Estate Planning, Explained Clearly
This blog is the written companion to Passing the Baton, our twice-weekly podcast on estate planning for Oregon and Idaho residents. Each post delivers the same practical insight as the podcast—just in a format you can read, revisit, or share.
Whether you're navigating wills, trusts, taxes, or probate, you’ll find clear explanations, real-world applications, and Oregon-specific guidance in every entry. No fluff. No scare tactics. Just thoughtful legal content—written for real people who want to protect what matters.
What Is a Pour-Over Will—and Why Do You Still Need One in Oregon?
A pour-over will works alongside a revocable trust to catch any assets left out and funnel them back into the plan. Learn why this document matters, what it does (and doesn’t do), and why even trust-based estate plans still rely on a will in Oregon.
Revocable Living Trusts in Oregon—What They Are and Why So Many People Use Them
A revocable living trust can help avoid probate, plan for incapacity, and simplify inheritance. But it only works if it’s used—and funded—properly. Here’s how Oregon trusts work, who needs one, and why it’s not always essential.
How You Hold Title Matters—Joint Ownership Types in Oregon Explained
Joint ownership may sound simple—but the way you hold title can override your will and affect what happens after death. Learn the difference between tenancy by the entirety, joint tenancy, and tenancy in common under Oregon law.
Transfer-on-Death Deeds in Oregon—A Simple Way to Keep Real Estate Out of Probate
Transfer-on-Death Deeds let you pass Oregon real estate directly to a beneficiary without court or probate. Learn how they work, when to use them, and what makes them one of the simplest (but most misunderstood) estate planning tools.
Non-Probate Transfers in Oregon—When Your Estate Plan Starts Before the Will
Non-probate transfers—like POD accounts and beneficiary designations—can override your will. Learn how they work in Oregon, how they fit into an estate plan, and why they’re a useful tool when handled correctly—and a disaster when they’re not.
Oregon vs. Federal Estate Tax—Two Systems, One Estate
Oregon and the IRS both tax estates—but their rules are different, their thresholds are decades apart, and their systems don’t coordinate. Learn how both taxes work, when they apply, and how to plan across state and federal lines to avoid surprises.
DIY Wills in Oregon—Because Nothing Says “I Love You” Like a Legal Time Bomb
DIY wills may look cheap and easy—but in Oregon, they often fall apart in court. Learn why state-specific rules, witness mistakes, and tax oversights make these forms riskier than they seem—and what to do instead.
Oregon’s $1 Million Estate Tax Threshold—What It Is, Who It Hits, and How to Plan Around It
Oregon taxes estates over $1 million—and that includes your house, retirement accounts, and even life insurance. Learn how the threshold works, what counts toward it, and how smart planning can reduce or eliminate the estate tax before it hits your heirs.
Oregon’s Small/Simple Estate Affidavit – A Faster, Simpler Path Through Probate
Oregon’s Small Estate Affidavit can help families settle modest estates quickly—without months of court supervision. Learn who qualifies, how the process works, and why it may be a better alternative to formal probate.
Why Every Oregonian Over 18 Should Have a Will
Think you don’t need a will because you’re not old or rich? Think again. In Oregon, even modest estates can create confusion and conflict without one. Learn why every adult—starting at 18—needs a will, and how it can protect your people, your property, and your peace of mind.
Who Inherits When There’s No Will in Oregon? (Understanding Intestacy)
If you die without a will in Oregon, the state steps in with a one-size-fits-all plan. It’s called intestacy—and it often leaves out the people who matter most. Learn what really happens, who inherits, and how to avoid letting the legislature write your estate plan for you.
What Exactly Is an Estate Plan? (Oregon Edition)
What exactly is an estate plan—and do you really need one if you’re not rich or retired? In Oregon, the answer is probably yes. From wills and powers of attorney to state-specific tax rules and probate pitfalls, this post breaks down the essentials of estate planning for real life, not just real wealth.