Once you’ve created an estate plan, it needs to be updated on a regular basis. Importantly, these documents must be reflective of your current wishes, and your goals may change over time. While it’s a good idea to revisit your estate plan at least every few years, there are also certain events that should trigger a review to ensure it aligns wi…
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Few life events bring as many changes, as quickly, as divorce does. Because there are so many details to manage, one that can stay under the radar is the need to review—or create—your estate plan. Estate planning is something many people put off at the best of times, and it is especially easy to do when you are embarking on life after divorce.…
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If you have created a blended family, you and your new spouse have probably faced some challenges or loss in the past, and chosen to build a hopeful new future together. You’re older and wiser, and you’ve learned some valuable lessons that will help your new family to thrive. One of those lessons is likely that everything goes more smoothly if…
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A common estate planning tool that is used to pass assets is a trust. These instruments allow a third party to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary and distribute them in accordance with the instructions provided by the creator. While there are many different types of trusts that can be used based on your objectives, they fall into one of two cat…
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It’s never too soon to create an estate plan. In fact, estate planning for young families can help ensure you have peace of mind that your children will be taken care of in the event of the unexpected. A comprehensive estate plan can address the issue of who will raise your children if you pass away or become incapacitated. You can also specify h…
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A comprehensive estate plan involves much more than drafting a last will and testament. Trusts are crucial estate planning tools that can be used to provide for your family, avoid probate, plan for incapacity, and protect your assets for future generations. There are many different types of trusts that can be used in Oregon, depending on your speci…
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Estate planning encompasses much more than writing a will or putting your assets into trusts. It also involves planning for the event of incapacity. Importantly, an advance directive is a tool that can be used to help ensure your wishes are carried out regarding your medical treatment in the event you are unable to communicate them yourself. What i…
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The first thing that comes to mind for most people when it comes to estate planning is a last will and testament. However, there are also a number of other tools that can be used to carry out your objectives. A revocable living trust can be an important part of a comprehensive estate plan. Not only can it allow you to decide how your assets will be…
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Although most people know that they should have a last will and testament in place, they may not realize that a complete estate plan can include various other documents to help them accomplish their objectives. Importantly, several tools can be used to ensure your wishes are carried out after your passing and in the event of incapacity. Regardless…
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Much of our time is spent online — and you will likely accumulate a significant amount of digital assets during your lifetime. While you may be thinking about who will inherit your home or family heirlooms, it’s critical to be aware that digital assets must be considered just like any other type of asset when it comes to estate planning. Import…
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Salem attorney Sarah M. Litowich is an Oregonian through and through, with roots in rural eastern Oregon and the Willamette Valley. She is grateful for these deep Oregon roots because she learned the value of hard work and building and maintaining st… Read More