Q+A: "I moved to Oregon recently from another state to be closer to my grandkids. Is my Will from my old state still valid, or do I need a new one?"
I moved to Oregon recently from another state to be closer to my grandkids. Is my Will from my old state still valid, or do I need a new one?
Why Your Assets Don't Automatically Go to the People You Assume: Guidance from a Portland, Oregon Estate Attorney
One of the biggest misconceptions in estate planning is believing that your spouse, children, or closest relatives will automatically inherit your assets. In reality, asset distribution is governed by legal structures like title designations, beneficiary forms, and state intestacy laws, not by assumptions or family expectations.
The "Treasure Hunt": Can Your Family Find Your Documents?
If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family know where to look? We have seen too many cases where a comprehensive estate plan was created, but because no one could find the original Will or Trust, the family was still forced into a messy court process.
The Hidden Cost of Caregiving: Why Oregon Families Need Legal Planning Before Crisis Hits
Caring for an aging parent is one of the most meaningful acts of love an adult child can offer. However, it can also be one of the most overwhelming responsibilities you will ever take on.
Is Your Estate Plan Keeping Up With Your Life?
As we start a fresh year, take a moment to review this "At a Glance" list. If you have gone through any of these changes recently—or see them on the horizon—we should talk about updating your documents.
How to Keep Your Oregon Business Running If You're in the Hospital Tomorrow
Entrepreneurs often work through everything: deadlines, holidays, even illness. But a sudden hospitalization is different. If no one has authority to sign checks, pay employees, access passwords, or make operational decisions, the business can stall in days.
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.