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What Happens If I Die Without a Will?
If you pass away without a will, the state decides who gets your assets—and it may not match what you’d want. This is called dying “intestate,” and the state’s default rules can lead to surprising and sometimes unfair results, especially in blended families or unmarried relationships. Your spouse, children, or even distant relatives could inherit in ways you didn’t intend. Plus, the process can take longer, cost more, and create stress for your loved ones. In this article, we explain how intestacy works in Oregon, who inherits what, and how you can avoid the uncertainty by creating a simple, legally binding estate plan. Dying without a will may not be the end of the world—but it’s rarely the legacy you want to leave.
How Do I Transfer My Business to My Kids?
Transferring your business to your children is one of the most rewarding (and complicated) moves a business owner can make. Whether it’s a gradual transition or a full handoff, there are legal, financial, and emotional factors to consider. Do your kids want to run the business? Are they ready? What’s the best structure—gift, sale, or part of your estate? This resource breaks down the most common strategies for keeping your business in the family, including buy/sell agreements, succession plans, and trusts. It also covers tax implications and tips for making the transition smooth for employees and clients. Planning early helps avoid conflict and preserve your legacy for the next generation.
How Do I Reduce Estate Taxes?
Estate taxes can take a bite out of what you leave behind—but with good planning, that bite can be minimized or even eliminated. In Oregon and Washington, estates over a certain value are subject to state estate tax, and larger estates may also face federal tax. Fortunately, there are smart tools available: credit shelter trusts, gifting strategies, charitable giving, and special planning for family-owned businesses or farms. This article gives a plain-English overview of how estate taxes work, what the thresholds are, and what steps you can take now to reduce the tax burden later. With thoughtful planning, you can leave more to your loved ones and less to the state.
Checklist: What to Bring to
Your Estate Planning Meeting
A little preparation goes a long way. This checklist helps you gather the key information and documents to make your estate planning meeting as efficient and productive as possible. You don’t need to have all the answers—but if you have the basics ready, we can get to work faster. The checklist includes things like a list of assets, family member names and ages, existing legal documents, and your initial goals or concerns. Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating an old plan, this guide will help you feel prepared and confident.
Link to client intake form: https://www.nextphase.law/
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets someone you trust manage your finances or legal affairs if you’re unable to. It’s a key part of any estate plan—because life is unpredictable, and you want someone ready to act if you're seriously ill, injured, or otherwise unable to make decisions. The person you name is called your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.” Some powers of attorney take effect immediately, while others are “springing” powers—meaning they only kick in if you become incapacitated (usually confirmed by a doctor). Springing powers can offer peace of mind, but they can also cause delays if proof of incapacity is hard to obtain quickly.
This resource explains the pros and cons of each type, what powers you can give, and how to choose the right person. A good POA helps protect you—and keeps things running smoothly for the people you care about.
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