Peter Bunch

Peter Bunch

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 31 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Portland, OR
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Alimony, Child Custody, Appeals

1200 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 450, Portland, OR

About Peter

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

Divorce and legal separation are two procedures that impact the status of the marital relationship. A divorce or legal separation generally involves these issues: (1) child custody and parenting time (visitation); (2) child support and related issues; (3) spousal support (alimony); and (4) property division. Having good representation is important to protect your interests in dealing with all of these important issues.

32 years | 500 cases

50%
Alimony 20%

Spousal support (alimony) is a common issue that arises in divorces and legal separations. In Oregon, there are three kinds of spousal support: (1) transitional, which is to help a spouse get additional training or education; (2) maintenance, which is to help the "out" spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living; and (3) compensatory support. Special rules apply to that kind of support; and award of compensatory support is very fact specific.

32 years | 500 cases

20%
Child Custody 20%

In Oregon, there are two kinds of custody: legal custody (decision making) and physical custody (how the child spends time with each parent). Custody issues can become very contentious if they are not handled properly. It is important for both parents to understand that, in any custody dispute, their conduct, and the conduct of their respective lawyers, may have a long lasting impact on their children. Therefore, choosing the right lawyer to represent you is imperative.

32 years | 200 cases

20%
Appeals 10%

My appellate practice began when I worked at the Oregon Court of Appeals. An appeal occurs when one party to a lawsuit is not satisfied with the result. Usually, to prevail on an appeal, the trial court must have made a significant error. My appellate practice is limited to appeals from civil litigation and family law.

32 years | 34 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 31 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 31 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Firm of Peter Bunch

1200 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 450, Portland, OR, 97209

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Peter Bunch's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

5 star (15)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Jessica | December 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A hero in Family Law

It is difficult to put into words how grateful I am to Peter and his paralegal Amanda. Custody/divorce cases are a very sensitive area of law and need to be handled with a level of fragility being that there are children involved. I was going up against an abusive ex and an equally nasty opposing ...counsel which caused a tremendous amount of anxiety for me. Throughout the entirety of my case, Peter remained professional, calm and always looked out for the best interest of my daughter. Because of the uncooperative nature of my ex, we were not able to come to a settlement agreement and ended up going to trial...this is where I really got to see Peter shine. After months and months of aggressive emails from opposing counsel with the intention to not only hurt me, but also completely ignore the best interest of my daughter, I was terrified to go to trial. I had been emotionally abused by my ex for years which had lowered my self confidence to a level that I just wanted to give up, but I am SO glad I trusted Peter to fight fearlessly, which is exactly what he did. I'll never forget this pivotal moment.....while I was being questioned on cross exam, I got frustrated that Peter wasn't objecting when I felt he could have stopped the unnecessary and tedious details opposing counsel was seeking. I sent Peter a text asking him to object as I felt my blood pressure rising. Peter's response was "be patient, he's losing the court. It's almost over. Be Mr. Rogers". That last part, "be Mr. Rogers" was one of the most profound pieces of advice I could have gotten in that moment or really any moment in life to be totally honest. It calmed my nerves immediately and I was able to keep my cool while opposing counsel continued to make himself look bad. Because of Peter's skills and impressive knowledge in Family Law, I prevailed in every area of my case and the judge awarded me exactly what I asked for. The judge also invited Peter to apply for my attorney's fees at the end which was not only a relief for my finances, it was also incredibly validating. Everything I had gone through with my ex was traumatic and I think the judge really got a sense of how awful my ex was due to how Peter presented the facts. Peter's #1 goal was to protect my daughter and make sure her best interest was always at the forefront of everything he did. I cant thank Peter and Amanda enough for everything they did for me and my daughter. If you're looking for a good family law attorney, look no further, Peter is your guy. I promise, you will not be disappointed.

Posted by Mark | August 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A lawyer you'd want during a pandemic

Peter Bunch has represented me since Feb, 2020. Despite numerous hurdles and detours presented by my wife’s lawyer, which he successfully defended, Peter has maintained principled, yet vigorous representation in keeping with my wishes. We’re finally reaching judgment, despite a global pandemic, which... presented its own novel issues. During the trial the judge acknowledged that Peter’s command of legal authority ("encyclopedic") to support my position was greater than the judge’s, despite over 25 years on the bench. While he has maintained a steady yet calculating demeanor, he regularly schooled the opposition on the law, who literally acknowledged his superior command of the law. Peter has provided clear advice os to how best to present my case, carefully preparing me at every turn. He works solo, so, while he juggles clients’ needs, the work product is his responsibility alone, which he takes very seriously. I would recommend Peter without hesitation. I must add that Amanda Monaghan, Peter's assistant, provides superior support.

