How much does it cost to hire Brett for a adoption case?

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

Does Brett offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in Oregon typically take?

Simple adoption 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. Brett gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

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

Brett 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 — Brett 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 Brett?

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. Brett will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Brett accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Brett E. Engel, Adoption Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Alimony, and Business · 4.6/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

PartneratKell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.

Portland, OR

Practicing adoption in Portland since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
4.6 ★: 8 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Adoption Alimony Business Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights +6 more →

Are you Brett E. Engel?

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

Brett E. Engel is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Adoption, Alimony, and Business. Brett has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in: Portland, OR
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Adoption · Alimony · Business

Handles Adoption, Alimony, and Business matters from Portland, OR.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Brett E. Engel

Brett concentrates on adoption, alimony, business, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brett handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Portland, Oregon

Brett takes adoption 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 Brett agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Portland, Oregon

Brett 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 Brett agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Portland, Oregon

Brett takes business 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 Brett agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Portland, Oregon

Brett 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 Brett agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Portland, Oregon

Brett 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 Brett agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Brett E. Engel — Over 31 years of Oregon adoption experience

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.

Brett's approach to adoption cases

The kind of cases Brett takes

Brett reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, alimony, and business matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.

Credentials

Brett E. Engel's legal education and bar admissions

Willamette University
J.D. · 1995
University of Vermont
B.A. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Brett's state bar admissions

Oregon
1995 · ACTIVE

Brett studied at J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. in University of Vermont.

Law school and academic background

Brett completed J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. in University of Vermont. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brett runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Brett E. Engel

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Brett's professional memberships and bar associations

Clackamas County, Multnomah County and Washington County Bar Associations Oregon State Bar Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners
membership

Locations

Brett E. Engel's office in Portland

Brett's primary office is at The Pacific Building, 520 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR, 97204-1329. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kell, Alterman & Runstein, L.L.P.

The Pacific Building, 520 SW Yamhill Street, Suite 600

Portland, OR 97204-1329

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Brett E. Engel — 4.6/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

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

4.6

8 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Brett E. Engel — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Brett charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett'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; Brett will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Brett

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Brett confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Brett E. Engel

How much does it cost to hire Brett for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brett walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brett offer a free consultation?
Brett charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brett's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Brett's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Brett gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brett take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Brett 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 — Brett 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 Brett?
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. Brett will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brett accepting new adoption clients right now?
Brett's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

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

More counsel

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