Estate Planning

People often think that estate planning is daunting, confusing and overwhelming. They imagine that they will have to gather extensive documentation and paperwork, and it can sometimes lead to procrastination. They just put the task off because it feels like too much....

Creating a will is an important part of protecting your family and preserving your wishes for the future. A carefully prepared document can simplify the administration of your estate and provide clarity for your loved ones. Even so, small mistakes can create...

401(k)s and similar accounts allow people to save for retirement throughout their careers. The use of tax-deferred accounts can help people limit their taxable income during their highest-earning years. Many people aim to have at least a million dollars set aside for...

Becoming a parent is one of the most common reasons that people create estate plans. They want to ensure their children have protection, even if something eventually happens to them. Making a concerted effort to prioritize the children's potential future needs can...

When making an estate plan, you may consider the possibility of an unexpected medical event, like a heart attack or a stroke. You cannot know what the future holds, but you know there is the potential for such an event as you grow older. Your estate plan gives you a...

Our readers may have heard about legislation being considered by state lawmakers that would raise the exemption threshold for the Oregon estate tax. Oregon’s estate tax is considered among the most onerous of the estate taxes levied by 11 states and the District of...

An estate plan can create the framework for a meaningful legacy after a person dies. Estate planning can also provide support to the people left behind after a tragedy. Testators may want to reduce what property becomes part of their estate and passes through probate...

Blended families are relatively common. With divorce rates remaining relatively high, remarriage and the combination of families from prior relationships are regular occurrences. Blended families have unique legal concerns to address, especially if one of the parents...

Estate planning generally involves identifying resources, choosing beneficiaries and drafting legally-sound documents. Valuable resources often require more careful consideration than basic personal property. Business holdings, including professional practices, family...

During estate planning, people try to provide for their loved ones and protect their valuable resources. Many testators establishing their initial plans focus on protecting specific assets. The primary residence of the testator may be their most valuable possession....