Portland Oregon Estate Planning News
You may have heard the news that actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa recently died within days of one another at the ages of 95 and 65. Their tragic deaths highlighted something I see a lot as a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer: many people are putting themselves and their loved ones in danger by caregiving for an incapacitated loved one alone.
Read MoreWe often picture healthcare decisions as something that only comes up in a hospital setting, but the truth is, these choices deserve your attention long before a crisis arises. As a Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney, I've seen how advance planning can make a world of difference for both individuals and their families during challenging times.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon trust lawyer, I've seen how storms in life can come in all shapes and sizes—health crises, divorce, or the loss of a loved one. And of course, there are the literal storms: hurricanes, floods, and fires that can damage property and uproot lives. In recent months, you may have seen social media posts claiming that insurance companies won't pay out a total loss if your home is owned by a trust. While it's true insurers are more frequently scrutinizing claims, that doesn't mean your coverage is automatically void.
Read MoreFamilies with a child on the autism spectrum often experience a stark change when that child reaches age 18, a transition sometimes referred to as the "autism cliff." Many of the supportive services relied on during childhood, such as specialized education programs, may shift or end altogether in adulthood. This can leave parents concerned about how to maintain consistent care and ensure their child's ongoing well-being.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer, one of the most common misconceptions I hear from clients is that having a will means their loved ones can avoid probate. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Let's dive into why wills and probate go hand in hand, and what this means for your estate planning.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer, I've seen many family businesses flourish across generations. Unfortunately, I've also witnessed others falter during transition, not because of market conditions or competition, but due to inadequate succession planning. The hard truth? Sometimes the biggest threats to your business legacy come from within the family itself.
Read MoreWhile meeting with clients, as a Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer, I often hear this question: "Should I add my family member to my accounts as a joint owner, or set up a Power of Attorney?" While adding a joint owner might seem like the simpler solution, the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Read MoreAs an elder lawyer in Portland, Oregon, I've noticed a recurring theme when helping families navigate the downsizing process. Parents often struggle to part with possessions because they hope to pass them down to their children. Yet when meeting with adult children after their parents' passing, we frequently hear a different perspective: they feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of inherited items, many of which don't fit their lifestyle or living spaces.
Read MoreAs an estate planning lawyer in Portland, Oregon, I often see couples who view prenuptial agreements solely as divorce protection. However, a well-crafted prenup can be a powerful estate planning tool that helps protect both spouses and their children, especially in blended families.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer, I often meet grandparents who want to provide financial support for their grandchildren while ensuring their generosity doesn't inadvertently create complications. Whether you're thinking about college funding or creating a lasting financial legacy, strategic planning can help maximize your gift's impact.
Read MoreOne of the most frequent questions I hear as a Portland, Oregon trust lawyer is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small piece of a much larger picture.
Read MoreMany of us drag our feet on changing professional relationships, especially when it comes to legal matters. As a Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer, I often meet people who knew for years that they needed to find a new estate planning lawyer in Portland, Oregon, whether because their original estate planning attorney retired, or because they moved to Oregon from another state. Perhaps you created your plan decades ago, lost touch with your original attorney, moved from another state, or simply want a fresh perspective that better aligns with your current values and goals.
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