Basic Estate Plan
A will is a simple legal document that lets you decide what happens to your property, money, and personal belongings after you pass away. It allows you to name who receives your assets (your beneficiaries), appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes (an executor), and even choose guardians for minor children or pets. Without a will, the state steps in and distributes your estate according to its own rules.
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone you trust (your agent) the authority to make decisions on your behalf while you're still alive. There are two main types:
Financial POA: Handles money matters, like paying bills, managing investments, or selling property, especially if you become unable to do so yourself.
Health Care POA (often part of an Advance Directive in Oregon): Lets your agent make medical decisions if you're incapacitated, ensuring your health care preferences are followed.
Why These Documents Are Especially Important in Oregon
In Oregon, having a will and powers of attorney isn't just a good idea—it's essential for protecting your wishes and avoiding unnecessary complications for your family.
Wills and Intestate Succession: If you die without a will (called dying "intestate"), Oregon's laws automatically decide who gets your assets. For example, your spouse and children typically inherit first, but the exact shares depend on your family situation. This may not match what you would have wanted—perhaps leaving out close friends, charities, or specific heirs. It can also lead to family disputes, longer probate processes, or even your estate going to distant relatives (or the state if no family is found). A will ensures your property goes exactly where you intend, provides for minor children, and can help minimize conflicts.
Powers of Attorney and Incapacity: Without a valid POA, if you become unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, your family may need to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to appoint a guardian or conservator. Oregon recognizes "durable" POAs that remain effective even if you're incapacitated, and the state's Advance Directive form combines health care instructions with a medical POA. This avoids court intervention, respects your choices for care, and spares loved ones from difficult decisions during emotional times.
At Fir Law Group, we help Oregon families create clear, customized wills and powers of attorney to provide peace of mind. These tools ensure your voice is heard, protect your assets, and make things easier for those you care about most. Contact us today to get started on your estate plan.
A will is a simple legal document that lets you decide what happens to your property, money, and personal belongings after you pass away. It allows you to name who receives your assets (your beneficiaries), appoint someone you trust to carry out your wishes (an executor), and even choose guardians for minor children or pets. Without a will, the state steps in and distributes your estate according to its own rules.
A power of attorney (POA) is a document that gives someone you trust (your agent) the authority to make decisions on your behalf while you're still alive. There are two main types:
Financial POA: Handles money matters, like paying bills, managing investments, or selling property, especially if you become unable to do so yourself.
Health Care POA (often part of an Advance Directive in Oregon): Lets your agent make medical decisions if you're incapacitated, ensuring your health care preferences are followed.
Why These Documents Are Especially Important in Oregon
In Oregon, having a will and powers of attorney isn't just a good idea—it's essential for protecting your wishes and avoiding unnecessary complications for your family.
Wills and Intestate Succession: If you die without a will (called dying "intestate"), Oregon's laws automatically decide who gets your assets. For example, your spouse and children typically inherit first, but the exact shares depend on your family situation. This may not match what you would have wanted—perhaps leaving out close friends, charities, or specific heirs. It can also lead to family disputes, longer probate processes, or even your estate going to distant relatives (or the state if no family is found). A will ensures your property goes exactly where you intend, provides for minor children, and can help minimize conflicts.
Powers of Attorney and Incapacity: Without a valid POA, if you become unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, your family may need to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to appoint a guardian or conservator. Oregon recognizes "durable" POAs that remain effective even if you're incapacitated, and the state's Advance Directive form combines health care instructions with a medical POA. This avoids court intervention, respects your choices for care, and spares loved ones from difficult decisions during emotional times.
At Fir Law Group, we help Oregon families create clear, customized wills and powers of attorney to provide peace of mind. These tools ensure your voice is heard, protect your assets, and make things easier for those you care about most. Contact us today to get started on your estate plan.