Three years ago today, on March 14, 2016, the definition of marriage under Oregon law was extended to include same-sex couples. Married or not, it is important for same-sex couples to understand their estate planning options. Have you thought about…
With the New Year behind us, our thoughts inevitably turn to new beginnings and self-improvement. A survey from Statista shows that last year many of us resolved to eat healthier and exercise more (37%), save more money (37%), get a…
Scene: A quiet December evening in Portland Oregon. A light dusting of snow has drivers abandoning their cars in the streets, while relatives in town from Seattle smugly claim to be great at driving in the snow. Aunt Jo, who…
Yes. If you are a guardian, you probably already know that the court requires you to file an Annual Guardian’s Report, which keeps the court updated about where the person is living and how they are doing. What you may…
Yes! Most people would be surprised to hear that their college-aged child needs estate planning documents. At age eighteen, a child is legally considered an adult but may still benefit from the assistance and guidance of their parents in making…
We are often contacted about Emergency Guardianship when a loved one has been hospitalized. Generally, if a person has been hospitalized after an unsafe behavior, courts take the view that the immediate crisis has passed because the person is safe…
The Advance Directive form has not been updated since 1993 and some people find parts of it confusing. Oregon’s House Bill 4135 recently passed establishing a temporary form. If you have a current Advance Directive there is no need to…
After someone dies, a court process known as probate may be required to ensure debts and taxes are paid and remaining assets are transferred to the rightful recipients. The probate process includes having a personal representative appointed by a judge,…
An ABLE account is a tax advantaged savings account for someone with disabilities with an onset prior to age twenty-six. Means tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Section 8 housing, have limits on resources and income. The…
You may need a Guardianship or Conservatorship to be able make medical or financial decisions for your loved one. When an adult is no longer able to make important decisions because of a mental or physical illness, they often rely on…
Not all Powers of Attorney for Finances are created equal. The amount of control given to an appointed representative (called an “attorney-in-fact”) depends on the powers specifically spelled out in the document. A Power of Attorney for Finances (or Durable…
The ABLE Act allows qualified individuals with a disabling condition to establish and fund a tax-advantaged savings account from which they can pay for disability related expenses. The purpose of the ABLE Act is to give greater autonomy to these…
As our country’s population ages, more and more families will be looking to Medicaid for assistance in helping pay for rising care costs. We came across an interesting article on forbes.com that explores the current (2017) state of in-home Medicaid…
It can be very confusing and/or frustrating when a Medicaid application has been denied or benefits terminated. Steps need to be taken to preserve your rights. The Medicaid applicant/recipient (or representative) needs to request an administrative hearing within forty-five (45)…
