Best Estate Planning lawyers in Oregon

1,116 Estate Planning Lawyers in Oregon

>1.1k

experienced lawyers

Don G Johnson

388 State St Ste 940, Salem, OR

Child Custody Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

16 Reviews

01 Aug, 2024 by Anonymous

I had a difficult probate issue due to my relative's poor health and dementia and I received great advice from Don Johnson and his assistant Debbie Mathews. I live far away and when my condemned was condemned, they found me an excellent Realtor and the house sold quickly. I can recommend this firm without reservation.

02 Jun, 2020 by Luke

I had the good fortune of working with Don Johnson in settling an estate after my uncle passed away. Don was, and continues to be, attentive, informative, and thorough in regards to my questions and concerns about the legal workings of my personal situation. I highly recommend Don as a legal resource, and consider him a friendly and courteous professional.

20 Feb, 2020 by Bruce

Don was professional. He is extremely honest. You are lucky to have found him. Thank you Don.

Jonathan H Johnson

4248 Galewood St, Lake Oswego, OR

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law +2 +5

5.0/5

5.0

14 Reviews

13 Dec, 2021 by Martie

Excellent listening skills, verbal skills (layman's terms) considerate, patient, Respectful of my input and what I wanted In the settlement. Mr. Johnson is not only an outstanding attorney; he is a true gentleman. I'm a senior citizen, virtues are extremely important to me. I would highly recommend Mr. Jonathon Johnson to anyone. Sincerely, Martie

07 Jun, 2019 by Dana

Johnathan Johnson stepped in to represent me in an auto accident case nearing the statute of limitations when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed improbable. He went straight to work during our first and only in-person meeting and employed a strategy to expedite the insurer’s response and encourage a reasonable settlement, avoiding drawn out litigation. With Mr. Johnson’s knowledge, skilful negotiations and excellent, concise communication the case was settled satisfactorily in less than seven weeks. He kept me informed of developments throughout and was responsive to my questions. I am so grateful to Mr. Johnson and would recommend him without hesitation.

24 May, 2019 by Michelle

Compared to a previous experience with a different firm, Jonathan was excellent at communicating every step of the way. I was not left in the dark as to the status of my case, and he reviewed each communication with me prior to submitting to the opposing party to verify accuracy and obtain my consent. Based on his previous experience with case law, he pursued an alternate angle in an attempt to obtain the best result. I knew I had a favorable advocate who was doing his best, even with a relatively small case. He was also very conscientious to not over-promise and under-deliver.

Lori A Jenkins

2703 12th St SE, Salem, OR

Adoption Estate Planning Family Law +3

+1 (503) 832-4168

5.0/5

5.0

12 Reviews

20 Apr, 2024 by Kari

My husband & I used Lori to take care of our adoption (which was an open adoption for our great niece). We we anxious to get the adoption done and Lori was compassionate to listen to our story, knowledgeable in rights of the family members, and was efficient in getting the adoption completed within two months! Lor is amazing and trustworthy. This review is so late, but we appreciated how simple she made this portion of our adoption !

12 Oct, 2021 by Tasha

We contacted Lori Jenkins for my husband to adopt my four children, all teenagers. She was very knowledgeable about any and all questions we had. She handled our case with care and efficiency. She is always patient, caring, and professional. The adoption went very smoothly and faster than we expected as the bio-father lives in another state. It helped that my ex willingly signed consent to the adoption but we feel it was Lori that made the process so smooth and easy for us. We would most definitely hire her again should we need a lawyer in a similar area of expertise. Thank you Lori!

27 Jul, 2021 by Jessica

My husband and I hired Lori initially to help us terminate my Ex’s legal rights to my son and allow my husband to adopt my son. It ended up being a long, brutal, custody battle with my ex who had resurfaced after being absent for years from my son’s life. Lori fought hard for us, prepared us every step of the way, took time to listen to us but also told us ways we could cut costs by handling certain things ourselves. She told us our options along the way and explained why she recommended one option over the other. She helped us see things realistically and at times helped to reel in emotions and keep things focused on our son vs my ex. With her help we were able to come to a sustainable agreement that kept our son safe. My ex was granted supervised visits that would graduate to unsupervised, then overnights, then short summer visits then eventually 3week summer visits. Lori told us this was the best solution to give him time to prove himself or enough rope to hang himself. It’s been over 5yrs since that arrangement was made and he has still never had an unsupervised visit and only maintained contact for about a year. Lori still touches base with us to see how we are doing. Our son turns 18 next year and Lori will be handling the adult adoption case for us so my husband can finally legally be named his dad. We can’t thank Lori enough for all of her hard work and dedication. If you’re looking for an attorney you can trust with your children’s lives, look no further.

