Caress Law, PC

09/05/2026

Did you know Oregon's estate tax exemption has been stuck at $1 million for over a decade — while home prices just kept climbing? 🏡

In our latest podcast episode, Tammi breaks down exactly what's changed in Oregon and Washington estate tax law for 2026, including:
✅ Washington's new $3 million exemption (and why the tax rate dropped from 35% to 20%)
✅ Real client examples showing how a paid-off home + retirement account can trigger a $200,000 tax bill
✅ Why owning property in a state you don't live in could still mean potential taxes

If you own a home in the Pacific Northwest, this one's worth 30 minutes of your time. 🎧

🔗 Watch/listen now: https://caresslaw.estate/oregon-washington-estate-tax.../

Do you own a home in Oregon or Washington? Learn how 2026 estate tax changes could affect your family, with real examples from estate planning attorney Tammi Caress.

09/02/2026

Nothing good 😓 and that's not us being dramatic, that's just what the law does by default.

Without a succession plan, your business doesn't automatically go to your co-founder, your right-hand employee, or even your spouse. It gets tied up in probate 🧑‍⚖️ which means your family or business partner may have no legal authority to keep operations running, access accounts, or make decisions.

Let’s make sure your legacy survives no matter what:
📲 (503) 292-8990
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://caresslaw.estate/

Caress Law offers estate planning, probate & trust administration, & business planning. Contact our estate planning lawyers in Oregon today!

08/31/2026

If you've remarried, have stepchildren, or are raising kids from more than one relationship, a standard will can create problems you never intended 🙇

Without careful planning, common defaults can leave your biological children accidentally disinherited, your stepchildren left with nothing, or your ex-spouse standing to inherit outdated beneficiary accounts such as retirement accounts and life insurance. A proper plan ensures your loved ones are cared for no matter what.

Create a plan that actually works for you and your family:
📲 (503) 292-8990
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://caresslaw.estate/

08/27/2026

Here is what really happens 👇

Many people assume an adult child can automatically step in when a parent becomes unable to manage their finances, but that is not always the case.

If your parent still has the legal capacity to make decisions, they may be able to create a power of attorney and choose someone they trust. If they are already incapacitated and no valid power of attorney exists, a family member may need to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship. That process can take time, cost money, and leave important decisions in the hands of a judge.

Learn more about how a power of attorney can protect your family’s interests ➡️ https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-services-portland-or/estate-planning/power-of-attorney/

08/26/2026

It’s National Dog Day, and we're finally giving credit where it's due 🐾

These paw-tners never billed an hour, they settle every disagreement with a nap, and their idea of "due diligence" is sniffing everything twice.

Swipe through to meet the whole team's pack. From all of our pups to yours Happy National Dog Day 🐶

08/24/2026

As you get older, having the right legal documents in place can make difficult moments much easier for the entire family.

🔹Last Will & Testament – outlines how assets should be distributed and who will handle the estate upon death.
🔹Durable Power of Attorney – allows someone trusted to manage your parent’s financial and legal matters if needed.
🔹Healthcare Power of Attorney – names someone to make medical decisions if your parent cannot.
🔹Living Will / Advance Directive – documents wishes for medical care and end-of-life treatment.
🔹HIPAA Authorization – allows designated loved ones to access important medical information.

The best time to put these documents in place is before they’re urgently needed.

08/21/2026

Most people have never heard of a trust protector 🛡️ but it might be one of the smartest additions to your estate plan.

Think of it this way: you trust your trustee, but oversight still matters. Learn more about how a trust protector can benefit your estate plan ➡️ https://caresslaw.estate/do-i-need-a-trust-protector/

A trust protector can add an extra layer of protection to your estate, ensuring your wishes are carried out as intended.

08/19/2026

No one likes to think about losing a partner, but it changes everything 🤍

While no checklist can make grief easier, knowing which steps to take can help bring a little clarity during an overwhelming time. Give yourself grace, ask for support, and take things one step at a time.

We’re here to help you prepare for the future, or tackle this hard chapter - https://caresslaw.estate/

08/17/2026

Join us this Wednesday for a FREE estate planning workshop 📝

In our Fact vs. Fiction webinar presented by attorney Ben Rasche, we’ll clear up some common misconceptions about estate planning, and answer the questions that so many people have…but never bother to ask!

🗓️ Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 4-5pm PT
📍 Online webinar

Reserve your spot today 🎟️ https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-workshops/

08/14/2026

Did you know you can include your pet in your estate plan?

In our podcast, we talk about the importance of planning for your pet— because pets are family, and your estate plan should reflect that 🐶

Tune in now ➡️ https://caresslaw.estate/episode-18-planning-for-your-pets/

In our latest episode, Tammi Caress explains the significance of the often-overlooked topic of including pets in your estate plan.