How much does it cost to hire C.J. for a child custody case?

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

Does C.J. offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in Oregon typically take?

Simple child custody 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. C.J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can C.J. take my case if I'm outside Portland?

C.J. 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 — C.J. 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 C.J.?

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

Is C.J. accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

C.J. Graves, Child Custody Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Over 13 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

PartneratGraves & Swanson LLC

Portland, OR

Practicing child custody in Portland since 2013.

13+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law

Are you C.J. Graves?

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Quick answer

C.J. Graves is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. C.J. has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Graves & Swanson LLC.

Based in: Portland, OR
Experience: over 13 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Portland, OR.
Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by C.J. Graves

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

Child Custody cases in Portland, Oregon

C.J. 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 C.J. agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Portland, Oregon

C.J. 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 C.J. agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Portland, Oregon

C.J. 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 C.J. agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Portland, Oregon

C.J. 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 C.J. agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Portland, Oregon

C.J. takes family law 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 C.J. agrees to represent you.

Biography

About C.J. Graves — Over 13 years of Oregon child custody experience

Graves & Swanson LLC partner Christopher “C.J.” Graves invests himself in each and every case he handles, and has a passion for helping his clients resolve their legal matters and move forward with their lives. He has spent his career as a litigator and a trial attorney, and is more comfortable in a court room than in an office.

C.J. has served as first chair in numerous trials, including high-conflict cases relating to dissolution, domestic violence, parenting time, custody, and division of property. He has handled legal issues involving jurisdictional challenges, high asset divorces, tax implications, and complex matters involving marital estate finance, including but not limited to the separation of businesses, retirement accounts, pensions, and spousal support. In addition, C.J. has represented survivors of sex abuse in lawsuits, plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries, and families of those who have suffered wrongful death.

Although C.J. is proficient in the courtroom, he always seeks to resolve cases in the manner most expedient and beneficial to his client's interests. C.J. carefully listens to each of his client's concerns and desires, and tailors the outcomes to suit the client's individualized needs. As a result, C.J. has had remarkable success settling cases for clients, and crafting equitable remedies fit for the specific client.

Prior to law school, C.J. conducted research on juror decision-making, and gave a presentation on the topic at a conference for academic psychologists. He also worked as a jury consultant and psychological analyst on several tort cases. At least two of these cases resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Family Law, Best Lawyers, 2021-2023

• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Personal Injury, Best Lawyers, 2021-2023

• Rising Stars, SuperLawyers, 2018-2023

• 10 Best Family Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in Oregon, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2017

• Honorable Darleen Ortega Outstanding Mentor Award, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2015

• Cornelius Honors Society, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2013

• Outstanding Service Award, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2012

• Selected to Mock Trial Regional Team, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2012

• Honors Brief Moot Court, Lewis & Clark Law School, 2011

PANELS & PRESENTATIONS

• Handling Ethical Issues in Family Law Practice, Oregon Family Law Practice for Paralegals, 2020

• Empowering Clients to Navigate Difficult Circumstances, Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee Retreat, 2019

• Case Studies in Holistic Representation, Solo and Small Firm Practitioners Section CLE, 2019

• Navigating Employment & Compensation Issues in Domestic Relations Cases, Oregon Trial Lawyers Association, 2016

• Planning to Practice: Business Planning for Law Firms, Entrepreneur Academy CLE, 2016

• Impact of Similarity Between Witnesses and Jurors on Juror Decision-Making, Western Psychological Association Regional Professional Conference, 2010

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• SetTheExpectation, Board of Directors, 2018 - present

• Oregon State Bar, Solo and Small Firm Executive Committee, 2019 - present

• Lewis & Clark Law School Recent Graduate Counsel, President, 2017 - 2019

• Oregon State Bar New Lawyers Division, Member Services and Satisfaction Subcommittee

• Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, Membership Committee

Working with C.J. on a child custody matter

Clients C.J. works with

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

Credentials

C.J. Graves's legal education and bar admissions

Lewis & Clark Law School
J.D. · 2013
University of Portland
B.A. English · 2010

Jurisdictions

C.J.'s state bar admissions

Oregon
2013 · ACTIVE

C.J. studied at J.D. in Lewis & Clark Law School and B.A. English in University of Portland.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

C.J. Graves's office in Portland

C.J.'s primary office is at 3630 S. River Parkway, Portland, OR, 97205. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Graves & Swanson LLC

3630 S. River Parkway

Portland, OR 97205

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of C.J. Graves

C.J. has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire C.J. Graves — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Portland, Oregon

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 C.J.

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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. C.J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about C.J. Graves

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

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon

C.J. handles child custody matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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