Lisa M Kenn

1000 SW Broadway, Suite 2300, Portland, OR

Adoption Child Custody Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

11 Reviews

04 Dec, 2023 by Heidi

Lisa Kenn exceeded all our expectations. As parents, we both have legal experience and did some research to help our daughter find the best divorce lawyer in a very difficult, messy divorce. From the very beginning our daughter always felt like Lisa Kenn was on her “team,” and that enabled her to operate under extreme anxiety because she knew Lisa Kenn always had her back. This allowed my husband and I to function as supportive parents (which our daughter needed) because we trusted Lisa Kenn would handle the legal end. What a gift she has been in our lives during this really difficult time. Her personal attention, communication, and knowledge of the family law specialty was excellent. I highly recommend Lisa Kenn.

13 Oct, 2023 by Zhuobin

My divorce lasted for almost a year. From the very beginning, Lisa provided not only legal consultation but also emotional support and encouragement, which helped me immensely through this tough time. The communication between us was always fantastic. Lisa replied to her emails very quickly and explained the case details in a way that was very easy to understand. I just feel very lucky to have her as my divorce attorney and with her help, I was able to get out of that marriage and move on happily with my life.

18 Dec, 2021 by Virginia

I am so very fortunate to have found Lisa. She is just the real deal!! Knowledgeable, competent, funny and direct, she guided me through the most difficult situation I have ever experienced. Simply put Lisa is the best. I am eternally grateful to her and would contact her in a heartbeat if I ever find myself needing family law again, I have already given her name to a co-worker.

Stephanie M. Palmblad

1032 3rd Street NW, Salem, OR

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

10 Reviews

29 Jan, 2020 by Andrea

Stephanie Palmblad and the staff at Collier Law are so professional and approachable. They guided our family in getting our will in order and were so helpful in answering all our questions to make it as easy as possible. It was nice to work with a trustworthy person who had our interests and needs at the forefront of the process.

29 Dec, 2017 by Kim

Stephanie handled my mother's trust and all the legal paperwork once my mom passed away. Stephanie was able to explain the legal process in words that we could understand. Stephanie kept us up-to-date on the status of the case and we felt really cared about our family. I highly recommend Stephanie for estate planning needs.

14 Jul, 2016 by Sam

Ms. Palmbald is a lawyer who specialize in the estate. She is detail about explaining the specifics, and the choices between a will, and an estate. Ms. Palmblad parperes all paper work, and will mail the form to your doctor, bankers, friends, and etc. to sign. You can call her anytime of the day if you have questions, she is very helpful. She does not give you an answer if she does not know but she will check into it, and get back with you. Very professional lawyer, I had recommend her to a lot of my friends about how important it is to have an estate done. The money I paid her was worth every penny!

John Harrison Myers

204 W Adams Ave, Sisters, OR

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

10 Reviews

16 May, 2023 by Kristie

I hired John to set up a trust for me. He was knowledgeable and very helpful in letting me know exactly what I needed to do. He put together everything in a timely matter and I was very happy with the outcome. My husband is now having him go over his trust that was done years ago. We both were very impressed with his expertise and professionalism.

03 Nov, 2020 by Jeff

We hired John to set up our assets in a trust. He was very thorough and was able to explain everything so that we could understand and felt comfortable. John is professional and easy to get along with, I recommend him.

11 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous

John got my will, trust, POA & advanced directive done in about a month's time. This is so much quicker than many people I know. He kept in touch with me, customized my estate plans to my needs and asked great questions that I wouldn't even have thought about. Now, probate will be avoided and my estate will save a lot of money -- including on taxes. He is compassionate, kind, really organized and affordable. Now my loved ones will have an easier time when I go and I have peace of mind for many years to come.

