Mr. DeBast holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Willamette University College of Law. He has practiced law in the Portland area since 1972. He specializes in family law and is a recognized authority and frequent speaker on family law subjects.Mr. DeBast is listed as "A rated" by the Martindale-Hubbell peer review rating system and as a "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyer magazine (top 5% of profession).Recent articles and presentations include the following:2008 American Academy of Family Law Practitioners: "Accessing Retirement Benefits After Divorce".2006 Lewis & Clark Law School Family Law Seminar: "Bucking the Trend in Spousal Support". 2005 Oregon State Bar Family Law Conference: "Business Value and Divorce - An Analysis of Oregon Appellate Cases".2004 OSB Annual Family Law Conference: "Avoiding Life Insurance Malpractice in Divorce"Bar and other Professional Activity:  Member and Past President Washington County Bar association;  Founder, Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners;  Member and Past Director, Oregon State Bar Family Law Section; Member of Board of Directors, Metropolitan Public Defender's Office (Oregon's largest public defender) from 1980 through 2004. (Board President 2000 -2004).