Atty. Brett E. Engel
Having practiced law in Portland for 20 years, Brett Engel is known as an exceptionally skilled litigation attorney. His busy practice focuses on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements and domestic partnership cases.
Adoptions & More Attorney · Serving Portland, OR · 31+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Brett E. Engel at a Glance
Brett E. Engel is a Partner based in Portland, Oregon, practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, business, and real estate. Admitted to practice in Oregon (1995). Educated at Willamette University (J.D., 1995) and University of Vermont (B.A., 1988). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Clackamas County, Multnomah County and Washington County Bar Associations Oregon State Bar Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners. Serves clients in Portland, OR and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Brett E. Engel
- Having practiced law in Portland for 20 years, Brett Engel is known as an exceptionally skilled litigation attorney
- His busy practice focuses on all aspects of family law, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements and domestic partnership cases
- He has handled and tried cases throughout the State of Oregon.A family law issue can present the most challenging time of a person's life
- Brett's many years of experience help him understand the myriad issues that can affect his clients when dealing with challenging family issues
- One of Brett's strengths is that he takes the time to fully understand his client's needs and desired outcomes and then aggressively pursues those aims.Options always exist for a client experiencing family transition
- Brett listens to his clients, and explains all options
- Some of those options involve peaceful negotiation and resolution, but sometimes a fair result can only be achieved with the court's help
- As a trusted advisor to his clients, Brett discusses and explains the costs and benefits of various options at every step of the process
- His goal is for his client to make good decisions (with his help) based on his or her needs and available resources
- Brett's satisfaction comes with providing cost-efficient services that allow his clients to regain self-confidence and control over their own lives.Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Brett graduated with his B.A. from the University of Vermont in 1988 and with his J.D. from Willamette University in 1995
- He began his law career as a civil litigator in private practice, and transitioned to his family law practice in 1998.When not at work, Brett spends his time reading books about history, fly-fishing (when time allows), and travelling in his motor home with his family
- In fact, he ties his own fishing flies
Practice Areas Explained
Brett E. Engel's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Brett E. Engel handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Portland.
Divorce in Portland
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
Brett E. Engel is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Oregon →
Child Custody & Visitation in Portland
Brett E. Engel is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Oregon →
Family Law in Portland
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Brett E. Engel is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Oregon →
Business & Corporate Law in Portland
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Brett E. Engel is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Oregon →
Real Estate Law in Portland
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Brett E. Engel is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Oregon →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Portland
Practicing law in Oregon. Legal matters in Oregon are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Portland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Oregon state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Oregon brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Oregon courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Portland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Portland-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Oregon attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Portland or all attorneys in Oregon.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Portland Choose Brett E. Engel
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Brett E. Engel's practice in the field of divorce, child custody, family law, business, and real estate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Brett E. Engel brings 31+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering divorce, child custody, and family law, Brett E. Engel can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Portland
A Portland-based practice means Brett E. Engel attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Brett E. Engel Handles in Portland
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Brett E. Engel has experience with under Oregon law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Brett E. Engel directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Brett E. Engel Online
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Brett E. Engel's Practice Areas & Specializations
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