As we head into 2021, we’ll be making lists, goals, and resolutions for things to do to help us have a better new year. A good thing to have on your list? Taking care of what matters to you, by either setting up or updating your estate plan, with a trusted Oregon estate planning lawyer by your side.
In Oregon, “estate planning” can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Estate planning is essentially you officially setting out your wishes so they can be honored under the law.
As you ponder the needs for your estate, here are some areas we can discuss and work on together:
Start with setting up or reviewing your will
Everyone’s estate planning needs are different, but a great starting place is your will. Here we can set out your wishes for what happens to your property, how minor children are cared for, and much more.
Trusts
Manage money and other assets for the good of those who matter most to you
A “trust” is basically a type of contract, and it isn’t just for after you die. Trusts set out how you want specific financial and/or other assets managed during your life or after your death.
Getting through probate in Oregon
”Probate” is a word for a specific legal process. Essentially, probate is how Oregon reviews and supervises the distribution of a deceased person’s property and more. If a person dies without an estate plan in effect, probate will use a default legal process, but property won’t necessarily be distributed the way a person wanted.
Your will and other estate plan instruments can help smooth the probate process—while honoring your wishes.
Power of Attorney
Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
If illness, injury, or other circumstances incapacitate you, crucial decisions have to be made on your behalf. Power of attorney, or POA, authorizes someone else to make decisions for you, such as managing your finances.
Medical Power of Attorney
If you can’t make decisions about your health care, who will?
In Oregon, MPOA, or Medical Power of Attorney, is a separate legal designation from regular power of attorney. MPOA specifies your health care wishes and authorizes someone to make medical decisions on your behalf when you are unable to do so yourself.
Healthcare Surrogate/Medical Power of Attorney
Start 2021 with peace of mind
An estate plan can easily become one of those things you know you need to do… but never get around to. Together, we can make 2021 the year you gained peace of mind by knowing that your will and other estate planning instruments were taken care of and are ready to go when you need them.
Estate planning can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right Oregon estate planning lawyer by your side, you can have the right estate plan for your life.
