Associates, LLC
2002 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Washington County Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Multnomah County Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Oregon State Bar, Family Law SectionMember
1997 - Present
Oregon State BarMember
Wife awarded support, long half of assets, and children. Husband ordered to pay all Wife's attorney fees.
Husband awarded custody of children
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BS - Bachelor of Science
1993
BS - Bachelor of Science
English
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