Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
At Gunn Cain & Kinney, LLP our estate lawyers help you keep track of your wealth, organize your property, and familiarize you with Oregon’s procedures regarding alternatives to making a will, such as setting up a Transfer On Death (TOD) bank account. We work with you to update your estate plan as frequently as you prefer and work hard to save you and your loved ones much time and grief. Our attorneys provide assistance with:
Oregon Wills
Even if your intentions were verbally expressed, it is better to have written documents precisely describing your wishes. Wills allow individuals to make their estate plans formally known after they pass and are binding legal documents. In Oregon, you can make a will if you are a legal adult or are married and of sound mind. Your will must be signed in the presence of at least two witnesses who can verify the accuracy of your will.
While wills can be created without legal assistance, it is wiser to have an attorney draft a copy of your will so your intentions are clearly stated in legal terminology and are not open to interpretation or loopholes. If you die intestate (without a will), Oregon law stipulates that your assets are transferred to your spouse or divided between your immediate family, regardless of whatever intentions you expressed while living.
Trusts
Trusts are designed to reduce estate taxes and protect assets from creditors and can hold cash, personal property, and real property. They can help you avoid probate and can be used to supplement wills. Trusts are often used for estate planning as a way to set aside funds for a specific person and are controlled by a trustee. Gunn Cain & Kinney, LLP’s work with trusts includes:
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Estate Planning
Estate planning allows you to prepare for the day when your loved ones will be without you. An estate plan is an excellent tool to protect your assets and can be used to reduce taxable property and increase the wealth intended for your beneficiaries. There are many elements to estate planning, such as:
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Contact Gunn Cain & Kinney, LLP today for estate planning assistance. Conveniently located in Newberg, Oregon, our attorneys represent clients throughout Yamhill, Marion, Washington, Polk, Multnomah, and Clackamas counties.
