Why do-it-yourself estate plans can backfire. Learn how a custom plan from an Oregon attorney can protect your family and reduce taxes.
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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.
Take a Moment to Protect What Matters Most: As we pass the halfway point of 2025, it’s the perfect time to review your estate plan to ensure it still reflects your goals, life changes, and financial situation. Estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” process, so regular check-ins can help prevent unintended […]
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
In 2025, Catalyst Law welcomed new Senior Counsel Mary Dougherty, a seasoned Oregon tax and estate planning attorney, and celebrated the return of Associate Attorney Amanda Caffall after 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.
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
Planning for Life—Not Just Death, Under Oregon Law When most people think about estate planning, they focus on what happens after they die—who gets the house, the savings, or the family heirlooms. But a truly effective estate plan also protects you during your lifetime, especially if you become injured, ill, or develop dementia (termed “financially […]
When evaluating estate planning services, it’s tempting to compare fees—but the true value of your plan lies in how well it actually works. A well-drafted will or trust can fail if assets are titled incorrectly or outdated beneficiary designations are overlooked.
At Catalyst Law, we go beyond documents to ensure your estate plan aligns with your goals. From asset title reviews to beneficiary coordination and built-in asset protection for your heirs, our comprehensive, fixed-fee process ensures clarity and peace of mind—without surprises.
Learn what really matters in a high-quality estate plan and how we can help.
An Interview with Janine Firpo, a values-aligned investor, angel investor, and social innovator who is on the Board of Directors of Zebras Unite.
Nonprofit organizations need to make special considerations when determining fair and reasonable compensation for nonprofit executives, managers, founders, or board members (“Insiders”).