Judge Alison M. Emerson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon, Department Courtroom F

Appointed By: Gov. Katherine Brown

Biography

The Hon. Alison M. Emerson is a judge for the 11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon. She was appointed to the bench by former Governor Kate Brown on February 13, 2020, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Stephen P. Forte.

The 11th Judicial District encompasses Deschutes County.

Prior to her appointment, Emerson was an attorney in private practice, specializing in domestic relations and civil litigation matters. Before that, she spent time as a deputy district attorney for the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office.

Emerson earned a bachelor’s degree from Linfield College. She then completed a J.D. at Pepperdine University, Rick J. Caruso School of Law in 2003. As a law student, Emerson worked for the Hardcore Gant Unit of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. She also performed a stint with the Illinois Appellate Prosecutor’s Office.

Her memberships have included the Board of Friends of the Children–Central Oregon. She has also been involved with Northwest Boxer Rescue and Watercup Counseling.

Emerson was raised in Sandy, Oregon.

Recent Cases by Hon. Alison M. Emerson

IMO: Release Conditions for Riley Scott Adair

On December 29, 2025 an administrative - civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Dec 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Administrative - Civil

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

General Administrative

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 07, 2026

In the Matter of: Tegan Eugene Cruz

On November 26, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Nov 26, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 27, 2025

Jordan A Smith vs Faith A Smith

On November 18, 2025 a dissolution case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Nov 18, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Dissolution

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 23, 2026

In the Matter of: Ronald Wayne Gallagher, III

On November 17, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Nov 17, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2025

In the Matter of: Alex Vincent Muller

On October 1, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Oct 01, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2025

In the Matter of: Mark Lloyd Stevens

On October 1, 2025 an estate - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Oct 01, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Estate - General

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2025

In the Matter of: Shannon C Wisham

On September 29, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Sep 29, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 30, 2025

In the Matter of: Kenneth Evans

On September 16, 2025 an estate - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Sep 16, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Estate - General

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Estate Administration

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 02, 2026

Skyler Bernard vs Tiffany Hughes

On August 27, 2025 a petition custody/support/visitation case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Aug 27, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition Custody/Support/Visitation

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2025

In the Matter of: Shirley Krichko

On August 25, 2025 adult protective proceedings case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Aug 25, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Adult Protective Proceedings

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Guardianship,Conservatorship

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 26, 2025

Kaiser Johnston Keathley LLP vs Kalia Durfee

On August 15, 2025 a contract case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Aug 15, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Contract

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 29, 2026

Niko Crosse vs Colton Crawford

On August 6, 2025 a small claims - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Aug 06, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Small Claims - General

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 18, 2025

Christopher Lyle Campbell vs. Stephen Gunnels

On July 29, 2025 a procedural matters - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jul 29, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Procedural Matters - General

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2025

Thomas Stewart Hamlin vs. Steven Gunnels

On July 23, 2025 a procedural matters - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jul 23, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

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Court Category

Procedural Matters - General

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2025

Andrew Anderson vs Jocelyn K Anderson, Joel J Kent, Stahancyk, Kent, & Hook P.C., David Haskett, Kyle Piroetal.

On July 22, 2025 a tort - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jul 22, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort - General

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 05, 2026

Joshua Alan Warden vs. Stephen Gunnels

On July 21, 2025 a procedural matters - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jul 21, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Procedural Matters - General

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 29, 2025

In the Matter of: Zachary R Guzman

On July 3, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jul 03, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

Jul 04, 2025

David Benavente vs Tonya Hogue

On June 24, 2025 a petition custody/support/visitation case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jun 24, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition Custody/Support/Visitation

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2025

Isabella Fraser vs Mackendrick Nickerl

On June 16, 2025 a petition custody/support/visitation case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Emerson, Alison presiding.

Filed

Jun 16, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Emerson, Alison 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Emerson, Alison

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition Custody/Support/Visitation

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 13, 2026

Dianna Bussiere, Aaron Bussiere vs Aperion Management Group, LLC

On June 11, 2025 a tort - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Tort - General

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 19, 2025

Ray Fredrick Meinecke vs. Steve Gunnels

On May 28, 2025 a procedural matters - general case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Procedural Matters - General

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 23, 2025

DAVINCI CAPITAL PARTNERS INC. vs MICHAEL L. CAPPY, MLC RESIDENTIAL INVESTMENT, LLC

On May 16, 2025 a document recording - civil case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

May 16, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Document Recording - Civil

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 02, 2025

In the Matter of: Faith Ann Harnden

On May 7, 2025 an identity record case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

May 07, 2025

Status

Closed

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Identity Record

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Name Change

Case Last Refreshed

May 09, 2025

Shyann Anderson, Oregon Division of Child Support vs Asa Salo

On April 28, 2025 a petition custody/support/visitation case was filed in the jurisdiction of Deschutes County. Judge Alison M. Emerson presiding.

Filed

Apr 28, 2025

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Alison M. Emerson 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Alison M. Emerson

Court

Circuit

County

Deschutes County, OR

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Court Category

Petition Custody/Support/Visitation

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Custody,Visitation

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 24, 2025

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About

Alison M. Emerson
Current Appointment 11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon, Department Courtroom F	11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon, Department Courtroom F
Education J.D., Pepperdine University, Rick J. Caruso School of Law - 2003 Bachelor's degree, Linfield College	J.D., Pepperdine University, Rick J. Caruso School of Law - 2003 Bachelor's degree, Linfield College

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	OR - 11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon
Clerk phone:	+1 (541) 388-5300, ext. 71448

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Attorney	Private Practice	None
Judge	11th Judicial District Circuit Court of Oregon	Deschutes County, Oregon
Deputy District Attorney	Office of the Deschutes County District Attorney	Deschutes County, Oregon