Being named a trustee is an important responsibility, but sometimes life throws unexpected situations your way. When a loved one is hospitalized and you have to step into the trustee role, you might feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what lies ahead. Here's a guide on how to navigate your new responsibilities and ensure your loved one's best interests are protected.
Read MoreIncorporating stocks and other investments into your estate plan requires careful consideration to ensure your hard-earned assets are transferred smoothly to your loved ones. There are several ways to pass down your stocks, each with its own advantages and potential tax implications.
Read MoreAs a parent, you want nothing more than for your children to get along. But the reality is, sibling relationships can be complex and sometimes fraught with disagreements. When planning your estate, facing the prospect of your children arguing about your legacy is incredibly stressful. Rest assured, there are ways to structure your estate plan thoughtfully to minimize conflict and preserve your wishes, even if your children can't always see eye-to-eye.
Read MoreHospice care offers comfort and support during a serious illness, focusing on quality of life rather than curative treatment. While it’s often associated with end-of-life situations, a hospice stay can last for months or even years. This highlights the importance of a flexible estate plan that addresses not only what happens after you pass but also the practicalities of your financial and personal life during an extended hospice journey.
Read MoreApril marks Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month, bringing attention to an emotional challenge that many of us will eventually encounter: the loss of a life partner. It’s a difficult transition, and no matter how well-prepared we might think we are, the reality is always a tough journey. Beyond the emotional adjustment, there are practical and necessary steps to take on the legal and financial front in Oregon which can seem overwhelming in a time of grief.
Read MoreYou'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.
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