Affordable Estate Planning

Affordable Estate Planning Let me help you plan your future & protect your loved ones so you can get back to your family.
(1)

09/02/2026

Something that lots of people ask us is, "Do I need a trust?"

Honestly, our answer depends heavily on your personal circumstances. Trusts are wonderful for a lot of reasons, but may not be what you need.

Here are some situations in which we would recommend a trust:

1. You own a house - A trust can keep your house from going into probate.

2. You really value privacy - Most people don't realize that a will goes through probate, and when that happens (whether you have a will or not), everything you own is included in your public court record. Relatives, friends, neighbors, and strangers can all see what you owned.

3. You want to control how and when your kids get paid - A will is a one-time document that a judge reviews and approves. Trusts are ongoing. If you wanted to have your kids get money at 18 and again when they buy a house or when they turn 25 or to pay for college, you can do that because your trustee is responsible for following your wishes.

4. If you are worth more than a million dollars, you may want a trust to help transfer your home, assets, and potentially save some on estate taxes.

5. Probate usually costs $5000+ in expenses and for an attorney. A trust can cost much less and keep you from needing to go through probate.

Do you have questions about your situation? Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

09/01/2026

Every August and September, families across Oregon experience a moment that feels a little strange.

The bedrooms are packed up.
The shopping lists are longer than expected.
The car is loaded with everything from bedding to snacks to the things your child insists they "absolutely need."
And then, suddenly, the house is quieter.

One Lake Oswego family described this transition perfectly: they spent nearly two decades making sure everyone else was taken care of. School schedules, sports practices, homework, meals, appointments, and all the little details that come with raising kids.

Then their youngest child left for college.

They were excited. They were proud. They were also surprised by how much life had changed.

For the first time in years, they had space to think about things they had put on the back burner—including their estate plan.

Like many parents, they had created their plan when their children were younger. They chose guardians, made decisions about their children's future, and focused on protecting their family.

But now their family looked different. Their children were adults. Their priorities had changed. Their goals for the future had changed.

Life transitions are often the perfect time to review your estate plan. Not because something is wrong—but because your plan should reflect the life you have today.

As your children begin their next chapter, it may be time to think about yours.
What is one thing you are looking forward to in this next season of life?

Reach out anytime—we're here to help, and we will review your documents for free.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

08/31/2026

This September, we are going to focus on educational content to help answer some of the most pressing questions that we get.

Follow us to get answers to questions like: "What is a trust?", "Could my parent qualify for a small estate affidavit?", "What is probate?"

Save the posts that you need, share the ones someone needs to see, and reach out if you need a free consultation.

www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.
Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

08/30/2026

The sandwich generation:

Helping kids figure out adulthood...
while helping parents remember passwords...
while wondering if anyone knows YOUR passwords. 😂

Maybe it's time for a family trust to protect them all.

Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

One of the most common estate planning conversations we have with families starts with this sentence:"My parents are doi...
08/26/2026

One of the most common estate planning conversations we have with families starts with this sentence:

"My parents are doing fine right now, but I want to be prepared."

That is exactly the right time to start planning.

Many families wait until there is an emergency before discussing important decisions. Unfortunately, emergencies are often the hardest time to figure everything out.

A few important questions families should discuss include:

1. Where are important documents located?
Knowing where to find wills, trusts, insurance information, and financial records can save a lot of stress.

2. Who can make medical decisions if someone cannot?
A Medical Power of Attorney allows someone trusted to step in when needed.

3. Who can help with financial matters?
A Financial Power of Attorney can allow someone to assist with bills, accounts, and other financial responsibilities.

4. What are their wishes?
Every family is different. The most important thing is making sure everyone's wishes are known.

These conversations do not have to happen around a hospital bed or during a crisis.
A quiet afternoon over coffee, a family gathering, or even a summer visit can be the perfect time to begin.

Planning ahead is not about expecting something bad to happen. It is about making sure your family knows how to help when it matters most.

Have you had this conversation with your parents?

