Bullivant Houser Bailey's Estate Planning practice differs from other firms because, in addition to our estate planning, wills, trusts and tax expertise, we have the litigation and business resources to complement our planning and administration work. Our West Coast presence also allows us to better serve our clients with planning issues in multiple states. The group has been structured so attorneys have complementary focus areas.
We help individuals and families preserve their wealth, and sometimes that leads to litigation or mediation. Resolving family financial disputes requires special skills. If the dispute arises out of an inheritance, especially after a recent death, emotional issues are often as explosive as the legal issues. Our team is fully equipped to help clients in all aspects of these disputes: creating conservatorships, resolving trust disputes through trust modification or litigation, and contesting a will. We collaborate with skilled trial attorneys so that clients receive the best possible representation.
Our approach is to customize plans where clients are decision makers. We do not use a "one size fits all" plan, and we are always current on new legal developments and trends to provide the best available planning options in light of current law.
Our attorneys focus on these estate plan issues:
- High net worth families/individuals
- Trust, probate and charitable entity administration
- Dispute resolution
- Cross-border
- Business succession planning
- Income, estate and business taxation
- Post-mortem planning
- Probate, wills and trust litigation
- Non-traditional couples
Ask these questions as you evaluate estate plan legal counsel:
- Why an estate plan? An estate plan gives you comprehensive control over the disposition of your estate—money, property and other assets—upon your death. More than just a will, a complete estate plan also plans for potential incapacity and other possible problems.
- What is a revocable trust (also called a living trust) and how is it different than an estate plan or will? A revocable trust is a will substitute and, if properly structured and administered, can help your estate avoid probate. A revocable trust is not the best choice for most clients, but there are situations in which a revocable trust provides additional value.
- How often should I review or change my estate plan? An estate plan should be reviewed periodically, particularly at any time when significant changes occur in the law. Your circumstances may change, too, and you should be prepared to make changes to a plan that reflects those circumstances.
- Is my estate subject to special estate taxes? Oregon and Washington both have estate taxes with two of the lowest exemptions in the nation. A comprehensive plan, tailored to your needs, will minimize your tax exposure.
- I own a business, but I want my family to benefit from it after I'm gone. Is there anything I can do? Yes, we can help you with business succession planning to help ensure that you successfully transition the company to your chosen successors and preserve as much value as possible.
- How do children affect my choices in an estate plan? Children play a significant role in most estate plans. What is often overlooked is how you express your values and philosophy in a way that can be passed along to your children. We can help create flexible plans that provide for your children, protect assets you leave them from their creditors or future ex-spouses, and provide your children with as much control as you would like them to have.
- I own property in more than a couple of states. Does that make a difference? Yes, it often does because state rules around property ownership vary and, without planning, your estate will have to open a probate in each state in which you own property. Your plan should address those differences, help reduce administration costs, and be updated when conditions change.