Many people — even lawyers — underestimate how complicated estate planning can be. A good estate plan is more than just saying “everything goes to my kids” and signing a few papers. Estate planning laws are always changing, and they connect to other areas like tax law, family law, and business law. Keeping up is a full-time job — and it’s what we do every day at Catalyst Law. We see how small mistakes can create big problems later, and we want to help you avoid them.
Why DIY Estate Plans Can Be Risky:
Do-it-yourself (“DIY”) estate plans may seem like a quick and affordable option. You can buy a Will kit, use an online tool, or even write your own Will. But there’s a catch: most DIY products warn you to have an attorney review them. Once you pay a lawyer to review and fix a DIY Will, you often spend as much — or more — than if you had worked with a lawyer from the start. The only real advantage of DIY options is price. And while we agree that estate planning should be affordable (that’s why Catalyst Law offers fixed fees and payment plans), the risk of costly mistakes can far outweigh the savings.
Example No. 1: A DIY Will Gone Wrong
- Bill and Carol had a lawyer prepare a detailed Will that included charitable gifts and tax planning.
- A few years later, Carol decided to change the Will using an online template to add 15 new beneficiaries.
- She asked two friends to witness the Will. Because Oregon allows handwritten or DIY Wills if signed correctly, her new Will was legally valid.
Unfortunately, the new Will did not include the estate tax instructions from the original version. As a result, each beneficiary received less money than Carol intended — and her charity received much less.
At Catalyst Law, we’ll review your current plan but we don’t “fix” online templates. Instead, we create a new plan that we can fully stand behind.
Example No. 2: Missing Oregon Estate Tax Planning
For many Oregon couples, their assets add up faster than they realize — a home, retirement accounts, and life insurance can easily exceed $1 million. Here’s where a DIY Will or “simple” plan can cause problems:
- Oregon estate tax applies to assets over $1 million per person.
- A properly drafted Revocable Living Trust with a QTIP provision can delay and possibly reduce Oregon estate taxes.
- A basic Will, however, does not protect against Oregon estate taxes and could trigger taxes after the first spouse’s death.
Choosing the cheapest option or a one-size-fits-all template often means missing important tax planning opportunities.
Why Professional Guidance Matters.
Every part of your estate plan — your Will, Trust, Power of Attorney, and beneficiary designations — must work together. If one piece doesn’t align with the others, it can create confusion, extra cost, or even legal disputes after your death. Only a licensed attorney can apply Oregon law to your personal situation.
At Catalyst Law, we:
- Discuss your goals and unique circumstances
- Explain the pros and cons of your options
- Identify issues you may not have considered
- Provide practical, experience-based solutions
Our goal is to create a clear, effective, and durable plan that reflects your values and protects your loved ones.
What Makes Catalyst Law Different
- Every estate plan is custom-drafted by an attorney — never copied or auto-filled by software.
- Even our “basic” plans include advanced features that other firms or online tools often skip.
- You’ll meet directly with your attorney and have a chance to ask questions before signing.
- We offer fixed fees and payment plans to make high-quality legal services accessible.
Estate planning is like taxes — you can do it yourself, use a discount service, or hire a professional. The right choice depends on how much accuracy and peace of mind you want.
Our Commitment to You
The Catalyst estate planning team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals through a comprehensive, personalized process. If cost is your main concern, we can often help through flexible payment options or suggest contacting our nonprofit affiliate law firm, The Commons Law Center, which provides affordable legal services to income-qualified clients.
Protect What Matters Most
If you and your spouse together own more than $1 million, your heirs could face unnecessary Oregon estate taxes unless you have a trust-based or will-based plan prepared by a lawyer. Review your documents to see if they include a Disclaimer Trust, Credit Shelter Trust, Bypass Trust, or other Marital Trust that activates when the first spouse dies. If your plan doesn’t include one — or if you’re unsure — now is the time to update your plan.
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