Stephen E Montgomery

494 State Street, Salem, OR

Business Estate Planning Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

9 Reviews

12 Jun, 2024 by Nick

Stephen did a great job as my probate attorney. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.

02 Apr, 2024 by Andrew

My wife and I recently met with Stephen Montgomery to discuss estate planning. He was friendly, knowledgeable and professional. While we ended up going in a different direction in terms of our estate planning we would recommend Mr, Montgomery to others. He was more than fair with us, he is active in the community and is compassionate. Please consider using his services.

26 Oct, 2022 by Elizabeth

I found Stephen to be extremely helpful and patient with me in navigating my Dad's Power of Attorney, Trust, and Will at a very difficult time in my parents' lives. He was kind, patient, attentive, and very knowledgable. I plan to see him again when it is time to set up my own estate paperwork.

Peter R Tovey

5289 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro, OR

Estate Planning Immigration +2

5.0/5

5.0

9 Reviews

03 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous

We consulted Peter to understand the implications of DECR vs dismissal and implications for immigration. He was able to steer our lawyer towards a civil compromise and we had no issues with immigration. In contrast another lawyer we spoke to made it seem like it was hopeless and we would face dire consequences etc etc but Peter was honest and clear in his assessment and gave us all possible scenarios. He also appreciated that we had done our research.

19 Mar, 2016 by Rick

Peter was professional, friendly and easy to talk with on our Living Trust. Definitely would use him again for legal advice.

03 Sep, 2015 by Manuel

I highly recommend Peter Tovey to all people with immigration case needs. In my case, Peter handled my wife's application for change in visa status and application for her green card in a professional and very expedient manner. He explained the entire process to us, guided us through all the steps, and everything happened exactly the way he said it would, including all the timing of steps and events. And he did all this with what I consider to be amazing personal care and responsiveness. Many many thanks to Peter for all his help and of course for the successful results achieved in much shorter than expected time!

James K Walsh

Mailing address:, Eugene, OR

Car Accident Estate Planning Personal Injury +3

5.0/5

5.0

9 Reviews

30 Jan, 2016 by Mike

I've known of Jim Walsh since my High School days. He was a couple years ahead of me; I've always admired his demeanor and grit. You never think you'll need an attorney until you do. And I needed one a few years back. I was ticketed for a DUI that was not your usual DUI. I was eating dinner with an old flame who I knew for years. She worked as any ER nurse at a local hospital here. She was unhappy that I didn't want to take her back and resume our relationship. At the end of our meal, which included drinks (too many) she got up and went to the restroom. We payed the bill and went to the parking lot where she said she didn't want to come over to my house at that time. Got in my truck and pulled out on the main road. Looked ahead and wasn't shocked to see two cruisers no more than 100 yards down' the road. I knew immediately what had happened. She had called a police friend of hers from work turned me in to him. I drove by the cruisers (they were pointed away from the direction I was going) and they turned and started to follow me. No more than a mile down the road they illuminated and pulled me over. (I was so flustered I failed to signal a turn) Busted. I was incredibly upset about how this went down. A 50's year old man was now screwed. I called Jim and he met me. He helped fill out my initial paperwork and ordered my evidence for review. I was correct in my thinking I was set up. The police report confirmed this. Jim was incredible. He went with me to my court appearances and stood by me. The advice he gave me was spot-on. I wouldn't have made it through the process and might of even done some revenge type activities without him. He even called me nine months later and told me what to do to ensure I got my case dismissed ( after diversion and everything else). He truly cared for me. He was just what I needed. I can truly say that he was more than an attorney. A good, solid attorney (and friend) who payed attention to all the details and held me up through the entire process. I didn't expect this from a lawyer. But Jim is more than just a lawyer. His depth of experience ( he had worked for the same City that I was arrested in) was incredible. I can truly say I wouldn't have gotten through the process without him being right along with me. He's a good man.

