Making a Change: Working with a New Portland, Oregon Estate Planning Lawyer
Many 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.
Understanding Your Rights
Let's be clear: your estate planning documents belong to you, not to any particular attorney. Just as you have the freedom to change doctors, financial advisors, or other professionals, you have every right to work with an estate planning attorney who makes you feel heard, understood, and confident about your future. Your estate planning documents are hypothetically still good, even if you don’t work with the lawyer who created them. In may situations, though, they may need to be updated.
Signs It's Time for a Change
Consider seeking a new perspective if:
You've lost touch with your original attorney or they retired
You moved to Oregon from another state
Your current attorney seems unreceptive to your questions or concerns
You feel your planning goals have evolved beyond their expertise
Communication styles or philosophical approaches no longer align
You want someone more accessible or responsive
The Transition Process
Moving to a new attorney doesn't have to be complicated. Your new legal team can:
Review your existing documents to understand your current plan
Identify areas that need updating based on life changes
Suggest modern planning strategies that might better serve your goals
Help ensure your plan reflects current laws and best practices
Remember, estate planning isn't a one-and-done transaction – it's an ongoing relationship that should evolve as your life changes. You deserve to work with someone who not only understands the technical aspects of estate planning but also appreciates your unique family dynamics and personal values.
If you'd like a fresh set of eyes on your existing estate plan, we're here to help. Our compassionate team offers assessments of existing documents and would be honored to help you ensure your plan truly reflects your current wishes. Contact us at (503) 235-5150 to schedule a consultation and discover the difference that the right legal partnership can make.
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If you want to get started on your estate plan, read about our estate planning services and schedule an appointment.
To your family's health + happiness.
~Candice N. Aiston