Frequently Asked Questions
What people ask before they call - answered the way we would answer on the phone.
Working together
Do you offer flat fees?
For most estate planning and business formation work, yes. Litigation and contested family matters are usually hourly, and you will get a clear estimate and updates as the work goes on.
What happens in the first consultation?
We talk through your situation, what the law says, and what your options are. If you do not need a lawyer, I will tell you.
Do I need an estate plan if I do not own a home?
Often, yes. An estate plan also covers who can make medical and financial decisions for you and who cares for your children. Those questions exist whether or not you own property.
Can you help both my business and me personally?
Frequently, and where the two would conflict, I will say so up front and help you find separate counsel for one of them.
Estate planning
Do I need a trust, or is a will enough?
It depends on your assets and goals. Many Oregon families do fine with a will plus the right beneficiary designations; some benefit from a trust. We will tell you plainly which you actually need.
What happens if I die without a plan in Oregon?
State law decides who inherits and who would care for your children - sometimes what you would have chosen, often not. A plan replaces defaults with decisions.
How often should I update my plan?
After any big life change - a marriage, a divorce, a child, a home - or every few years as a check.
Family law
How long does a divorce take in Oregon?
Uncontested, often a few months; contested, longer. You will get an honest read at the consultation, not a sales pitch.
How is custody decided?
Oregon courts decide by the child's best interests. We will talk through what that standard means in your situation.
Small business
Do I actually need an LLC?
Not always. Formation earns its cost when liability or partners enter the picture - and we will tell you if you do not need it yet.
Should a lawyer review my lease?
For most owner-operators, yes. Commercial leases shift risk in ways that are cheap to fix before signing and expensive after.
Schedule a consultation.
Portland, OR 97202
Weekdays 9-5 · evenings by appointment