Affinity Law

 

Affinity means “the relationship existing between things or persons that are naturally or involuntarily drawn together” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affinity).  These relationships can be biological, legal, or interest-based.  They can be natural or chosen.

I help my clients consider the people and groups with whom they have affinity and develop plans to take care of those people and groups now, and into the future.    

Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & More

Planning for the future can be difficult, especially when it involves thinking about our mortality. But creating a clear, legally sound estate plan is one of the most important gifts you can give your loved ones, both for after you are gone but also in the event you become incapacitated.

Whether you’re looking to protect your assets, name guardians for your minor children, or avoid probate, I provide personalized estate planning services tailored to your unique needs.

Will or Trust: What’s Right for You?

I’ll help you determine whether a will or a trust is the best fit for your situation.  We’ll explore strategies to manage your assets in a way that minimizes or avoids court involvement after your passing.  Once we’ve identified the right approach, I’ll draft the necessary legal documents to ensure your wishes are clearly outlined.

Protecting Your Children

If you have minor children, your estate plan will include guardianship provisions—so you can decide who will care for them if you’re no longer able to. 

Essential Documents for Peace of Mind

In addition to wills and trusts, I prepare:

General Durable Powers of Attorney – to authorize someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

Advance Healthcare Directives – to ensure your medical wishes are respected and someone can make healthcare decisions on your behalf if needed.

Special Circumstances in Estate Planning

♿ Special & Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) Planning & Administration

If you have, or a loved one has, a disability, a Special or Supplemental Needs Trust (SNT) can help protect eligibility for essential government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

I work closely with clients to:

  • Explain the differences between First Party and Third Party SNTs as well as the benefits and limitations of each type.
  • Explore how ABLE accounts can complement an SNT
  • Draft and establish the trust documents
  • Educate trustees and caregivers on their legal responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with trust terms and court requirements, as needed.

 

 
🧑‍🎓 Young Adults (Ages 18–24)

Once a child turns 18, parents no longer have automatic legal authority to make financial or medical decisions on their child’s behalf. As such, every young adult should have two essential legal documents:

  • General Durable Power of Attorney – Authorizes a trusted individual to manage financial matters if the young adult becomes incapacitated.
  • Advance Directive for Healthcare – Appoints a healthcare representative to make medical decisions if the young adult is unable to do so.

These documents are available as stand-alone services or as part of a comprehensive estate plan for either the young adult or their parents.
👉 [Click here to learn more about why these documents are so important.]

Probate & Trust Administration 

When a loved one passes away, their assets must be legally transferred to heirs or beneficiaries. This process—known as probate—can be complex and involves strict deadlines, detailed paperwork, and specific responsibilities for the Personal Representative.

Simple Estate Affidavits for Small Estates

For smaller estates that qualify under Oregon law, I assist clients in preparing and filing a Simple Estate Affidavit—a streamlined alternative to full probate that avoids lengthy court proceedings.

Full Probate Administration for Larger Estates

For estates that do not qualify for a simple estate, I handle the full probate process from start to finish. I work closely with the Personal Representative to:

  • Clarify their legal duties and responsibilities
  • Prepare and file all required court documents
  • Ensure compliance with probate timelines and procedures
Trust Administration Services

When assets are held in a revocable or irrevocable trust, probate may be avoided—but legal responsibilities still apply. I help trustees understand their obligations, including:

  • Keeping accurate records
  • Preparing required reports
  • Filing necessary documents with the court (when applicable)

Whether you’re managing a probate estate or administering a trust, I provide clear, compassionate legal support to ensure everything is handled properly and efficiently.

Guardianship & Conservatorship 

When a loved one is no longer able to make informed decisions due to age, illness, or disability, the court may appoint a guardian and/or conservator to protect their well-being and financial interests.

👥 What Is Guardianship?

A guardian is appointed by the court to make personal and medical decisions on behalf of an individual (called the protected person) who is unable to care for themselves. This may include decisions about:

  • Where the person lives
  • What medical care they receive
  • Day-to-day personal matters

Guardianship is a serious legal responsibility and should only be considered when less restrictive alternatives have been ruled out.

💼 What Is Conservatorship?

A conservator is appointed to manage the financial affairs of a protected person who is unable to do so themselves. This includes:

  • Managing income and assets
  • Paying bills and debts
  • Making financial decisions in the person’s best interest

Conservators must meet eligibility requirements and are subject to court oversight, including annual reporting.

📝 Legal Support for Guardians and Conservators

I provide comprehensive legal support for individuals seeking or serving in these roles, including:

  • Filing petitions for guardianship and/or conservatorship
  • Advising on legal duties and responsibilities
  • Preparing and submitting required reports and court documents
Schedule Your Free Consultation Here

 

If you would like to learn more about estate planning, generally, before attending a consultation, I offer free educational seminars (online and in person).  

My next in person seminar is scheduled for … TBD…

If you are part of a group you think would benefit from such a seminar, please contact me.  I would be happy to come and do a tailored seminar for you and your friends, colleagues, and/or associates.

FAQ

Do I need an estate plan?
Yes. It’s a tough topic to think about, but we all need to consider the reality that we will pass away one day. Additionally, some of us may lose our ability to make competent decisions due to illness or injury before that time comes. This is why having an estate plan is crucial.  Your individual circumstances will dictate the type of plan you need. Whether you need a will and/or trust depends on the value of your assets, tax implications, and personal situations such as having minor children or beneficiaries with disabilities who receive government benefits like Medicaid/SSDI. Even if you have few assets or no minor children, it’s essential to have Power of Attorney documents to designate who will make medical and financial decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Also, Advanced Healthcare Directive documents are necessary to outline your medical care preferences under specific conditions.

Isn’t Estate Planning expensive?

The cost of an estate plan depends heavily on its complexity. Not having an estate plan, however, doesn’t eliminate costs associated with transferring your assets. Without an effective plan, the probate process is often more expensive. It’s a matter of paying some money now or having your loved ones pay more later. Additionally, the psychological burden on family members who lack clear guidance about your wishes can be immense, often leading to disputes. An estate plan is a responsible way to reduce this burden and clarify your intentions, making the process smoother for your loved ones.

 
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will addresses only what will happen at the time you pass away, whereas a trust also addresses what will happen with assets during the your lifetime, including if you become incapacitated and needs someone else to start making decisions for you.
 
Do you charge a consultation fee?
I do not charge a fee to meet for 30 minutes to discuss your estate planning needs.