$ 405-415 per hour
PRO
Lauren M. Barnhart
Virtual Consultation Available
About Lauren
Biography
Lauren Barnhart grew up in Tacoma, Washington with her mom, three brothers and a village of aunts and uncles. Lauren learned at an early age that hard work and creative solutions can allow you to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Lauren realized early on that she would need to find her own way to pay for college, so by her senior year, she had secured a full-ride music scholarship to a four-year university, and performed in Carnegie Hall as the principal bassoonist in the Tacoma Youth Symphony.
Lauren entered law school with lofty ambitions of bringing international war criminals to justice, but soon realized that she felt the greatest reward serving individuals within her own community. Practicing family law allows Lauren the opportunity to help families navigate through what is arguably the most difficult time of their lives. Practicing estate planning allows Lauren to help families plan for their future. When Lauren meets a client for the first time, she wants them to know above all else that their case matters to her, and that she can get them through to the other side.
Lauren practices law with integrity and compassion and believes that when dealing with families, the best outcomes are not measured by winners and losers, rather equitable solutions and child-focused results. While Lauren does maintain a successful and active litigation practice, she will first try and explore all opportunities for settlement to avoid litigation. Coming from a modest background, Lauren truly appreciates the price tag, and her goal is always to reach the most equitable outcome, as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.
Lauren moved from Washington to Oregon in 2007 and has been living in Portland since shortly after graduating cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in 2012. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and spoiled border collie (Dolly Parton), watching movies, camping, wine tasting, playing modern and classic euro board games, and singing karaoke. Lauren’s favorite thing about Portland is the proximity to so many types of activities. She loves that you can access the desert, the mountains, the coast or the river all with only an hour or two drive. Then when you get back, you can take advantage of Portland’s diverse food scene, vast array of breweries and urban wineries, eco-conscious transportation, self-sufficient neighborhoods, and a lively alternative music scene.
I approach my practice with integrity and empathy, and believe wholeheartedly that family law matters are best resolved outside the courtroom. Sometimes litigation is unavoidable and I will aggressively litigate your case, but I will try first to preserve relationships and craft creative solutions.
Going through a divorce will likely be one of the toughest things you will ever go through. It's important you find an attorney that will listen to you, advocate for you, and provide you with information and guidance to get you through to the other side as equitably and efficiently as possible.
A thorough estate plan is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones. Not only can you rest assured that your wishes will be carried out when you pass, your loved ones aren't going to be required to guess or speculate what you would have wanted.
When dealing with the loss of a loved one, the last thing you want to is have to start undertaking the arduous task of probating their estate. Let me take some of this burden and we'll get through this process together.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
30%
13 years
Family
25%
13 years
Estate Planning
15%
13 years
Mediation
15%
7 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016
Licenses
Licensed in Oregon for 12 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Barnhart Legal LLC
(503) 843-8909
Mobile
333 SW Taylor St,, Suite 400, Portland, OR, 97204
barnhartlawfirm.comGallery
Lauren M. Barnhart's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
23 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (23)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Karl | December 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Attorney Lauren M. Barnhart is an Exceptional Lawyer
Attorney Lauren M. Barnhart (Lauren), is an exceptional lawyer on many levels. I did an in-depth search to find an estate lawyer that I was comfortable with to put together a Will. I was overjoyed after an initial meeting (consultation) with Lauren for I knew my search was successful in finding La...
Posted by Doug | December 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Alimony
Professional Service
Lauren handled a dispute I had with my ex-wife over the amount of spousal support due once she started receiving SS Income which became quite challenging due to a lack of cooperation from my ex-wife and her attorney which resulted in our going through the mediation process which Lauren handled wonder...
Posted by Valerie | January 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Lauren understands what matters
Lauren was fantastic to work with. When everything felt massive and important, she kept me on track with what was truly important to winning my divorce trial. She was always there when I had a question or concern, and she also kept costs in mind- not wracking up frivolous charges for things I didn't ...
