Estate Planning & Elder Law Services

 

Wills and Trusts:

 

I regularly advise Oregon residents about estate planning. A standard estate plan includes preparing or updating your Will or revocable living trust to reflect your wishes for the management of your estate once you have passed away. It also includes formal instructions regarding management of your health and finances, if you become unable to make those decisions during your lifetime, and instructions regarding your burial or cremation. I may recommend additional documents to best accomplish your goals, always with a focus on efficiency and clarity.

 

Probate:

 

I represent personal representatives of estates in Oregon. The personal representative, also sometimes known as the executor, is the person who has been appointed by the court to manage the estate of someone who has passed away, with or without a Will. I assist individuals and professionals in applying to the appropriate probate court to be appointed as the personal representative. I guide my clients through the entire probate process, advise them regarding legal requirements and resolution of issues as they arise.

 

Trust Administration:

 

I represent trustees of trust administered in Oregon. A trustee is responsible for managing property in a trust for the benefit of the beneficiary. Trusts can take a lot of different forms and serve different purposes. The most common situation I’m involved in is where a person with a revocable living trust dies, their trust becomes irrevocable, and the successor trustee takes on the role of administering the trust according to the terms of the trust agreement. The trust administration process is similar to the probate process, but usually can be accomplished without court involvement.

 

Conservatorship:

 

I assist individuals and professionals who wish to be appointed as another person’s conservator in Oregon. A conservator is legally responsible for the financial management of assets for a person who has been determined to be unable to manage their finances. I represent conservators throughout the appointment process and the duration of the conservatorship. I help conservators prepare their annual accounting to the court and advise on legal issues as they arise.

 

Guardianship:

 

I assist individuals and professionals who wish to be appointed as another person’s guardian in Oregon. A guardian is legally responsible for the health, well being, care, and living environment of a person who has been determined to be unable to take care of themselves. I represent guardians throughout the appointment process and the duration of the guardianship. I help guardians prepare their annual reports to the court and advise on legal issues as they arise.

Please Note: The above is intended as general information and is not legal advice.