Updating Property Deeds After You Create an Estate Plan: What Portland, Oregon Homeowners Need to Know
Creating a comprehensive estate plan is an important first step in protecting your assets and providing for your loved ones. However, many people don't realize that signing estate planning documents is only part of the process. If your plan includes a revocable living trust, you'll need to transfer ownership of your real estate by updating your property deeds. This process is called "funding your trust," and it's essential for your estate plan to work as intended.
Incorporating Religious and Spiritual Values into Your Estate Plan
Many clients come to our office with deeply held religious and spiritual values that shape how they live their lives, yet they feel uncertain about bringing these beliefs into the estate planning conversation. Some worry that their values might seem too personal or wonder if an estate planning attorney can actually help incorporate faith-based wishes into legal documents.
First Steps After Loss: Navigating Legal Matters When a Loved One Passes
Losing a loved one is difficult enough without having to figure out how to handle their final affairs while you're trying to process your grief. The legal and administrative tasks that follow a death can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already emotionally exhausted.
The ABCs of Revocable Living Trusts: A Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Attorney's Guide
If you're considering estate planning options, you've likely heard about revocable living trusts. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? As a Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney, we help families understand these powerful planning tools every day. Let's break down the basics using a simple ABC approach.
Q + A: My grandson has special needs, and I'm being told that I should NOT include him in my estate.
"My grandson has special needs, and I'm being told that I should NOT include him in my estate. I want to leave something to make sure he's taken care of. Can you explain to me why this is and what I should do instead?"
How Do You Provide Legal Notice to Creditors After a Loved One Passes? A Portland, Oregon Probate Attorney Explains
After a loved one passes away, one of the personal representative's most important legal responsibilities is notifying creditors of the death. This process, known as providing "notice to creditors," protects both the estate and the personal representative by establishing a clear timeframe for creditors to come forward with claims.
Questions to Expect When Meeting with a Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Attorney for the First Time
Walking into your first estate planning consultation can feel overwhelming. You might wonder what information you'll need to provide or what topics will be covered. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare and make the most of this important meeting. Here are the key questions your Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney will likely ask to create a comprehensive plan that fits your unique situation.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Starting Estate Planning Conversations Over the Holidays
The holidays bring families together like no other time of year. Between passing the mashed potatoes and sharing stories, these gatherings create natural opportunities for some of life’s most important conversations—including discussions about the future that many families tend to avoid.
Passing on Gold and Silver: How to Include Physical Assets in Your Portland, Oregon Estate Plan
Traditional physical assets like gold and silver remain a significant part of many people's estate values. Whether you've collected coins over decades, invested in gold bars as an inflation hedge, or inherited precious metals from family, these tangible assets require special consideration in your estate plan. Unlike stocks or bank accounts, physical gold and silver present unique challenges when it comes to transfer, valuation, and even basic discovery by your heirs.
Documenting Your Wishes: How a Portland, Oregon Guardianship Lawyer Can Help You Plan for Your Children's Future
When creating a guardianship plan for minor children, most parents focus on choosing who would raise their kids if something happened to them. However, an equally important consideration that many overlook is defining the role you want extended family members to play in your children's upbringing. Your Portland, Oregon guardianship lawyer can help you document these important details to prevent confusion and conflict during an already difficult time.
Q+A: We have a Power of Attorney, but the bank said they won’t take it. How is that possible?
Banks and financial institutions have become increasingly cautious about accepting older power of attorney documents for several reasons. First, they worry about potential fraud and want assurance that the document reflects your current intentions.
Certified vs. Photocopy: What Every Portland, Oregon Estate Administration Client Needs to Know
When you're handling estate administration after losing a loved one, you'll quickly discover that not all copies of legal documents are created equal. Banks, courts, and government agencies will frequently ask for "certified copies" of death certificates, wills, and court orders. Understanding the difference between certified copies and regular photocopies can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary trips back to offices when important transactions get delayed.