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.
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?"
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.