Wills

West Linn’s trusted estate planning law firm — let us help you create your will.

 

A will is also known as a last will and testament. (That's the fancier term that you may hear people use.) Really, a will is just a legal document that tells your family, friends, or beneficiaries your wishes, how you would like your home, money and things distributed, and other arrangements you would like after you die. It can include:

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• Asset distribution: Who will receive your house and stuff, what property will be included, and can include anything from real estate to family heirlooms.

• Guardianship: One of the most important aspects of a will is who will care for your children, dependents, or pets when you are gone.

• Executor or personal representative: This is the person you choose to be responsible for carrying out what is detailed in your will and handle probate. (Yes, a will has to go through probate and your family will probably have to hire a lawyer.)

• Funeral arrangements: Do you want to be cremated, composted, or buried in a casket or sheet? You can include any religious or cultural arrangements that are important to you. (We're seeing more and more people choosing to be composted.)

• Donations: If you plan on leaving a home, car, or money to a charity, you can include that in your will and your representative will help make those arrangements after you are gone.

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Wills are a great first step in getting your estate in order. For some families a will is all they need, but for others a trust may be essential. If you believe that your family will need the money, real estate, or other assets immediately, a trust may be the better option. If you want your estate to be private or spare your relatives, kids, or friends from having to hire an attorney and go through the court process, a trust may also be the better choice.

 

Wills are less expensive to create, but they have to go through probate, meaning that the assets you leave behind will not be available until your representatives have finished the legal process. 

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Our will packages include medical directive, power of attorney, and all of the documents you need to ensure that your family and legacy are protected.

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All consultations for low cost estate planning or updating your existing estate plan are FREE.