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


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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

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Firm of Peter Bunch

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

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Peter Bunch's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Divorce & Separation

Posted by Mark | September 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent lawyer and person!

Peter is a great lawyer and runs what I call a very professional business. I hired Peter for a Divorce and was please at his professionalism, his ability to keep the process amicable as possible while still representing & standing up for my interests. I recommended Peter to two close friends and ...they have both been very happy with his services. For those with past poor experiences with lawyers a couple of things I want to highlight - No frivolous billing practices! - He does not over promise, he is clear what to expect and what he can deliver and what is less likely to be achieved - He listens and speak non-lawyer language - You never feel rushed

Posted by Mark | April 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Best Advice Possible

Peter handled my very contentious divorce - contentious because opposing counsel was dead-set on creating as much havoc as possible. Peter gave me great advice that was beyond just legal advice, it was life advice. He lifted me out of the alligator swamp and got me through it quickly. Afterward, ever...ything that he said would happen regarding my ex- was spot on and I ended up spending less and getting a better settlement over time, including full custody of my kids - I and I'm the FATHER, who typically gets the bad end of the custody deal!

Posted by Ken | April 01, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Effectively Navigated a Protracted Divorce Settlement

I engaged Mr. Bunch after a protracted and failed attempt by my former spouse and I to complete a divorce as co-petitioners without involving attorneys. The opposition continued to become increasingly confrontational and difficult, at which time, I engaged Peter to represent and assist me in navigat...ing through the process. He was extremely mindful of the cost benefit trade-offs of various settlement scenarios and the associated risk and probability of achieving a particular outcome, whether that be through arbitration, mediation or before the judge. He focused on arriving at a fair and equitable settlement without contributing to further escalation, time and costs. I found him to be very open, communicative and responsive. The time and expense billed was very conservative and rational. I found his knowledge of recent case law very helpful, and his familiarity with many of the judges, mediators and arbitrators was valuable in the selection process and when working with them in mediation to arrive at a settlement. I highly recommend Peter Bunch and will certainly engage him again in the future.

Posted by anonymous | August 05, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding, trustworthy attorney who fights hard for his clients and cares about them too.

Peter Bunch is an outstanding attorney and a decent man. I had a difficult divorce. I had no idea what to expect or what can go wrong in a legal system that seems to operate on law and procedure more than common sense. My divorce was a train wreck and there didn't seem to be any end or solution in si...ght. I had worked with and interviewed several attorneys, and had lost faith in the system, before I met Peter. The best day of my divorce was the day I walked into Peter's office, then bewildered and in a divorce that was a legal mess. Peter was a quick study. He was able to assess my situation and find a fair solution. He was there as a supportive and guiding presence step-by-step to the end. Peter is very smart. He thoroughly knows the law, how to apply the law, and he knows the judges and court system. He listens attentively, and actually hears and understands what his clients are saying. He takes the time to answer your questions, and at the same time addresses your underlying fears and concerns, while helping you to navigate an unfamiliar and often adversarial process. I have not seen another attorney who works as hard for his clients, treats them with such compassion, or pays such attention to their well-being as Peter. He is a strong advocate. He doesn't inflame difficult situations, but keeps his cool. He is firm, resolute, and fights hard for his clients, making sure they receive a fair treatment and outcome. In my work with Peter, he consistently showed the highest personal and professional integrity. He's a rare attorney and as his client you'd be fortunate to have Peter on your side as your legal counsel. He helped me end a terrible divorce and move on with my life. I highly recommend Peter, his paralegal Amanda, and his great team.

Posted by anonymous | March 13, 2013 | Divorce & Separation

Outstanding Attorney

Peter Bunch is an outstanding attorney and I highly recommend him if you are in need of a divorce attorney. Peter took on my case when it was a train wreck with seemingly no end in sight and my costs and fees rising. He quickly go up to speed, zeroed in on the key issues and finalized my divorce in s...hort order. Always conscious of fees, when appropriate, Peter delegated work to his very skilled and experienced paralegal Amanda. I will always be thankful for the day I walked into Peter’s office. Peter’s legal knowledge is extraordinary. He is experienced, bright, articulate, aggressive, and a very practical problem solver. In short, he has all the necessary tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently. At each stage of the proceeding Peter explained the issues, kept me fully informed and discussed the choices I confrontied. I never had any doubts that Peter had my best interests at heart and always had my back. Peter Bunch is an exceptionally good lawyer. Equally important, he is a good person. Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend Peter to anyone in need of his skills.

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

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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