Step-Parent & Co-Parent Rights

Attorneys

• Matthew Muenzen Associate
  

  Matthew Muenzen

  Associate

  Matt has spent most of his life doing his best to help others.  As a former police officer and public defense attorney, he was committed to supporting and assisting community members, organizations, and clients.  He uses his passion for helping others to guide, educate, and support family law clients. Depending on the circumstances, Matt can be a zealous advocate or a silent warrior. He knows what it takes to win a case or how to find a reasonable and collaborative resolution. Family law and juvenile law matters are often complicated and overwhelming.  Matt is genuine, dedicated, and hard-working and provides personal and customized legal advice to clients based on compassion and respect.
  
  Matt has been practicing family law, with an emphasis on juvenile law, since 2008, first in Tennessee and then in Oregon. He was previously a supervising attorney and a special advisor to a deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In addition to practicing family law, Matt has represented children and parents in child welfare matters and often presents on topics related to child abuse and neglect. When dealing with the Oregon Department of Human Services, many different types of legal issues can arise. There are severe consequences in these cases and Matt has the experience and tenacity to help people navigate the complex nature of these matters.
  
  Outside the courtroom, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, exploring the beauty of Oregon, tasting new bourbon and coffee, working in his yard, sharing his favorite movie quotes, and strength training.
   
• Erin O'Riley Associate
  

  Erin O'Riley

  Associate

  The essence of what I do is to provide advice and advocacy for clients during some of the toughest moments in their lives. My greatest strength in this profession is my ability to listen, empathize, and offer creative solutions to help my clients not only succeed in court but also find a way forward after their family law case concludes. If you were to ask people who know me to describe me in a few words, I believe they would say "thoughtful."
  
  Throughout my career, I've learned that family law is not just about having the best legal arguments; it's about empathy, problem-solving, common sense, and good judgment. These qualities are crucial in achieving positive results when dealing with such personal and sensitive matters. What I like most about helping my clients is calming their fears about the court system, providing them with guidance and support during difficult times.
  
  In my free time, my top three hobbies and passions include working out to stay active and healthy, reading to broaden my horizons, and cooking to experiment with new flavors and cuisines.
• Scarlett Van Syoc Associate
  

  Scarlett Van Syoc

  Associate

  Scarlett is a compassionate and dedicated family law attorney with a profound understanding of the emotional turmoil that clients experience during family law litigation. With Scarlett's empathetic approach, clients can find solace in knowing that their every concern will be acknowledged and addressed throughout the legal process.  With well over a decade of family law experience, much of it spent in the courtrooms of New York City, Scarlett has honed the skill of identifying whether a case will be best served by a gentle approach or an aggressive one.
  Known for her ability to navigate the complex intersection of law and emotions, Scarlett helps clients make clear and informed decisions for their future. By providing guidance and support, Scarlett ensures that clients have a solid foundation to build a brighter future upon.
  
  In addition to her expertise in family law, Scarlett brings a unique perspective to each case. She describes herself as having the remarkable ability to find humor in any situation, which can help alleviate tension and foster positive communication. This, combined with her tenacity and extroverted nature, allows Scarlett to connect with clients on a personal level and build strong relationships based on trust and understanding.
  
  One of the most important lessons Scarlett has learned throughout her career is that being the loudest voice in the room doesn't necessarily equate to being the voice heard. Scarlett firmly believes in the power of thoughtful communication and emphasizes the impact of words before they are spoken. This wisdom guides her interactions with clients, opposing counsel, and the court, ensuring that every word spoken is purposeful and productive.
  
  Beyond the courtroom, Scarlett enjoys various hobbies that enrich her life and bring balance to their profession. She is an avid cook, constantly exploring new and interesting cuisines. Scarlett also devotes her time to animal rescue and volunteering.  She finds joy in swimming, hiking, indulging in reality shows on Bravo (a guilty pleasure), and cherishing moments spent with her own rescue pitbull, Quinn.
  
  With Scarlett's combination of empathy, legal expertise, and a genuine passion for helping clients, she is well-equipped to guide individuals through the challenges of family law and create a positive path forward for their clients' lives.