Blog

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.