13 Oct, 2015 by Styephen

Mr. Walsh and myself were involved in two auto accident cases. The first of the two accidents involved an Indochinese woman who was working in Corvallis where she was hit in a crosswalk as she crossed the street. The woman, a friend of mine, had extremely limited English skills. She ask me to assist her in the resolution of her situation. I selected Jim from the yellow pages for a consultation. Upon hearing the plight of this woman, who worked for minimum wage with no health or auto insurance and now hospitalize and unable to work. he drove to Corvallis with me to speak with this woman. He obtained the pertinent information and agreed to take the case for a significantly reduced fee. He worked diligently with myself to resolve the woman's claim. he was compassionate and caring as well as being a knowledgeable and dedicated attorney. The second incident, a head-on auto crash, involved myself. A car crossed the center medium and struck my car. I was not seriously injured, how ever I had a damaged knee, fractured ankle, a cracked rib as well as multiple cuts and bruises to my face, legs, and arms. Jim and his staff worked closely with me through the settlement process, keeping me informed as the claim progressed. Again, Jim demonstrated his knowledge of the law and his understanding of the claim process. As important as his excellent professional expertise, was his personal concern for me as an individual. I was not just a client. He always had time for me and my concerns. I can not express enough the manner in which Jim and his staff treated me. I highly recommend him as a lawyer and as caring compassionate human being. If need, would not hesitate in employing his services again.

08 Oct, 2015 by David

I was rear ended by a driver while sitting on my motorcycle at a stop light . I sustained a herniated L4 and an impingement. Jim allowed and encouraged me to focus on my recovery, which, after all is the most important thing, while he and Nancy took care of managing the bills and the surgery related to the accident. Jim's counsel was invaluable to me, since I know next to nothing about the legal system. As we got closer to a settlement Jim worked with me to make sure that I was comfortable with the process and was clear on what should be expected. I truly felt like I had an advocate working with me at every step of the way. In the end, there were no surprises and I left the process feeling like we had done everything well and with integrity. I cannot say enough good things about my experience working with Jim. I would highly recommend getting him onto your team.

Alexander A Redmond

273 North Grant Street, Canby, OR

Business Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

8 Reviews

08 Jul, 2024 by Dawna cassidy

31 Mar, 2024 by Ashlee umberger

Awesome attorney. Very professional and helpful. Office staff is always super friendly.

22 Mar, 2024 by Barbara

They have consistently give us fabulous, professional, understanding service. As always, thank you

Jeffrey M Skrysak

PO Box 1022, Salem, OR

Business Estate Planning Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

8 Reviews

10 Jul, 2017 by Bobby

Mr. Skrysak was nothing short of great in helping us. His work was very quick and he delivered it in a professional manner that helped us immensely.

06 Jan, 2017 by Bo and rose

We have five grown children, and are in our mid-sixties. We were procrastinating about putting our affairs in order. We went to Collier Law for a consultation to see what direction to take for the future of our children. We met with Jeffrey and were very impressed with him. He explained everything to us, and all options in a manner that we could understand. He was very professional and thorough. My husband and I highly recommend Jeffrey and the staff at Collier Law.

19 Dec, 2016 by Kevin

I did 25 years in the military, I never had my affairs in order after I retired, it wasn't until Jeff sat down with me and explained things in detail on the importance of having something in line for my future, I really appreciated having a sense of security, I would recommend Jeff to assist anyone that were my situation, I also want to thank him for assisting veterans, I am so greatful and I will continue his services. Thank you.

Beth S Wolfsong

9900 SW Wilshire St. Suite #100, Portland, OR

Adoption Estate Planning +2

5.0/5

5.0

8 Reviews

17 Sep, 2019 by Martin

I am grateful to Beth and Jen, along with Kelsey, for the professionalism and knowledge they brought to parentage matter. Every question was answered rapidly; they were uniformly helpful; they are genuine, caring individuals.

04 Aug, 2010 by Bill

Beth worked with my partner and I on wills, powers of attorney and all the many docs one should have. We needed and appreciated her expertise and found the process painless and affordable

24 Jul, 2010 by Brad

Contacted Beth about legal documents to protect the relationship between me and my partner. The only catch was that I had to move out of town three days later to complete my doctoral training. Beth didn't flinch and managed to pull off a three week process in 72 hours. We really appreciate her!

Taylor Smith Kittell

9900 SW Wilshire St, Ste 200, Portland, OR

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

8 Reviews

26 Nov, 2018 by Anonymous

I had a consultation with Taylor initially and found her to be concise, thorough and able to distill a complicated issue down to the main elements—comprehending the issue(s) and outline the strategies to go about solving the legal problem. It was helpful and I felt like I had a fair experience in what can(/could have been) be an expensive billing process.