Posted by Bob | February 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Fantastic Job
Lauren recently represented me in divorce proceeding and did a stellar job, beginning to end. Lauren is very professional and very thorough, taking the time to really explain what is happening in your case and your best options. The bottom line is always trust and I totally trusted Lauren to repres...
Posted by Luann | March 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Probate
Lauren was extremely helpful in helping me understand the process of probate. She was very responsive to all questions I had and worked diligently to keep me informed of what was happening.
Lauren M. Barnhart's Lawyer Endorsements
"If I were ever in need of a family law attorney, Lauren Barnhart would be my first call. She is an exceptional advocate—sharp, strategic, and deeply committed to her clients. Lauren has a rare ability to blend legal expertise with genuine compassion, making her not only a formidable attorney but also a trusted guide through the most difficult family law matters. I have had the privilege of seeing Lauren’s work firsthand, and I can confidently say she is one of the best in the field. She approaches every case with meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication, ensuring her clients feel supported and empowered every step of the way. I highly recommend Lauren to anyone in need of a skilled and compassionate family law attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Lauren is knowledgeable and well respected in the Portland legal community."
"I have personally observed Ms. Barnhart's strong work ethic and unwavering advocacy on behalf of herclients. Ms. Barnhart’s experience provides her with the skills necessary to address her clients' needs. A strong indicator of an attorney’s ability is whether his/her professional colleagues would entrust their personal affairs in the attorney’s hands. Not every attorney is capable of earning such respect and trust. I would trust Ms. Barnhart to handle my case, and that is why I eagerly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Lauren has one of the most compassionate hearts I've seen in the legal field. She truly cares about her client and you will not find a better advocate to represent you and help you create a better future."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I have known Lauren both personally and professionally for many years. Her commitment to excellence in the field of Family Law is unmatched. She is a tough but fair opposing counsel, always willing to work toward an amicable resolution to every case."
Erin Morris
Family lawyer
Cambell Boucher
Family lawyer
Katherine Denning
Family lawyer
Heather Unger
Family lawyer
Jason Pierson
Family lawyer
Laura Fishman
Family lawyer
Triston Dallas
Family lawyer
Lewis Landerholm
Family lawyer
William Jones
Family lawyer
Jack Dekovich
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Senior Associate, Morris Family Law
2019 - 2024
Senior Associate, Posey Legal, PC
2015 - 2019
Associate Attorney, Landerholm Family Law
2013 - 2015
Associate Attorney, Peterson Law Group
2010 - 2012
Editor, Willamette Law Review
Associations
2022 - 2023
Oregon Trial Lawyers AssociationCo-Chair of New Lawyer Section
2017 - 2020
Portland Youth PhilharmonicBoard Member
Education
2012
Willamette University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Willamette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Estate Administration from Start to Finish
Distribution and Closing of the Estate
2018
AFCC 13th Symposium on Child Custody
Step-Up Parenting Plans: Creative Tools to Build Lasting Transitional Plans
Publications
2016
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
A Brief Overview of Oregon Uncontested Divorce
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
An Overview of Oregon Spousal Support
2016
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
4 Detrimental Mistakes That Could Sabotage Your Child Custody Case
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
Personal Divorce Readiness: 3 Areas in Which to Prepare Yourself
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
10 Important Facts You Should Know About Getting Divorced in Oregon
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
Potential Grounds for Child Support Modifications
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
“Stay Together for the Kids” and Six Other Misconceptions About Divorce
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
What Every Divorced Parent Must Understand About Oregon Relocation Law
2016
Landerholm Law Blog
Where are the Children During a Family Law Trial?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a sibling claim a property if she has been living in the basement of parents' house for over 12 years when they die?
28 Nov 2024
Q&A
Can my daughters dad keep my child from me?
24 Oct 2024
Q&A
How do I transfer title of real estate following Small Estate Probate Affidavit?
20 Jan 2022
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
How to manage your Oregon divorce case without full legal representation.
26 Aug 2016
Video Legal Guide
How to properly account for “real property” during divorce.
27 Jul 2016
Video Legal Guide
How to ensure that you receive a fair divorce settlement.
27 Jun 2016