You've found your dream home and your offer's been accepted – this is an exciting time! As you approach closing, your agent, attorney, or title company will ask how you'd like to hold the title to the property. While individual ownership is common, placing your new house into a trust right from the start has compelling advantages.
Read MoreIf you share a close bond with your nieces and nephews, ensuring they're included in your estate plan is natural. However, the laws of inheritance can complicate things, especially for younger beneficiaries. Let's unravel the factors to consider.
Read MoreApril's World Autism Awareness Month brings a critical issue into focus for many families: what happens when a child with autism reaches adulthood? Turning 18 is a major legal transition, and for young adults on the spectrum, this threshold can feel like an 'autism cliff'. Suddenly, the structured support of childhood falls away, and parents find their legal ability to make decisions on behalf of their child significantly altered.
Read MoreThe decision to place a parent in a nursing home rarely comes easily. Apart from the emotional toll, significant financial and legal adjustments are often necessary. While immediate well-being takes priority, it's vital to safeguard your parent's assets and long-term care needs with proactive estate planning.
Read MoreThe word "trust" gets used quite broadly, creating potential confusion. While a "living trust" is a widely discussed instrument for estate planning, it's crucial to understand that not every trust is a living trust. Below our Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer breaks down the key distinctions.
Read MoreRetirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are often significant components of your financial portfolio. But do you know who will inherit these funds when you pass away? It's a crucial aspect of estate planning that deserves attention. Here, a Portland, Oregon inheritance lawyer offers expert insight into how retirement accounts are handled after your death.
Read MoreThe loss of a loved one not only brings emotional challenges but also necessitates important revisions in your estate plan. If the individual who passed away was an integral part of your plan, either as a beneficiary or in a pivotal role like Power of Attorney, it's essential to reevaluate your arrangements. Consulting with a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer can ensure these adjustments reflect your current intentions and maintain the integrity of your estate plan.
Read MoreLosing a loved one is always difficult, and the challenge can be compounded when they pass away in a different state. If you're facing this situation, it’s important to know that you may be able to manage many of their affairs from a distance. As your local Portland, Oregon probate lawyer, we're here to guide you through this process and connect you with the right resources nationwide.
Read MoreEstate planning often brings about crucial conversations about the future. When family dynamics are marked by tension or conflict, discussing your estate planning wishes can become even more challenging. However, clear communication is key to ensuring your plans are understood and respected. A Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer can offer not only legal guidance but also strategies for navigating these sensitive discussions.
Read MoreBuying a new home is more than just a significant financial investment; it's a key component of your overall estate. As you embark on this exciting journey, it's crucial to consider how this asset will be managed, both now and in the future. One effective strategy for managing real estate assets is setting up a trust, a tool that a knowledgeable Portland, Oregon trust attorney can help you navigate.
Read MoreWhen it comes to estate planning, understanding the different types of trusts available is crucial. Two common types are revocable and irrevocable trusts, each with its own set of features and benefits. As a Portland, Oregon trust attorney, I often encounter questions about the differences between these two types of trusts and which one might be the best fit for a particular estate plan.
Read MoreLife is full of surprises, and while we can't predict every turn, we can prepare for the unexpected. Whether it's sudden incapacitation or an unforeseen financial shift, having a comprehensive estate plan can provide much-needed peace of mind. As experienced Portland, Oregon Will and Trust Lawyers, we understand the importance of being prepared for every eventuality.
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