Estate Planning Services
520 SW Yamhill Street
Suite 1000
Portland, Oregon 97204
(503) 972-7380
Butcher & Smith Law, LLC
Probate and Small Estate Proceedings
When a loved one dies, certain steps must be taken before that person’s property can be distributed. Depending upon the amount and type of property involved, either “probate” or a “small estate affidavit” may be required. Both procedures have court deadlines and rules which must be followed for those proceedings to go smoothly. After determining the proceeding required we work closely with our clients to make sure that all deadlines are met and all documents and court filings are completed correctly with the least amount of trouble.
Trust Administration
Trusts are managed or “administered” by a trustee, who protects and distributes the assets on behalf of the trust’s beneficiaries. In administering the trust, a trustee must follow specific rules included in the trust agreement and the Oregon Uniform Trust Code. We assist trustees and trust beneficiaries in determining what procedures are required when administering a particular trust and assist in making sure that all rules are followed, all deadlines are met and all documents are completed correctly.
Trust and Estate Disputes
In certain cases, questions or disagreements may arise as to how an estate or trust should be administered or distributed. Sometimes the matter can be resolved with an agreement between the parties. In other cases, court involvement is needed or required. We assist our clients with all questions and disputes involving wills and trusts. After determining the issues involved, we are determined to provide the best and most efficient solution on behalf of our clients.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
When a friend or family member is unable to care for their physical or financial well being, it may be necessary to petition the court to appoint a guardian or conservator to act on that person’s behalf. A number of procedures and court deadlines are involved in guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. We work closely with our clients throughout the process to make sure that all procedures are followed and all duties are met on behalf of the protected person.
Your estate plan should fit your unique family and financial needs. With that in mind, we assist our clients in determining the best estate planning options for them. Depending on each client’s choice, we routinely prepare estate plans that include one or more of the following documents:
Wills
Revocable Trusts (aka Living Trusts or Family Trusts)
Irrevocable Trusts
Durable Powers of Attorney
Healthcare Directives
Nominations of Guardian/Conservator
Premarital Agreements
Domestic Partnership Agreements
Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Giving
If you already have estate planning documents in place, a periodic review may be needed. A review can let you know if changes in the law require updates to your documents or if other possible estate planning options are available.