August is Make-A-Will Month, a national reminder of the importance of having a valid will in place. While it might not be the most exciting topic, taking this step is crucial for ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of after you're gone.
Read MoreEstate planning can seem daunting with its complex terminology and numerous components. But don't worry, this guide from our Portland, Oregon estate planning attorney guide is here to help you navigate the basics.
Read MoreAs a Portland, Oregon will lawyer, I've seen firsthand how substance abuse can impact families, leaving parents heartbroken and unsure of how to protect their loved ones while preserving their legacy. In my experience, many parents want to leave an equal inheritance to all their children, but when one child is struggling with addiction, it can significantly complicate matters.
Read MoreWhen it comes to estate planning, many people wonder if they can simply write their wishes down in an email and have it be considered a legal Last Will and Testament. While it's true that technology has made it easier than ever to communicate our wishes and desires, an email is not typically sufficient to create a legally binding will.
Read MoreIn the early part of 2022, many young families spent a lot of time watching Disney’s award-winning animated film Encanto. Repeatedly. While the movie is obviously a great source of entertainment for kids, Portland, Oregon estate planning attorneys have also noticed that it contains a lot of valuable lessons that can help people prepare for their family’s future.
Read MoreReceiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or another progressive form of dementia is always devastating for everyone involved. It is never easy to wrap your head around the changes that will gradually make life more challenging for you and your family.
Read MoreEco-friendly burials, or “green funerals,” have been garnering a lot of attention lately. More and more people are requesting these types of burials because they have a more limited impact on the environment, they are simpler, and they are often more cost-effective.
However, because there are a lot of different factors to consider, many people feel confused about eco-friendly burials, what they require, and whether a green funeral is right for them.
Read MoreThroughout their lives, parents go to great lengths to ensure that their children are protected. The desire to keep one’s children safe and well-positioned in life is so strong that it often leads to worries about how children will stay protected when their parents are no longer alive.
Taking the time to have a properly prepared estate plan will give you confidence that your children will be taken care of when you die, whether they are young kids or grown-ups.
Read MoreCreating a will in Portland, Oregon is an important task that requires filling out several different forms and meeting certain requirements. But once you’ve done so successfully, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your family and loved ones will be left with the fruits of your labor in the event of your passing.
Read MoreA will enables you to clearly communicate your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the guardianship of your minor children after your passing. While it can be difficult to think about the inevitable, it can give you peace of mind knowing your family will be taken care of when you’re gone. Some people choose to create what’s called a joint will. A joint will is a document two or more people sign together to combine each party’s last will and testament. Generally, married couples use a joint will so the surviving spouse receives the assets when the other dies and then transfers everything to their children upon the surviving spouse’s death.
Read MoreYoung families are busy! They are often raising young children and at the beginning stages of their careers. Estate planning is often at the bottom of their priority list – if it is even on the list at all! But our Portland will and trust lawyer would like to help bump that priority up by explaining several reasons why young families need estate planning.
Read MoreCreating a will is a significant undertaking. This is essentially the document that will guide the courts and your family on how you want your final affairs to be handled when you pass away.
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