What Happens to My Work Retirement Account If Something Happens to Me?
Most people picture a will or trust when they think about “estate planning.” Yet for many employees, the largest asset they own is a workplace retirement plan. Knowing exactly what will happen to your 401(k), 403(b), or pension if you pass away can spare your family confusion and unexpected taxes.
Keeping Our Aging Immigrant Loved Ones Safe in a Hostile Climate
Aging brings challenges for every family — but for immigrant families, those challenges can come with extra layers of fear. As our loved ones grow older, they may lose English skills, revert to their first language, or face speech limitations after a stroke or other health issues. In today’s hostile political climate, I worry about what could happen if a Spanish-speaking elder in my family wandered off, couldn’t communicate clearly, and ended up in the custody of ICE.
Leaving an Inheritance to a Friend: What Portland, Oregon Will Lawyers Want You to Know
Most of us instinctively picture spouses, children, or other close relatives when we think about who will inherit our things. Yet many clients come to our office wanting a friend, sometimes their closest companion, to receive part or even all of their estate. That wish is perfectly valid, but it must be documented the right way. If you rely on verbal promises or vague notes, probate law will default to blood relatives, and your friend could end up with nothing.
Feeding Tubes and End‑of‑Life Care: 7 Questions to Ask Your Portland, Oregon Elder Law Attorney
Deciding whether to place a feeding tube is among the most personal and challenging choices a family can face. The decision often arises in the context of serious illnesses such as ALS, advanced dementia, stroke, or head‑and‑neck cancers, where eating becomes difficult or impossible. Below are practical insights and conversation starters to help you navigate this sensitive topic with compassion, clarity, and sound legal guidance.
How to Make an Inheritance Last: 5 Smart Strategies for Beneficiaries
Most people think receiving an inheritance means financial security. But the reality is a little darker (and more ironic). Sudden money feels like a gift and a curse. Without planning, it can fuel overspending, family conflict, or what financial experts call “sudden wealth syndrome.” (Think: the cousin who suddenly “needs a loan,” or the temptation to buy everything you’ve ever wanted, right now.) And for younger heirs, money without guidance is often money wasted.
Family Business Succession: When One Child Wants It, and the Other Doesn't – How to Make it Fair
For many families in Portland, Oregon, a family business is more than just an enterprise; it's a legacy built on hard work and shared dreams. But when it comes time to pass the torch to the next generation, a common and often painful dilemma arises: what if one child wants to take over the business, and the other doesn't? Ensuring fairness in this situation is paramount to preserving both the business and crucial family relationships. An experienced Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney can guide you through these complex decisions.
How to Ease the Bureaucracy of Death: Estate Planning Tips
The grief alone is heavy, but then you pile on court forms, bank signatures, death certificates, and family decisions—and suddenly, the mourning process is hijacked by a mountain of bureaucracy.
Do I Need a Will If I Don't Have Children? A Portland, Oregon Estate Lawyer Explains
It's a common misconception: if you don't have children, you might think a will isn't necessary. After all, who are you leaving things to? However, an experienced Portland, Oregon estate lawyer will tell you that having a will is crucial for everyone, regardless of their family structure. Whether you're single, married, in a partnership, or simply don't have children, a will is the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan.
When Your Healthcare Rep Won’t Honor Your Wishes: Lessons from ‘The Pitt’
Most people think that if they put their wishes into an Advance Directive, those wishes will automatically be followed. But in practice, that’s not always true.
Corporate Stock in Your Estate Plan: Ensuring Proper Transfer and Protection in Portland, Oregon
For many individuals in Portland, Oregon, corporate stock represents a significant portion of their wealth. Whether you own shares in a publicly traded company, privately held family business stock, or employee stock options, these assets require careful estate planning consideration. Simply listing "stocks" in your will isn't enough to ensure these valuable assets transfer smoothly to your chosen beneficiaries. An experienced Portland, Oregon estate lawyer can help you strategically integrate corporate stock into your comprehensive estate plan.
Why Your Younger Years Are the Best Time to Consider Life Insurance in Your Portland, Oregon Estate Plan
When you're in your 20s or 30s, "estate planning" might sound like something only for the wealthy or much older generations. However, including life insurance as part of your comprehensive Portland, Oregon estate plan during your younger years is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make. It's not just about planning for the distant future; it's about protecting your present and ensuring peace of mind for those you love.
Navigating the Sandwich Generation: Legal Tools to Ease the Caregiver’s Journey
The “Sandwich Generation” refers to those caring for aging parents while raising their own children. This dual responsibility brings unique challenges that extend beyond daily caregiving to include complex legal and financial deicions. With approximately 47% of adults in their 40s and 50s having a parent over age 65 while still supporting their children, the need for proper legal planning has never been more important.