17 Apr, 2017 by Jessica

We hired Taylor Kittell for help with estate planning and she was terrific. We paid a flat fee, which meant that she didn't benefit from spending extra time with us. Nevertheless, she explained our options to us thoroughly and with great patience and she was quick to respond to follow-up questions or concerns. The legal assistants were also lovely. We also had time pressures because my husband was in town for only a short period and Taylor was able to expedite the process and get everything done before he left. All in all, a great experience.

14 Mar, 2017 by Daniel

My wife and I hired Taylor for estate planning. She made every effort to understand what was important to us and then to give us choices that supported our values, clearly explaining the pros and cons of each and making recommendations wherever appropriate to meet our goals. Taylor was able to translate the legal complexities into decision points that captured the heart of the provisions.

R Scott Corey

626 B Street, Springfield, OR

Business Estate Planning Probate +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

8 Reviews

24 Feb, 2020 by Linda

I created a trust years ago when I inherited assets from my father. Simple. 50/50 to each of my children. Then one adult daughter became disabled and it was suggested that I set up a special trust for her. The other daughter was now married with two kids. Scott walked me through lots of options and raised issues I hadn't considered before. Creating a trust is more than just divvying up assets. It takes thought and consideration. He was patient and thorough. I feel I now have a trust that protects the assets, is tailored to the needs of my children, and that represents my desires for use of the assets. I highly recommend Scott.

08 Jan, 2019 by Cliff

Scott did a complete estate plan for us. As a retired CPA, I have an understanding of what needed to be done, He did a great job. But of greater importance, was his ability to communicate with my wife and me. He was able to tactfully call our attention to different methods of achieving our goals. Recently, our son passed and we had to amend the plan to meet our changed goals. Again, he was very helpful and helped us define what needed to be done. As a person, he listens well and understands your needs and desires. He is friendly and doesn’t not try to superimpose his logic.

03 Dec, 2017 by Karen

Mr. Corey did a trust for me. He was very helpful in explaining how a trust or will work. I found him to be very honest and easy to work with. I would highly recommend Scott Corey.

1 SW Columbia St., Suite 900, Portland, OR

Estate Planning Family Law Probate +3

5.0/5

5.0

5 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

01 Sep, 2020 by Matthew

I hired Kathryn and her team to help me with going through probate for my Father's estate after he passed. From the first time we met for a consultation Kathryn and her team were very professional and friendly. They made me feel comfortable going through a difficult time and process. I would definitely recommend them.

19 Dec, 2019 by Amber

I worked with Kathryn Bourn and Stephanie Evans on my Chapter 13 bankruptcy. They were both great to work with. They made stress free and seamless during the entire process. I highly recommend Kathryn.

14 Nov, 2019 by Judy

Kathryn not only helped me "come out whole" from a divorce, but in the process also referred me to people who are helping me make my own way in the future and who all are as professional and nice as she is! I'm glad I found her and you will be too. And by the way, everyone I have met at Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law are welcoming, knowledgeable, helpful and nice!

Christopher MacMillan

PO Box 80908, Portland, OR

Business Estate Planning Litigation +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

7 Reviews

07 Nov, 2022 by Anonymous

I had a straightforward issue related to a shared property line and a dadu my neighbor was planning to build. I first contacted another attorney who cost me nearly $700 before I realized he was totally incompetent regarding Seattle dadu regulations I found Chris and within one week the issue I had was resolved. He is very knowledgeable, is a good communicator, and is sensitive to the fact that no one wants to spend

05 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

Chris was the third attorney I hired and was easily the best of the three. My only regret was not hiring him sooner because Chris is a unicorn--he knows his stuff, will give you the facts, and is a pleasure to work with. Chris is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and generous with his time. He works hard for his clients, and his services provide a real value with very reasonable fees. I appreciate all his work and highly recommend him!

27 Sep, 2020 by Laura

In hiring Chris to represent our Firm, he has been and continues to be thorough, calm and insightful. He has prepared us with solid information in helping us to navigate our understanding of the legal process. His ability to look at a case from several angels has contributed to our successes in cases we have put on Chris's desk. Chris's communication is steadfast throughout the process.

Kelsea J Feola

767 Willamette St Ste 208, Eugene, OR

Child Custody Child Support Estate Planning +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

7 Reviews

04 Jun, 2018 by Casey

I really can't recommend Kelsea enough. She remained professional through some pretty frustrating and stressful litigation with my ex. Most of all I always felt confident that she was advocating for my wants and needs. Needless to say, going through a divorce is an emotional process but I knew that I had an ally through it all who kept in constant communication about every step and made sure that I felt heard and taken care of. Not only was Kelsea available for my every question, the front desk and other employees that worked with her handled my entire divorce process tactfully and with grace. If you want someone in your corner, I recommend her highly.

15 Dec, 2017 by Cathie

I am disabled, my husband left me, after 32 years, because he didn't want a disabled wife. I was a hot mess, when I came to Kelsea. She could have told me no, I had to switch to her, with only weeks to go. She took me on, and, because she's in an office with other attorneys, it's like you get all their advice. Kelsea asked others in her firm, more experienced, to make sure all our info was correct. She was fantastic, I was falling apart at the end, and, she hung in there with me, helped me make decisions, get it settled out of court. I was so scared of being sick and alone, no money to live, as I can't work. Kelsea made sure I got the settlement I needed, so I would be OK. I got served again by my ex last night, he wants to terminate my support, and, life insurance he has to keep, with myself as beneficiary. I sent Kelsea an email, and, I have no doubt, she'll do as fantastic a job as before!

30 May, 2017 by Anonymous

Working with Kelsea and her firm through a custody case was an exceptional experience through a very hard time. From the first phone call, Kelsea really listened to the situation where other lawyers simply dismissed us. She jumped right into a complex and time-sensitive situation. Kelsea was responsive, thorough and insightful throughout a very long process. She not only knew the case, the law and the judge, she really got to know us and argued eloquently and tirelessly for our needs and priorities. When the judge threw curve balls in chambers, Kelsea hit home runs every time. The whole team at the firm supported each other well and were all incredibly helpful and friendly. We could not recommend Kelsea more highly.

Dean N Alterman

805 SW Broadway Ste 1580, Portland, OR

Business Estate Planning Real Estate +3

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

17 Jan, 2024 by Ahmed

I was looking for a lawyer to help us with real estate and I had important criteria in a lawyer, I was looking for honestly, good lawyer and very responsive, well Dean Alterman has everything what I was looking for, very honest, lots of experience in real estate and very quick in responding to calls or emails. After months of working with him we have achieved our goal! Dean was instrumental and got the job done!! Thank you very much Dean for your help !! If you need help with your business or real estate I recommend you to hire him.

16 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous

I quickly received competent advice on my legal matter. Dean reviewed the documents that I sent over and informed me of my options. He provided advice on what to do next and pointed out that the amount of money in dispute would quickly be exceeded by attorney fees. I appreciated his candor and directness. I found Dean Alterman to be patient, friendly, and kind. Though I was their client only briefly, I appreciated the level of customer service that I received.

11 Aug, 2020 by Ernest

I've been working in the field of residential real estate for over 2 decades in the Portland tri-county area. I've received lots of advise over the years from various attorneys. All of the advise I've received combined does not come close to the excellent top notch extremely well thought out advise I get from Dean Alterman. Dean has impressed me to such a great degree that I've hired him on retainer at Cooper Realty. Best thing I ever did.

Jacklyn L Richins

61141 S Hwy 97, PMB 524, Bend, OR

Estate Planning Probate Trusts +3

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

21 Jul, 2024 by Nate

I hired Jacklyn to help me on our late father’s probate. She was honestly such a great pet to work with during such a stressful time for our family. She was there for us, through it all, and carried us through it to the end. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is in need.

10 Jan, 2024 by Kersey

Working with Jacklyn has made me feel safe and understood during a stressful time in our lives. She represented our needs and gave thoughtful advice. She invested her time and energy into our family to ensure every effort was made to protect us. Highly recommend working with her.

16 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous

Extremely knowledgeable, Jacklyn Richins is a super kind person and easy to communicate with. I appreciate the detail and expertise in every situation.

Erin K. Lufkin

9800 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Beaverton, OR

Debt Collection Estate Planning Family Law +1 +4

5.0/5

5.0

4 Reviews

5.0

2 Reviews

19 May, 2019 by Dan mc

Good service and advice. Hopefully my case will be solved right away.

15 Nov, 2017 by Ryan

Erin was a great source of information and advise. When consulted with her, she gave me the answers to my questions and took the time to run the numbers. This was enough for me to be able to settle my case with confidence. She was a true find!

23 Mar, 2015 by Michael fuller

Last month I referred a close family friend to Steve Burke for help with a real estate dispute. My friend recently told me that she was blown away by the high level of service she received. She said Steve answered her calls personally, knew exactly what to do, and quickly helped her recover all the money she was owed. I can't thank Steve and the attorneys at Case & Dusterhoff enough for helping a friend in need!

Erik J Graeff

2125 N. Flint Ave., Portland, OR

Estate Planning Litigation +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

15 Sep, 2014 by Elise

Erik was very knowledgable and responsive to my legal needs. I was guided thoroughly through the process and he always responded to my emails and phone calls promptly and professionally. I have already referred him to a few people, he is a great lawyer. Thanks Erik!

01 Sep, 2014 by Anonymous

Erik is a professional and friendly person that knows Bankruptcy law well. He was patient, offered up very good advice once retained and made me feel like its "not such a big deal" as I was making it out to be. He handled the case very smoothly and the whole thing was done and over in a timely manner with VERY good results for me! Erik is your "go to" guy when it comes to filing your Bankruptcy.

30 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous

I had been in Oregon for only a short time. By moving here I had already taken a pretty big pay cut which I was adjusting to, then the recession hit and my employer hit me with a salary reduction which amounted to about a third of my pay. I didn't know what to do, I had more money going out than coming in. I didn't have a problem paying my debts but just didn't know how to go about doing it without someone being very unhappy. I contacted Erik about Chapter 13. He was very helpful, put me at ease, answered all my questions, guided me thru the legal process that can be very confusing and nerve racking. It took a while, but I got thru it. I appreciate all the help he gave me and would definitely use him again should the need arise.

Mark D Ropp

8235 SW Oleson Rd. Ste. C, Portland, OR

Estate Planning Probate +2

5.0/5

5.0

6 Reviews

01 Mar, 2022 by Anonymous

Mark helped me on a contested probate. I had already engaged one lawyer in Portland, whose employment I had to terminate due to dishonesty, and fought through an ancillary probate in Las Vegas where I realized that clients/beneficiaries can easily become victims to their attorneys. It was a relief to find Mark, who is straightforward, clear, knowledgeable and honest. I felt at all times that he had my best interest in mind. He helped me to understand my options, make good choices, and was very easy to work with.

25 Apr, 2016 by Rebecca

Once my husband and I started a family, we realized that we needed to get serious about estate planning. We worked with Mark to put together a Will, an Advance Medical Directive/Healthcare POA, and a General Durable POA. Mark did a great job of explaining why each document type was necessary and walking us through the issues we should consider, including ensuring that our insurance policies matched the directives in our Will. After we completed our core estate planning objectives, Mark talked us through some additional estate planning strategies we may want to consider moving forward to better protect our assets and make estate management easier (i.e. creation of a family trust); we plan on working with Mark again in the future in this regard.

02 Feb, 2016 by Andy

Mark handled a family member's estate for us and did a great job. We had no idea what needed to be done and Mark handled all of the paperwork and legal filings with great efficiency. We wouldn't hesitate to use his services again.

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What an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Do for You

An estate planning lawyer helps individuals plan for the management and distribution of their assets after death or during incapacitation. Their services involve drafting important legal documents, such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Estate planning attorneys work to ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes, minimize tax liabilities, and avoid probate court. They also help clients plan for potential long-term care needs and protect their estate from being diminished by healthcare costs.

By working with an estate planning lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be cared for and that your estate will be managed efficiently and according to your desires.

When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer?

