Everyone in estate planning tells you to avoid probate. But most people don't actually know what it is—just that it's bad. This post breaks down what Oregon probate actually involves, how long it takes, what it costs, and why a will alone doesn't help you avoid it.

Oregon's $1 million estate tax threshold has been catching families off guard since 2012. A bill that passed the Senate today would change that — but it's not law yet.

Leaving money directly to a loved one with a disability can unintentionally cost them their Medicaid coverage and SSI. A special needs trust is designed to solve exactly this problem — preserving both the inheritance and the public benefits that support daily life. Here's how it works and who needs to be thinking about it.

Oregon conservatorship may be required if no valid power of attorney exists. Learn how guardianship works and how to avoid court involvement.

A revocable living trust avoids probate only if it is properly funded. Learn the common funding mistakes Oregon families make and how to fix them.

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance override your will. Learn how Oregon families get this wrong and how to fix it.

Oregon Medicaid estate recovery allows the state to seek reimbursement for long-term care costs after death. Learn how it works and how to plan ahead.

Wills can be challenged in Oregon probate court. Learn the four most common grounds for a will contest and how to make your estate plan more defensible.

The cost of long-term care in Oregon can exceed $10,000 a month. Medicaid is the safety net—but only if you meet strict medical and financial standards. This post explains how eligibility works, why Oregon’s “income cap” requires a Miller Trust, and how Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs) can protect family assets if planned in advance.

Track Town Law is a virtual firm serving Oregon and Idaho with clear, flat-fee legal services in estate planning and small business law—offering evening and weekend appointments to fit real life.

If your pets are more than just background characters in your life, they deserve more than an afterthought in your estate plan. Oregon law allows enforceable pet trusts to ensure your animals are cared for—and funded—according to your wishes. Here’s how they work, who needs them, and why they matter.

Oregon’s 2025 legislative session is over—and despite a flurry of bills, the state’s estate tax rules remain mostly unchanged. The $1 million exemption still applies to most families, but a new law—HB 3630—expands relief for farms, forests, and fisheries held in trusts or business entities. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and what Oregon families need to do now.

If you're a parent in Oregon, naming a guardian for your minor children is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of an estate plan. This post explains how guardianship works, what happens if you don't have a plan, and why a trust may be just as important as the nomination itself.

A durable financial power of attorney may not be flashy—but when you’re incapacitated, it’s the document that keeps your financial life running. Learn why it matters, how it works in Oregon, and what makes a POA legally effective.

A HIPAA Authorization is one of the most overlooked but essential estate planning tools in Oregon. Without it, your loved ones may be legally shut out of your medical care when it matters most. Here’s what it is, why it matters, and how to do it right.

An Advance Directive is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of any Oregon estate plan. This post explains how to appoint a health care representative, what the form actually covers, and why having the wrong witnesses could render it useless.

Oregon doesn’t let married couples combine estate tax exemptions—so without the right planning, your first $1 million exemption can disappear. This post explains how a credit shelter trust preserves both exemptions, reduces estate tax, and protects your legacy.

Life insurance is often seen as tax-free—but if you live in Oregon and own the policy yourself, it could push your estate over the $1 million estate tax threshold. This post explains how an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) can keep your death benefit protected and out of the taxman’s reach.

The phrase “health, education, maintenance, and support” isn’t just legal jargon—it’s the backbone of many Oregon trusts. Known as the HEMS standard, this clause plays a critical role in preserving tax exemptions, protecting assets from creditors, and guiding trustees. Here’s why it shows up in almost every trust—and why it matters more than you think.

Irrevocable trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. In Oregon, they’re key tools for Medicaid planning, protecting inheritances, and shielding special-needs beneficiaries. Learn when giving up control can actually mean gaining long-term security—for your estate and your loved ones.