Posted by anonymous | February 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best attorney ever!

Peter and Amanda went above and beyond representing me in my divorce custody case. This last year has been the most painful experience I have ever encountered. Dealing with my ex was far from easy but they were there to support me along the way. I was recommended to Peters firm from a friend who also... divorced a narcissistic ex. Normal divorces are hard enough but when dealing with this kind of personality disorder along with horrible abuse and trauma it is a whole new ballgame. Peter and Amanda were very supportive and gentle with me. After a year my divorce was finally over. Peter fought till the end and I will be forever grateful. I have full custody of my daugter and the amount of alimony and child support we needed. Thank you so much! I wouldn’t go with anyone else when it comes to divorce/custody cases.

Posted by Charles | February 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An AMAZING Attorney

Peter took a very difficult case for me very late in the process. He literally turned my case around, getting my daughter into a better/healthier situation. - He cares about you and your family - Knows the law, your rights - Is very respectful to all parties involved but has his clients interes...ts always in mind. - Is absolutely amazing! - Is worth every penny.

Posted by anonymous | January 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding lawyer for all issues related to divorce and custody

Peter Bunch and his team have served me extremely well through the course of an extensive divorce and subsequent custody issues. He helped to defend me and my children in the face of an aggressive and angry ex-spouse, who had equally aggressive representation. He provided wise counsel which ultimate...ly served me and my children, even in the face of restraining orders against my ex-spouse. I would recommend Peter, Amanda and his team to anyone in search of a thoughtful, caring legal crew. They spent time getting to know my case very well so they could advocate for the best ultimate outcome. I feel lucky to have chosen this group to represent me. I have friends who have subsequently worked with them, and who feel the same way.

See All Client Reviews

Peter Bunch's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Peter
Arusi Robert Loprinzi headshot
Arusi Loprinzi

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Peter and his team are zealous and thorough advocates who clearly care about their clients. I recommend and endorse Peter for family law matters."

Vincent J Bernabei headshot
Vincent Bernabei

Family lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Peter deserves a 6E rating. Efficient, ethical, experienced, earnest, expert and enthusiastic."

Daniel S Margolin headshot
Daniel Margolin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Peter is an excellent trial lawyer and appeals advocate. He has a terrific mind for legal strategy and understands both the intellectual and human elements of family law."

Thomas A Bittner headshot
Thomas Bittner

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is very professional and an excellent advocate."

Gregory B Soriano headshot
Gregory Soriano

Family lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Peter Bunch for a number of years. Peter and I have had many cases together. I find him very professional to deal with and very knowledgeable about Family Law Issues. I have referred clients to Peter Bunch in the past and have referred appellate work as I found him to be excellent appellate lawyer. Peter and presented a seminar on ORCP Rules for the Family Law Section. I consider him an excellent resource and have discussed Family Law issues in general with him over the years. I would rate him a "10" for his legal knowledge and for his work in Family Law both Trial and Appellate Practice"

Andrew Walker Newsom headshot
Andrew Newsom

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Peter's work."

Gary J Zimmer headshot
Gary Zimmer

Family lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Thomas A Bittner headshot
Thomas Bittner

Family lawyer

Gregory B Soriano headshot
Gregory Soriano

Family lawyer

Gary J Zimmer headshot
Gary Zimmer

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2018

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

Work Experience

2010 - Present

owner, The Law Firm of Peter Bunch, LLC

1998 - 2009

Partner, Zimmer & Bunch, LLC

1995 - 1998

lawyer, Kennedy King & Zimmer

1993 - 1995

legal clerk, Oregon Court of Appeals

Associations

2013 - Present

American Bar Association

2006 - Present

American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers chapter

Member

1995 - Present

Multnomah Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Wang and Zhou

Prevailed on custody and parenting time

Luetkenhaus and Smith

prevailed on appeal

Powell and Powell

successfull

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2014

Annual Family Law Conference

Pleading and Practice in Family Law

2012

Dealing with Unrepresented Parties

Dealing with Unrepresented parties

2009

Relationship Agreements

Setting Aside Judgments

2009

Hot Topics in a Cold Economy

Drafting spousal support language

2009

22nd Family Law Seminar

Divorce in an era of ecomonic decline

Publications

2013

Family Law Handbook Discovery

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution