We guide clients in estate planning to manage their estate during their life and in the event of incapacity or death. This includes:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Guardianships
- Conservatorships
It is important for everyone to have some kind of estate plan. It is not always necessary to have anything beyond a simple will, however, sometimes our clients need more estate planning to ensure that their wishes are preserved. Additionally, pre-planning can result in significant savings to the estate. We help clients set up wills, trusts (living wills), powers of attorney, advanced directives, and other estate documents. We also help administer estates when a loved one has passed.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of creating legal documents that determine who will make decisions for you if you cannot and how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death. A well‑designed estate plan provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Do I need an estate plan if my assets are modest?
Yes. Estate planning is about much more than wealth. An estate plan ensures that:
- Someone you trust can manage your finances if you’re incapacitated
- Your health care wishes are known and respected
- Guardians are named for minor children
- Your loved ones avoid unnecessary court involvement and delays
Even relatively simple estates benefit from clear planning.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets are distributed upon death but generally requires probate.
A revocable living trust can hold assets during your lifetime and provides instructions for management during incapacity and after death, often avoiding probate and offering greater privacy.
The right choice depends on your goals, family structure, and the nature of your assets.
How much does it cost for an estate plan?
Each estate plan is different; however, we generally charge between $1,000 and $2,500 for a will package and $3,500 and $5,000 for a trust package. Sometimes clients only need a single document to supplement their current estate plan, or they want to change something in their current estate plan. In those cases, the fees are usually much lower.
What happens if I die without an estate plan?
If you die without an estate plan, state law determines:
- Who administers your estate
- Who inherits your assets
- How long the process takes
This process (called intestate succession) often results in outcomes that differ from what the person would have chosen and can create unnecessary expense and conflict.
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan:
- Every 2–5 years
- After a marriage, divorce, birth, or death in the family
- After a significant change in assets or residence
- When laws affecting estate planning change
Even well‑designed plans benefit from periodic review.
How do I set up an estate planning consultation?
The first step is to setup a free 15 minute case evaluation with our office, at which time one of our legal assistants will gather information and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. The consultation is where we obtain more information about your particular situation and help determine if we are a good fit for you. During the consultation we will provide you with an outline of the legal issues in your case and how our firm can be of service. We offer free consultations for estate planning cases. Click here to schedule an evaluation.
What is probate?
Probate is a court‑supervised process used to validate a will, pay debts and expenses, and distribute assets to beneficiaries. The length and complexity of probate depend on the size of the estate and whether there is a valid estate plan.
How long does probate take?
In Oregon, probate in simpler estates generally takes a minimum of 6-9 months, although complex or contested matters can take significantly longer.
What is trust administration?
Trust administration is the process of managing and distributing trust assets after the trust maker’s death or incapacity. It typically includes identifying assets, communicating with beneficiaries, paying expenses and taxes, and making distributions according to the trust’s terms.
When should I contact an attorney about probate or trust administration?
You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after a death, especially if real property, a trust, or probate may be involved, or if there are complex family or financial circumstances.
How much does probate cost?
The cost of probate varies depending on the size and complexity of the estate. A simple probate may cost $3,000-5,000, however any complexity will likely increase this cost. Expenses commonly include court filing fees, publication costs, appraisal fees, and attorney and fiduciary fees. Larger estates, estates with real property, tax issues, or family conflict generally cost more to administer. With advance planning—such as a properly funded revocable trust—many of these costs can often be reduced or avoided.
How do I set up a probate or trust administration consultation?
The first step is to setup a free 15 minute case evaluation with our office, at which time one of our legal assistants will gather information and schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. The consultation is where we obtain more information about your particular situation and help determine if we are a good fit for you. During the consultation we will provide you with an outline of the legal issues in your case and how our firm can be of service. We offer free consultations for probate and trust administration cases. Click here to schedule an evaluation.
HAVE A QUESTION?
REACH OUT TO US
Address: 9800 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Suite 200 Beaverton, OR 97005
Mail: info@lpb-law.com
Phone: 503-641-7222
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
Disclaimer: The firm’s principal office is located in Beaverton, Oregon. The attorneys are licensed to practice law in the state of Oregon. The information on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. The materials on this site do not constitute legal advice. Legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and nothing provided on this site should be used as a substitute for advice of competent counsel.
The information contained on this site may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. Accordingly, information on this site is not promised or guaranteed to be correct or complete and should not be relied upon as such.
When life is most challenging, we provide people with compassionate counsel and legal representation.