As a Portland, Oregon trust lawyer, I often meet families who've been targeted by aggressive marketing from what's known as a "trust mill." These clients usually come to us worried, clutching generic trust documents that aren't worth the paper they're printed on. While the low prices might have been attractive initially, they quickly discovered that cheap, mass-produced estate planning can cost far more in the long run.
Read MoreAs we embrace the fresh start of a New Year, there’s no better time to address one of the most crucial aspects of family planning: naming legal guardians for your minor children. While it’s not the most comfortable topic to consider, ensuring your children’s care and security is perhaps the greatest gift you can give them—and yourself.
Read MoreYou've carefully built your retirement savings over decades, but did you know that once inherited, these accounts could be vulnerable to creditors? As a Portland, Oregon estate lawyer, I've seen too many families surprised when inherited retirement accounts they thought were protected ended up exposed to legal claims.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer, I often find that people associate powers of attorney only with end-of-life planning. However, limited powers of attorney (POAs) can be incredibly useful tools for managing specific tasks in your day-to-day life. Think of them as delegating authority for a particular purpose, rather than handing over complete control of your affairs.
Read MoreThe holiday season is often a time when we gather with family members we may not see regularly throughout the year. While these reunions are filled with joy and connection, they can also be a time when we notice changes in our loved ones that might cause concern. Whether it’s subtle physical differences or more apparent cognitive changes, the holidays can be a pivotal moment for recognizing when someone may need increased support.
Read MoreAs a will lawyer in Portland, Oregon, I often receive urgent calls from families with loved ones in the hospital. They're concerned about getting legal documents in place quickly, especially if their loved one's condition might deteriorate. It's a delicate situation that requires immediate attention, but many wonder how to proceed when their family member can't come to an attorney's office.
Read MoreIf you own commercial property, you've likely spent years building and managing your real estate investments. As a Portland, Oregon will and trust lawyer, I've guided many property owners through the complex process of including these valuable assets in their estate plans. The truth is, passing down commercial property requires much more careful consideration than transferring a family home.
Read MoreIn my years as a Portland, Oregon probate attorney, I've seen an alarming trend: scammers targeting grieving families with fake debt collection calls. These predators scan obituaries and public records, then approach family members claiming the deceased owed them money. Today, I want to warn you about these schemes and explain how debt really works after someone passes away.
Read MoreYou've spent a lifetime building your legacy, but now you're tossing and turning at night, worried about how your heirs might handle it. As a Portland, Oregon elder lawyer, I've sat across the desk from countless clients who share these concerns. They wonder: Will my wishes be respected? Could one of my children challenge my decisions? Might my healthcare choices become a family battleground?
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon Will and Trust Lawyer, I've seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate estate planning. Many parents, regardless of age, overlook crucial aspects of securing their family's future. Whether you're a new parent, think you're too young for estate planning, or haven't updated your documents in years, this post is for you. Let's explore some common estate planning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Read MoreAs we round out another election season, it's natural to focus on how government policies might affect our families and finances. However, as any experienced Portland, Oregon estate planning lawyer will tell you, there's a crucial aspect of your family's future that remains constant regardless of who's in office: the need for a personalized estate plan.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon Trust Lawyer, I often encounter questions about different types of property documents. Two that frequently come up are documents for transferring property ownership and those used in lending situations. Let's explore these important legal instruments and how they might impact your property rights.
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