Every September, families across West Linn, Lake Oswego, and the surrounding Portland suburbs seem to take a collective breath. Summer vacations are finished. The school supplies have been purchased. The sports schedules are filling up. The calendar is once again packed with practices, appointments, work meetings, and family commitments. One thing we hear from families all the time is this: "We've been meaning to get our estate plan done." They don't say it because they don't care. Usually,...

Many families in Lake Oswego, West Linn, and the Portland area find themselves in a unique season of life. They are helping their children become independent while also beginning to help their own parents. They are supporting one generation while guiding another. This is often called the "sandwich generation." And for many families, it can feel like a lot to carry. When Everyone Looks to You for Help You may find yourself helping your child prepare for college while also helping your parents...

There is a moment every parent experiences that feels both exciting and a little strange. Your child turns 18. You celebrate the milestone. You take pictures. You tell them how proud you are. But legally, something important changes: Your child is now an adult. And that means parents may no longer automatically have the ability to access medical information or make certain decisions on their behalf. Becoming an Adult Comes With New Responsibilities Most parents spend years preparing their...