WILLS
Wills are the best known aspect of estate planning; the documents that direct our possessions after death. If your estate is complex, you may be better served with an additional document or two. We can help you decide the best options for your particular circumstances.
GUARDIANSHIPS & CONSERVATORSHIPS
If you have a special needs adult, we will help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances by setting up a guardianship for care. Similarly, financial care, if needed, requires a conservatorship. This can be the same person as guardian or a different person. We can prepare these documents allowing you to protect your loved one.
probate
Executing or probating a will upon someone's death is a court-directed series of several events. We specialize in probating wills, i.e., assisting you, the Executor, in accomplishing the tasks necessary to get your legal responsibilities finalized and the assets distributed in a timely manner.
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
Under Oregon law, someone must have special authority to act for another person. Being a spouse or relative does not grant authority. This special authority is almost always created by a document of some kind. We will assist you in customizing a document so that it is in place before help is needed.
TRUSTS & Administration
In Oregon, and especially in Douglas County, cost of probate is much less than in states like California where living trusts originated. We will help you determine whether the benefits of a living trust outweigh the costs in your particular circumstances. We provide legal advice to Trustees and Successor Trustees who require assistance with Trust Administration.
ESTATE REVIEW
If you already have estate planning documents in place, a periodic review may be prudent, especially if you move to a new state. A review can protect you should changes in the law require updates to your document(s) and inform you of other possible estate planning options that may be available.
Sarah and her legal assistant are happy to travel to your home if it is difficult for you to travel to our office. Call us at (541) 671-2500. We look forward to hearing from you!