Yates Family Law PC
Speak with Michael A. Yates today.
888-899-4319      503-505-6009
going separate ways?
Changes Lead To Choices Your Expert Guide Through Changing Times

Family Law Overview

CONTACT
Yates Family Law PC
Speak with Michael A. Yates today.
888-899-4319   503-505-6009
going separate ways?
Changes Lead To ChoicesYour Expert Guide Through Changing Times
Important Announcement: Client meetings will continue to be offered over the telephone or virtually on the Zoom platform. At the firm’s discretion, in person meetings will require guests to show proof of vaccination status. Your attorney and legal staff will inform you on the court’s position on in person vs. virtual attendance in court or court related meetings as it applies to your case. Please continue to use email and telephone as the primary means to communicate with your attorney, paralegals and legal assistants. Thank you.

Support Staff

Janice L. DeFir

Janice DeFir is a paralegal who has worked in the legal field for over 40 years. After many years of specializing in complex construction litigation, Janice found her way into the field of family law in 2003.

“I find working with human beings to be much more rewarding than representing huge corporations. I am able to listen with empathy to clients who are going through a very stressful time and help them to understand the process.”

Janice works with clients to assemble their discovery documents, prepares discovery requests and responses, organizes and produces discovery, and supports attorney in preparing for mediation, arbitration, hearings, and trials. When not at work, Janice enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, hiking, camping, beach trips and training her little dog, which she adopted from the Oregon Humane Society.

Janice L. DeFir, Paralegal

Louise A. Dinsmore

In 1985, a trusting and believing attorney gave me the opportunity to begin a career as a legal assistant, and to this day I am forever grateful. Although I have worked in many areas of law, being a family law legal assistant has been my preference and passion. No one expects to get divorced (myself included), and there is a certain satisfaction in helping clients through the emotional and mental turmoil and struggle of a family dissolving, and supporting them as they look toward the future. I have worked at Yates Family Law, PC since 2005, and, specifically, for Michael Yates. When I am not at work as part of this great team, I spend time with my grandkids and love to travel.

Louise A. Dinsmore, Legal Assistant to Michael A. Yates

David Gallegos

I have worked in the family law community for just over a decade and find it to be exciting and fulfilling. I take care of much of the details behind-the-scenes of the firm, such as preparing conference rooms for meetings, troubleshooting minor IT issues, and procuring any supplies that are needed for day-to-day firm operations, while providing quality customer service to our clients. When I am not at work I spend a lot of my free time with family and friends; enjoy Portland’s local music scene; and I take advantage of the Northwest’s great outdoors. I am a huge movie buff and can often be found honing my skill in photography and media production.

David Gallegos, Administrative Assistant

Kristen D. Vineyard

I am from a small town in rural southern Idaho, and arrived in Oregon over 25 years ago where Portland is my second home. I achieved a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Marylhurst University in 2002. I am an administrative professional with over 18 years of experience in the legal field. In addition to my love for nature, I am an avid supporter of the local music scene and a volunteer to many worthy causes including Friends of Trees, the Arbor Day Foundation and local arts, crafts and music festivals.

Kristen D. Vineyard, Receptionist and Office Administrator