• David Starks
• Marc T. Christianson
• Jennifer J. Payseno
• Kathy S. Root
• Susan J. Shulenberger
• Elizabeth Hershman-Greven
• Justin Sedell
• Kim Schnuelle
• Lisa Dufour
• Sharon L. Friedrich
• Laura Carlsen
• Elizabeth Bianchi
• Jessica T. Moore
• Annelisa Smith
• Jamie Walker
• Christina Smith
• Lindsay Noel
• Krista Stipe
• Lindsay Camandona
• Rita Herrera Irvin
• Sands McKinley

Kathy S. Root

Partner

• Divorce
• High Net Worth Divorce
• Child Custody
• Interstate Child Custody
• International Divorce and Family Law
• Hague Convention Cases
• Relocation
• Child Support
• Parenting Plan Modifications

• Download and print this profile: Kathy S. Root

Portland Divorce Lawyer and Family Law Attorney

Phone 503-487-1645

About Kathy:

Family law attorney Kathryn Smith Root is known as a powerful litigator and tireless advocate for the interests of families and children. With over 26 years of experience, she has earned the respect of both her clients and colleagues in Portland and across Oregon for her sharply-honed legal instincts and impeccable ethical standards. Kathryn is rated AV® Preeminent™ by Martindale Hubbell®, a peer review rating distinguishing her as a preeminent attorney, rated at the highest level of ethical conduct and professional experience.

Kathy knows how to provide her clients with compassionate service while handing each case with strong leadership and integrity. She states, 'I practice family law because I am committed to assisting each client through a turbulent time in their life by providing reliable legal information, advice and guidance. I always focus on each client's needs and tailor my approach to those needs, taking great care in handling every aspect of the case.'

Kathy also works to provide her clients with positive forward momentum. 'I understand and appreciate that each client is unique and has different needs and goals,' she says. 'Every client needs to find a way to move forward in life after the legal case is concluded. Clients rely on my skills and experience to help them achieve a hopeful future. I devote considerable energy to making sure each of my clients receives superior legal advice and representation at all times.'

"Kathy was extremely diligent during my divorce case and worked very hard on my behalf. After several unsuccessful efforts in mediation meetings, Kathy fought hard for me in the courtroom. She is determined and fair, giving good advice and does not leave you without sound options. She is a professional in her field and her opposing counsel knows it and respects her."

She has been a leader in the legal community throughout her career, including serving on the Executive Committee for the Oregon State Bar Family Law Section, where she recommended family law policy to the Oregon State Bar and Legislature. She also served as chair of the International Law Committee of the American Bar Association's Family Law Section.

Kathy focuses her family law practice on divorce involving complex property and financial issues, interstate and international child custody, Hague Convention cases, and relocation. She is a leading authority on interstate and international custody in Oregon and the west coast, having litigated more than 100 contested interstate custody cases. She also litigated the first petition filed in the United States District Court for Oregon under the Hague Convention in 1997 and is highly knowledgeable on international divorce and child custody disputes. Kathy has also testified as an expert witness in several international custody cases in Oregon.

PRACTICES IN THESE LOCATIONS

• Represents Clients in Oregon State: Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, Portland, OR, Beaverton, OR, Hillsboro, OR, West Linn, OR, Lake Oswego, OR, and surrounding areas

EDUCATION:

• J.D., Northwestern School of Law
• B.S., Lewis and Clark College

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS:

• AV® Preeminent™, Martindale Hubbell®*
• Distinguished as an Oregon Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers ®, 2008, 2011

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS:

• American Bar Association (Vice-Chair, Family Law Section, International Law Committee 2011-2012; Chair, International Law Committee, 2004-2007; Member, Family Law Section)
• Oregon State Bar (Member: Family Law Section; Chairman, 1991-1992; Executive Committee, 1990-1991; Procedure and Practice Committee, 1987-1990)
• Multnomah County Bar Association (Chairman, Membership Committee, 1987-1989; Committee on the Status of Women in the Practice of Law, 1987-1991; Member)
• Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners (Secretary/Treasurer, 1994-1998; President, 1998-1999)
• Oregon Women Lawyers (Vice President, 1990-1991)
• Oregon Women Lawyers Foundation (Board of Directors, 2003-2008; Advisory Board 2008-present)

PRESENTATIONS:

• Oregon Family Law Practice for Paralegals - Assisting with Child Custody Issues and Parenting Time Disputes, Half Moon LLC, December 2006 and July 2004
• Legal Issues Relating to Litigation Under The Hague Abduction Convention, American Bar Association Spring Conference, April 2005
• Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Oregon State Bar Association Family Law Section Annual Conference, November 2001