When people think about creating a will, they often imagine it’s something only older adults or the very wealthy need to worry about. In reality, everyone over the age of 18 can benefit from having a will—especially those with children, property, or specific wishes about how their assets should be distributed.

Without a will, Oregon’s laws decide how your estate is handled. That might mean:

• Assets going to relatives you wouldn't have chosen

• No clear guardian for your children

• Long, expensive probate court delays

Creating a simple will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—and it gives you the peace of mind of knowing your wishes are legally protected.

At my Lake Oswego office, I make the process straightforward, with clear options and no legal jargon. Whether it’s your first will or an update, let’s get it done right.

This is one of the most common questions I get—and it’s a good one.

A will is a legal document that outlines who will receive your assets after you die. It also lets you name guardians for minor children. However, it must go through probate, which is the court process of settling your estate.

A trust, on the other hand, can help you:

• Avoid probate

• Keep your affairs private

• Manage your assets during your lifetime

• Provide for loved ones in a more controlled way

Not everyone needs a trust, but for many people in Oregon—especially those who own property, have complex family situations, or want to avoid court delays—it can be a smart option.

As a lawyer focused solely on wills and trusts, I help clients in Lake Oswego decide what tools make the most sense for their specific goals. No upselling, no pressure—just straight answers.

Life doesn’t stand still—and your estate plan shouldn’t either. If you’ve experienced any of these life changes, it’s time to review your documents:

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child

• Death of a named beneficiary or executor

• Significant changes in finances or property

• Moving to or from Oregon

Outdated documents can create confusion, conflict, or even legal challenges for your loved ones. I recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years, or sooner if something major happens.

If you're unsure whether your current plan still fits your life, let’s talk. I offer will and trust reviews right here in Lake Oswego—no obligation, just honest advice.

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, and in Oregon, it can take 4–9 months or longer, depending on complexity.

The good news? Not all assets have to go through probate, and with proper planning, you can minimize or even avoid it altogether.

In Oregon:

• Estates under $275,000 (including no more than $200,000 in real property) may qualify for a small estate affidavit, avoiding formal probate.

• Trusts can bypass probate entirely by holding assets outside of your personal estate.

• Beneficiary designations on things like retirement accounts and life insurance can also avoid probate.

Many families are surprised to learn how burdensome probate can be—until they’re in it. If you want to protect your loved ones from court delays, let’s talk about your options here in Lake Oswego.

When someone dies without a will in Oregon, the state’s intestate succession laws kick in—and the results might not match what you’d expect (or want).

Here's a quick overview:

• If you’re married with no children, your spouse inherits everything.

• If you’re married with children, your spouse and children split the estate—even if those children are from your current marriage.

• If you’re unmarried, your estate goes to your children, parents, or other relatives in a specific order.

• Unmarried partners, stepchildren, or close friends typically inherit nothing unless they’re named in a will or trust.

Having a will ensures that you—not the state—decide who inherits your home, savings, or personal items. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for your loved ones.

Item Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass—it’s also about protecting your wishes while you're still alive. In Oregon, one key document is the Advance Directive for Health Care.

This legal form allows you to:

• Appoint a health care representative to make medical decisions if you can't.

• Indicate your end-of-life treatment preferences (life support, tube feeding, etc.).

• Avoid confusion or conflict among family members during a crisis.

Oregon updated its advance directive form in 2021, so older versions may be out of date. If you completed yours years ago—or haven’t done one yet—it's a good time to review.

I include advance directives in all comprehensive estate planning packages, and I’m happy to walk you through the Oregon-specific language so you feel confident in your choices.