Have questions? Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

08/25/2026

Many families in West Linn, Lake Oswego, and Happy Valley are quietly carrying a lot.

They are helping their teenagers prepare for college.
They are balancing work, family schedules, and everyday responsibilities.
And at the same time, they may be starting to help their own parents navigate the next stage of life.

One family found themselves in this exact situation.

Their daughter was preparing to leave for college, and at the same time, they noticed that their parents were beginning to need more help managing appointments, paperwork, and decisions.

They realized something important:
They were now the people everyone was looking to for help. The challenge was that they didn't know what their parents wanted.

Where were important documents?
Who had permission to help with medical decisions?
Were their parents' wishes written down anywhere?

These conversations can be difficult because nobody wants to think about their parents getting older. But having a plan in place is one of the kindest things a family can do for each other.

Estate planning is not just about what happens after someone passes away. It is also about making sure the right people can step in and help when life changes.

Whether you're preparing your child for adulthood or helping your parents plan for the future, good planning creates clarity during uncertain moments.

Many families are caring for multiple generations at once.
You are not alone.
Have you had conversations with your family about what the plan is?

Need help? Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

08/23/2026

The Reality of Parenting an Adult

Your child turns 18:

You: "They're an adult now!"

Also you: "Did you eat? Do you have a jacket? Text me when you get there." 😂

Parenting doesn't stop. The legal paperwork just changes.

Not sure what paperwork they need?
Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

Your child turning 18 is a huge milestone.They can vote. They can sign contracts. They can make their own medical decisi...
08/19/2026

Your child turning 18 is a huge milestone.

They can vote. They can sign contracts. They can make their own medical decisions.

They are officially an adult.

But many parents are surprised to learn that this also changes what parents can legally do for them.

Before your child leaves for college, it is worth discussing four important documents:
1. Medical Power of Attorney
This allows your child to choose who can make medical decisions if they are unable to make those decisions themselves.
2. HIPAA Authorization
This allows healthcare providers to share medical information with the people your child chooses.
Without it, doctors may not be able to discuss important medical information with parents.
3. Financial Power of Attorney
This allows someone your child trusts to help handle financial matters if needed.
4. Advance Directive
This allows your child to communicate their wishes about certain medical decisions.

These documents are not about parents controlling their adult children.
They are about making sure your child has chosen the right people to help them if life takes an unexpected turn.

College is about independence—but being prepared is part of becoming an adult.
Before your student heads out this fall, make sure they have more than textbooks and a laundry basket.

Do they have the documents that protect them?

Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

For many families around Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Happy Valley, August means one big milestone: college move-in.The c...
08/18/2026

For many families around Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Happy Valley, August means one big milestone: college move-in.

The car is packed with bedding, snacks, laundry supplies, and probably enough items from Target and Amazon to fill a small apartment.

Parents spend months preparing.

They check housing assignments. They make travel plans. They help their kids get ready for this exciting next chapter. But there is one thing many families don't think about until it is too late.

Once your child turns 18, you may no longer automatically have access to their medical information or be able to make decisions for them in an emergency.

It doesn't matter that you are their parent.
It doesn't matter that you paid the tuition.
Legally, your child is now an adult.

One family we spoke with learned this after their college student had a medical issue away from home. Thankfully, everything turned out fine, but it was a wake-up call. They realized they had prepared their child for classes, dorm life, and independence—but not for the legal side of becoming an adult.

A few simple documents can help make sure your family can support each other during unexpected situations.

Is your college student prepared for more than just dorm life?

Have questions? Reach out anytime—we're here to help.

We are licensed to help clients in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Florida. We offer virtual appointments Monday through Friday during regular business hours, as well as evenings and weekends, so you don't have to miss work or arrange childcare.

Schedule a consultation using the link in our bio, or visit www.AffordableEstatePNW.com.

Chad Fuss, Esq.
503-908-5457
[email protected]

Address

460 2nd Street
Lake Oswego, OR
97034

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15039085457

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Affordable Estate Planning posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Affordable Estate Planning:

Shortcuts

Share

Category