In 2025, Catalyst Law welcomed Attorney Amanda Caffall back to the firm after she served several years in public service. Learn more about our growing legal team and how we continue to serve clients with purpose and professionalism across Portland and beyond.
Your estate plan can do more than transfer assets — it can carry forward the causes and communities that have mattered most to you. For Oregon retirees, tools like IRA beneficiary designations, donor-advised funds, and charitable remainder trusts offer powerful ways to make charitable giving more intentional, more tax-efficient, and more enduring than a lifetime of annual donations. Learn how values-based legacy planning works — and how to build one that reflects who you are.
A plan drafted in your 40s or 50s was built around a different life. In retirement, your income sources, assets, and family circumstances have all shifted — and your estate plan may not have kept pace. Here’s what to review and why it matters now.
A plan drafted in your 40s or 50s was built around a different life. In retirement, your income sources, assets, and family circumstances have all shifted — and your estate plan may not have kept pace. Here’s what to review and why it matters now.
Your will or trust may not control everything you own. Many assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance policies, pass by beneficiary designation, and outdated or incorrect choices can override even the most carefully drafted estate plan. Reviewing and coordinating these designations is essential to ensure your assets are distributed as you intend, avoid unnecessary taxes, and protect your loved ones.
Probate is the court process that happens after someone dies—and it can be time-consuming, expensive, and public. The good news? With proper planning, you can often avoid probate entirely.
In this article, learn:
– What probate is and why people try to avoid it;
– The top tools to bypass probate (like revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, and TOD/POD accounts)
– Common mistakes that can still land your estate in court; and
– How to protect your heirs—and your legacy
Estate planning is not just about what happens after death. Under Oregon law, a properly drafted Power of Attorney and Advance Directive protect you during your lifetime if you become incapacitated, ensuring your finances and healthcare decisions remain in trusted hands.
Oregon couples with more than $1 million in assets may face estate taxes if their plan doesn’t protect both spouses’ exemptions. Learn how marital and credit shelter trusts can help keep your family’s wealth intact.
Why do-it-yourself estate plans can backfire. Learn how a custom plan from an Oregon attorney can protect your family and reduce taxes.
Balancing confidentiality with practical administration is a common concern in estate planning. At Catalyst Law, we respect your privacy while helping you plan for a smooth transition. We encourage open communication about confidentiality preferences and offer tailored solutions, including written authorizations to release documents to trusted fiduciaries like your trustee, personal representative, or agent. While not required, these consents can ease administration if originals are ever lost. We also understand that some clients may wish to limit access due to privacy, family dynamics, or control concerns. Learn how you can protect your estate while honoring your values.