Top Gresham, OR Probate Lawyers Near You
Dedicated to helping our clients with all of their estate planning needs. Call us today for a Free Consultation!
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1140 SW 11th Ave, Suite 110, Portland, OR 97205
Assisting with Probate issues in Gresham and across Oregon.
516 High St., Suite 12, Oregon City, OR 97045
Other Nearby Offices
Shimada Law has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Gresham, Oregon.
7070 SW Nyberg Rd Ste B, PO Box 575, Tualatin, OR 97062
Clients in the Gresham, Oregon area who need legal help with Probate issues can connect with Martin Elliott & Snell P.C.
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1205 NW 25th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Cauble, Furr & Beguin, LLP has experience helping clients with their Probate needs in Gresham, Oregon.
805 SW Broadway, Suite 1500, Portland, OR 97205
555 SE MLK Boulevard, Suite 105, Portland, OR 97214
805 SW Broadway, Suite 2460, Portland, OR 97205
111 SW Columbia St, Suite 1315, Portland, OR 97201
1140 SW 11th Avenue, Suite 500, Portland, OR 97205
400 SW 6th Ave, Suite 610, Portland, OR 97204
17040 Pilkington Road, Suite 310, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
3 Centerpointe Dr, Suite 160, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
222 SW Columbia Street, Suite 1500, Portland, OR 97201
601 SW Second Avenue, Suite 1900, Portland, OR 97204
US Bancorp Tower, 111 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 3650, Portland, OR 97204
1120 NW Couch Street, 10th Floor, Portland, OR 97209
560 SW 10th Ave, Suite 700, Portland, OR 97205
121 SW Morrison Street, 11th Floor, Portland, OR 97204
601 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 2100, Portland, OR 97204
485 S State St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034
1217 NE Burnside Road, Suite 204, Gresham, OR 97030
9400 SW Barnes Rd, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97225
9900 SW Wilshire, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97225
101 Southwest Washington Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
150 SE 80th, Portland, OR 97215
Gresham Probate Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Probate attorneys in Gresham and checks their standing with Oregon bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Probate?
Probate is the legal process of handling a person’s estate after they pass away. During probate, the state identifies the deceased person’s property, assets, and debts, and decides how to distribute these to beneficiaries. A personal representative handles the deceased person’s estate as the executor or administrator. Property and liabilities that can go through probate include:
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Personal debt
- Titled assets
- Bank accounts
- Investment accounts
- Business assets
How Can You Avoid Probate?
If you want your beneficiaries to avoid the hassle of probate, you have several options. You can make sure to name beneficiaries of bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. You could also move your assets to a living trust, which will allow you to access them while you are still alive but will automatically pass to your beneficiaries upon your death.
How Long Does Probate Take?
In a simple case where there are no disputes, and the deceased had a strong plan in place, the probate process of distributing assets and paying off debts may only take a few months to complete. If someone challenges the will or any other part of the estate distribution, it can take much longer.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Probate Lawyer?
If a family member or loved one dies, most of their assets will pass through the probate process. You can avoid probate in some states if you have a small estate. With estate planning, you can also avoid probate with a trust. If there are any disputes about who inherits or receives property after death, you should consider a probate lawyer, who can help with:
- Inheritance disputes between family members
- A large estate without estate planning documents
- Resolving multiple wills or a missing will and testament
- Estate tax or inheritance tax reduction planning
How Can a Probate Lawyer Help Me?
After a loved one dies, family members can be at a loss with handling their estate. A probate lawyer can help handle the situation on your behalf. A local probate lawyer is familiar with the probate process in Oregon and can help you understand your options. When you hire a probate lawyer, they can:
- Identify any estate planning documents and beneficiaries
- Help with assets that pass outside of probate
- Transfer real estate and other property to beneficiaries
- Pay off debts and liabilities
- Resolve Oregon and federal tax issues
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Probate Lawyer?
If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you will have to handle the probate process on your own. There are legal requirements for resolving someone’s estate, including filing requirements and notice deadlines. Without going through the right legal process, the estate could be open to legal claims by creditors or other family members. If you don’t hire a probate lawyer, you could face:
- Delays in distributing assets
- Federal and state estate tax penalties
- Improper title transfers
- Missing or unidentified financial assets
- Inheritance tax penalties
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Probate Lawyer in Gresham?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable and confident that a probate lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case. Many probate lawyers offer an initial consultation that allows you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. The top questions to ask include:
- What is your experience in handling probate cases in Oregon?
- How long will the probate process take?
- What property can you transfer without going through probate?
- How will you keep me informed about updates in my case?
- What happens if someone challenges the inheritance?
- How much do you charge for probate cases?
Tips for Hiring a Probate Lawyer
Take the time to find a probate attorney who is right for you and will represent your best interests. Find someone who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about fees and billing
- Trust your instincts