Estate Planning

Many people acknowledge that drafting a will is necessary for the protection of their loved ones. However, they may put off creating documents or may try to do so with the least amount of effort possible. Frequently, people draft do-it-yourself (DIY) documents,...

In Oregon, your estate must file an Oregon estate transfer tax return if the total value is $1 million or more and you owned Oregon-taxable property. The state taxes only the amount above $1 million, using graduated rates that start at 10% and step up by brackets....

Probate proceedings help to ensure compliance with the law and estate planning instruments. They give creditors and heirs or beneficiaries an opportunity to express concerns about estate administration or the legitimacy of documents. However, probate proceedings can...

When planning an estate, family relationships and legal considerations often collide. A decision that might seem straightforward, such as leaving someone out of a will, can create lasting conflict or unintended financial consequences.  Disinheriting a beneficiary may...

Estate planning is all about clarity and control, and it lets you decide who should receive your property and who should help manage your affairs if you cannot. A clear estate plan reduces stress for your family and helps protect the value of what you have built....

If you’ve recently moved to Oregon from another state and you have an estate plan (even just a will) that you created in that state, one of the things you’ll want to do relatively soon after getting settled is review your estate plan with a professional. While the...

Many parents use equal bequests when making an estate plan. A parent with three children and $300,000, for example, leaves $100,000 to each child. If a parent owns a vacation property and wants it to stay in the family, they may leave it to the next generation as a...

For people who have reached a certain stage in life, family heirlooms and antiques may be among their most prized possessions. Individuals who inherited their grandmother's China or furniture hand-carved by an uncle may cherish those items. In some cases, they may...

When making an estate plan, it’s natural to consider your life insurance policy. If you’ve already purchased such a policy, your goal is to provide substantial financial assets to your chosen beneficiaries. When you pass away, the life insurance company will give them...

Creating an estate plan is a major undertaking. Many people think this is because they have to determine what to do with their assets, but that’s not the only decision that has to be made. If you’re creating an estate plan, you have to think about who will make...