Hiring an estate planning lawyer is beneficial in many situations, especially when you want to ensure that your assets are handled properly after death. Common reasons to hire an estate planning lawyer include:

Drafting a will: If you want to clearly define how your assets will be distributed after death, an attorney can draft a legally sound will.
Creating a trust: For those looking to avoid probate or provide for loved ones over time, setting up a trust can help manage the distribution of assets.
Planning for incapacity: An estate lawyer can help draft powers of attorney and healthcare directives so that your financial and medical decisions are made by someone you trust if you become incapacitated.
Minimizing estate taxes: If your estate is large, a lawyer can help create strategies to reduce or eliminate federal and state estate taxes.
Special circumstances: If you have minor children, blended families, or complex assets like businesses, an estate planning lawyer can create tailored solutions.
Guardianship or conservatorship: If you want to designate guardians for minor children or ensure proper care for incapacitated adults, an attorney can help.

Hiring an estate planning lawyer is especially important if your estate is complex or if you want to ensure that your wishes are properly followed.

What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

An estate planning lawyer provides a range of services designed to help you organize your affairs and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. They can:

Draft wills and trusts: Creating legally binding documents that dictate how your assets will be distributed and managed.
Create powers of attorney and healthcare directives: Appointing someone to make financial or medical decisions for you if you become incapacitated.
Minimize taxes: Developing strategies to reduce estate taxes, gift taxes, and other financial liabilities for your heirs.
Help avoid probate: Structuring your estate plan to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your beneficiaries.
Advise on long-term care planning: Helping you plan for potential healthcare needs in the future, including Medicaid planning and protecting assets from being depleted by nursing home costs.
Assist with beneficiary designations: Ensuring that life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other financial instruments are correctly designated.
Handle probate and estate administration: If a loved one has passed away, an estate planning lawyer can help guide you through the probate process or act as an executor.

How Are Estate Planning Lawyers Paid?

Estate planning lawyers typically charge for their services in one of several ways, depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of services you need. Common payment structures include:

Flat fee: Many estate planning services, such as drafting a will or trust, are charged on a flat-fee basis. The fee covers all work related to preparing the document.
Hourly rate: For more complex planning, such as estate tax strategy or trust administration, lawyers may charge by the hour. Rates vary based on the lawyer’s experience and location.
Retainer: Some lawyers require a retainer for more complex cases, such as ongoing trust management or estate administration. The retainer is an upfront payment that covers future legal services.

It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer upfront to avoid unexpected costs.

How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer depends on the complexity of your estate and the services you require. Here are some general guidelines:

Simple wills or powers of attorney: A straightforward will or power of attorney may cost between $300 and $1,500, depending on your location and the lawyer’s experience.
Trust creation: Establishing a trust, such as a living trust or revocable trust, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your assets and estate planning needs.
Comprehensive estate planning packages: Some lawyers offer packages that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, which may range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the estate’s complexity.
Hourly rates: For ongoing services like estate administration or tax planning, lawyers may charge hourly rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.

Always get a clear estimate of costs during your initial consultation to ensure the services fit within your budget.

How to Check the Credibility of an Estate Planning Lawyer

To ensure you’re hiring a credible estate planning lawyer, follow these steps:

Verify their state bar license: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no history of disciplinary actions.
Look for estate planning certifications: Some lawyers are certified as estate planning specialists, which indicates they have extensive knowledge in this area of law.
Read client reviews and testimonials: Online reviews on sites like Avvo, Google, or Martindale-Hubbell can provide insight into the lawyer’s professionalism and client satisfaction.
Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from previous clients who can speak to their expertise and client service.
Check for membership in professional organizations: Lawyers who are members of organizations like the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) or the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) often have a strong reputation in the field.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first meeting with an estate planning lawyer, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should bring:

List of assets and liabilities: Provide a detailed inventory of your assets, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement funds, investments, and personal property, as well as any debts you may have.
List of beneficiaries: Be ready to discuss who you want to receive your assets and in what proportions. This includes naming guardians for minor children if applicable.
Existing estate documents: Bring copies of any existing wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or other relevant estate planning documents.
Questions about your estate goals: Write down your goals, such as avoiding probate, reducing taxes, or setting up charitable donations, so your lawyer can tailor a plan to meet your needs.
Information on medical and financial decision-makers: Be prepared to discuss who you want to appoint for healthcare and financial decisions if you become incapacitated.

By being well-prepared, you can ensure a productive consultation and begin building a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs and protects your loved ones.

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