In 2025, Catalyst underwent a number of staff transitions. While we’re always sorry to see valued colleagues move on—and recognize that change can be challenging—our current team is energized and ready to support you from offices in the Pearl District and King City, or virtually via Zoom. In March, the Firm welcomed new Senior Counsel, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 A well-drafted will or trust can fail if assets are titled incorrectly or outdated beneficiary designations are overlooked.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”).
Recommendations for maximizing impact of tax-deductible donations in 2020.
Proper Planning to Avoid Disputes Between Business Owners If you enter into a marriage with your own assets, it is considered reasonable and practical for you to ask your future spouse to enter into a premarital agreement even though you both hope and plan for a happy and healthy marriage. It also seems reasonable and […]
Good contracts are like instruction manuals for business relationships. The contract will outline each party’s rights and obligations, and provide a roadmap for how to resolve any disagreement or dispute. Unfortunately, not all contracts are “good contracts,” and even “good contracts” do not (and cannot) anticipate or address every possible risk or outcome. In other words: Each contract is different, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to any legal question about contracts. Accordingly, the information on this site is generic in nature and is not based on your (or any) particular contract or situation, so it may not apply (or may apply differently) to your given circumstances.