Michael A. Yates

Michael A. Yates is the founder of Yates Family Law, PC. Focusing exclusively on that practice area, he provides representation to people throughout the greater Portland area. Admitted to practice in Oregon since 1983, Mr. Yates is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

In his practice, Mr. Yates primarily assists people whose marriages are coming to an end and who are accordingly having to deal with such issues as property division, spousal and child support, and child custody and visitation. In many cases, he is able to help them come to an accord on these matters through negotiating a comprehensive settlement agreement. However, when litigation becomes necessary, his extensive trial experience makes Mr. Yates a forceful courtroom advocate.

In addition to his divorce practice, Mr. Yates represents clients whose marriages have already been dissolved and who are now seeking modifications to or the enforcement of existing support and parenting court orders. His family law experience has also encompassed the preparation and review of prenuptial, post-marital, and separation agreements. His successful track record in all of these matters has earned Mr. Yates the respect of his colleagues, including an AV Preeminent* peer review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. In addition, he has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2003.

Mr. Yates is a fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and his other professional affiliations include the Multnomah Bar Association. A recipient of a Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude from Kent State University, he obtained his legal education at what was then known as The Ohio State University College of Law, and in 1983, he was awarded his Juris Doctor with honors and inducted into the Order of the Coif.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.