Protecting Your Child's Inheritance from Their Spouse: What Every Parent Should Know
As a Portland, Oregon estate attorney, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is surprisingly consistent: "How can I make sure my son-in-law or daughter-in-law doesn't walk away with my child's inheritance if they get divorced?"
How to Change Your Successor Trustee: A Guide from Your Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Attorney
One of the greatest benefits of a revocable living trust is its flexibility. Life changes, relationships evolve, and sometimes the person you originally chose as your successor trustee may no longer be the best fit. As an experienced Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney, I've helped many clients navigate this common situation. Whether due to changes in their circumstances, shifts in your relationship, or simply a reconsideration of their abilities, it's completely normal to revisit this important decision.
Preventing Family Feuds: How a Corporate Trustee Serves as a Neutral Tie-Breaker | Portland, Oregon Trust Attorney
Even the most harmonious families can face conflict when managing trust assets. As an experienced Portland, Oregon trust attorney, I've seen how having a neutral third party can be invaluable for preserving both family relationships and wealth during disagreements.
What Do I Need to Know Before Becoming a Caregiver for a Parent? Insights from a Portland, Oregon Elder Lawyer
Taking care of a parent isn't just about love—it's about logistics. Whether you've been caregiving for years or are just stepping into this role, the reality hits fast: medication schedules, doctor appointments, financial decisions, and legal paperwork. You want to do right by your parent—but where do you even begin?
How to Make Sure Your Medical Wishes Are Honored—Even If Your Family Disagrees: Guidance on Creating an Advance Directive in Portland, Oregon
It's one of the most difficult truths we deal with in this work: We sit with clients—often in the midst of long illnesses—who tell us they are at peace. They've fought hard. They've made their decisions. And when the time comes, they're ready to let go. But here's the heartbreaking part: They fear their loved ones won't let them.
How Can I Talk to My Family About Inheritance Without Starting Drama?
We've all seen the movies—someone passes away, and the family gathers for the dramatic will reading, only to spiral into chaos when expectations don't match reality. But in real life, it doesn't have to be that way.
Can I Write My Own Will in Oregon?
As an experienced Portland, Oregon will and trust lawyer, I'm often asked whether residents can legally write their own wills without an attorney. The short answer is yes—Oregon law does allow individuals to create their own wills. However, the more important question isn't whether you can, but whether you should.
Timing Matters: Estate Planning Lessons from Gene Hackman's Case a Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Lawyer Explains
Recent news about Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy's passing hasn’t just shaken caregivers to the core, it as also highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of estate planning—the timing of death between spouses, especially in blended families. As a Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer, I've seen how this timing can significantly impact inheritance outcomes and potentially create complications for heirs.
How the SECURE Act 2.0 Affects Your Retirement Account & Beneficiaries: Insights from a Portland, Oregon Estate Lawyer
The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law in 2022, introduced major changes to retirement accounts, impacting everything from Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to beneficiary inheritance rules. These updates are crucial for individuals planning their estates, as they affect how retirement assets are distributed and taxed after death.
Creating a Legacy Letter: A Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Attorney's Guide to Preserving Your Values Beyond Assets
Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyers often help clients create comprehensive plans that address legal and financial matters. However, one of the most meaningful components of estate planning isn't about assets at all—it's about preserving your values, wisdom, and personal history through what's known as a legacy letter.
8 Critical Things People Forget to Include in Their Will: A Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Attorney Explains
As a Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney, I've seen firsthand how even carefully drafted wills can have significant oversights. While most people remember to address major assets like homes and financial accounts, certain important provisions are frequently overlooked. These forgotten elements can create unnecessary stress, conflict, and expenses for your loved ones after you're gone. Let’s cover some of the most common we see.
Caregiving Alone Is Dangerous: The Biggest Lesson in Gene Hackman’s Death According to a Portland, Oregon Estate Lawyer
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.