How much does it cost to hire Ruth for a alimony case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ruth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Ruth offer a free consultation?

Ruth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ruth's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Ruth's current terms during booking.

How long do alimony cases in Oregon typically take?

Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ruth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ruth take my case if I'm outside Portland?

Ruth is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ruth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Ruth?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ruth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ruth accepting new alimony clients right now?

Ruth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ruth E Pekelder, Alimony Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatPekelder Family Law

Portland, OR

Practicing alimony in Portland since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Alimony Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law +1 more →

Are you Ruth E Pekelder?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Ruth E Pekelder is a member based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support. Ruth has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pekelder Family Law. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Portland, OR
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Alimony · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Portland, OR.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Ruth takes on

Ruth concentrates on alimony, child custody, child support, divorce, and dv defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ruth handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Alimony cases in Portland, Oregon

Ruth takes alimony matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ruth agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Portland, Oregon

Ruth takes child custody matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ruth agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Portland, Oregon

Ruth takes child support matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ruth agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Portland, Oregon

Ruth takes divorce matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ruth agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Portland, Oregon

Ruth takes dv defense matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ruth agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Ruth E Pekelder — alimony lawyer in Portland

Ms. Ruth E Pekelder is a lawyer practicing divorce & separation, child custody, uncontested divorce and 5 other areas of law. Ruth received a B.A. degree from Calvin College in 1979, and has been licensed for 42 years. Ruth practices at Pekelder Family Law in Portland, OR.

Working with Ruth on a alimony matter

Who Ruth represents

Ruth reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, child custody, and child support matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College
J.D. · 1983
Calvin College
B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Ruth's state bar admissions

Michigan (Inactive)
1985 · ACTIVE
Oregon
1984 · ACTIVE

Ruth studied at J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and B.A. in Calvin College.

Law school and academic background

Ruth completed J.D. in Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College and B.A. in Calvin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ruth runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Ruth has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Ruth E Pekelder's office in Portland

Ruth's primary office is at 819 S.E. Morrison St., Portland, OR, 97214. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Pekelder Family Law

819 S.E. Morrison St.

Portland, OR 97214

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ruth E Pekelder — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Ruth. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing alimony attorneys in Portland.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ruth E Pekelder claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ruth E Pekelder — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new alimony attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ruth usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Ruth charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ruth's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ruth will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ruth

Ruth discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in alimony practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ruth confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ruth's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many alimony practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Ruth E Pekelder

How much does it cost to hire Ruth for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ruth walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ruth offer a free consultation?
Ruth charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ruth's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Ruth's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ruth gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ruth take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Ruth is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ruth will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ruth?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ruth will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ruth accepting new alimony clients right now?
Ruth's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Alimony attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

Ruth handles alimony matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified alimony attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Ruth's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these alimony attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.