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The Hon. Susan M. Svetkey (Ret.)

Fair Solutions For Family Law Attorneys And Their Clients

Family Law Mediation and Reference Judge

The Hon. Susan Svetkey

I am a retired Circuit Court and Multnomah County Chief Family Law Judge. I am now a Senior Judge and founder of Svetkey Family Law Solutions. I focus on helping families navigate disputes through mediation and as a reference judge. I have spent over 40 years in Oregon’s legal community and throughout that time I’ve tried to approach every case with integrity, compassion and a commitment to finding fair solutions.

For over 20 years, I sat as a judge in the Family Law department in Multnomah County and, for 5 years, served as the Chief Family Law Judge.

Now, as a Senior Judge, I still serve the Court when needed, but I’ve shifted my focus to private mediation and reference judging. In mediation I strive to help families resolve their disputes with dignity and respect, outside the traditional courtroom setting.  I also serve as a Reference Judge, working with attorneys and their clients who want a different path to resolution. I am still driven by the same goal: finding fair and equitable solutions for all parties.

After decades on the Family Law bench, I’ve seen firsthand how complex and emotional Family Law cases can be for everyone involved. I bring that experience, knowledge and understanding to my work. In mediation I work to resolve disputes through honest conversations, mutual respect and creative problem solving.

My approach to mediation is shaped by each party’s and each family’s unique needs. I try to create a space where people can reach agreements that are fair and lasting, without the stress of going to court. I care deeply about making sure the process is equitable and that the solutions actually work in real life. Everyone will be heard and respected in this process.

As a reference judge, I call on my experience as a trial judge in Family Law cases. All parties will be respected and heard and given the opportunity to present their evidence and legal arguments. My decisions will be made in a fair and equitable way.

  • J.D. — University of Oregon School of Law
  • M.A. in Education — University of Oregon
  • B.A. in Psychology — New York University

Mediation and Reference Judge Inquiries

Svetkey Family Law Solutions

(503) 939-2103

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Family Law Mediation

As a Family Law mediator, I help represented parties resolve disputes outside of a courtroom. Mediation puts the parties in control of their own outcomes and helps them make their own lasting decisions about their future. Mediation is faster and less expensive than litigation, reduces conflict and helps the parties move forward with workable solutions. I am available to conduct mediations statewide, either remotely or in person.

Reference Judge

As a reference judge, I provide impartial decision-making for family law cases outside of the courtroom. In Oregon, both parties may agree to have their case heard by a reference judge. I manage the proceedings, conduct the trial and issue a binding decision with the same legal effect as a court judgment. This offers a faster, more private and cost-effective path to resolution. Reference judge services are available in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties.

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Disclaimer: An available date could become unavailable at any time, and we do not commit to hold a date or confirm a date without first having information on the parties and counsel and the nature of the dispute.

Svetkey Family Law Solutions

(503) 939-2103

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