(as recently seen in Willamette Week ‘Best of Portland’)
Sadly, some of the fastest growing legal disputes are those arising out of poor estate planning, leading to litigation.
When family members find themselves in litigation, the disputes usually center around poorly drafted or old documents, fiduciary appointments (the agent under the power of attorney, successor trustee or the executor) that were not well thought out, or outright theft in the guise of ‘borrowing’ from an elderly parent or relative. These disputes take many forms: will or trust contests claiming a document was signed under duress or undue influence or signed while the signer was experiencing memory loss or dementia; guardianship and conservatorship petitions and challenge; trust and probate administrations made complex by confusing or missing language in the will or trust; the list goes on.
We wish there were fewer of these cases out there, but until more than 48% of Americans put plans together and keep them up to date, these disputes will continue to result in family legacies filled with noxious weeds and traps. Finding legal support with a sufficient depth of knowledge and experience is essential to cleaning up these messes with as little financial and emotional damage as possible. Attorneys practicing in this area who care for their communities focus on protecting their clients and also preserving family relationships whenever possible. Wool Landon® is a specialized trust and estate firm committed to taking care of our community families by finding working with lawyers who are excited about helping people plan for and protect their families on their death or disability. Lawyers who are excellent, not just good.
“My approach to legal challenges is both practical and passionate. I take a collaborative role with my clients, striving for the most efficient and effective solutions to meet their desired goals.”
Wool Landon was thrilled to welcome Allison Bizzano to the firm on June 1st as Senior Counsel to take a lead role in managing our growing litigation case load. Allison Bizzano is an experienced Oregon and Washington litigator who is also skilled in handling underlying business, partnership, and real estate issues that arise in these cases. When out-of-court resolutions do not suffice, she is an ardent advocate in the courtroom, and has successfully litigated allegations of fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion (theft), partition, and interference with economic relations.
“It might be tempting to have a go at estate planning on your own, but your legacy and your family should not be protected in a DIY manner.”
Estate planner and probate attorney Kaleb Eidsvoog has expanded his reach and is now licensed in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Kaleb has developed an exceptional understanding of family dynamics and estate planning needs since joining Wool Landon as a law clerk. We have never had a plan created by any of our lawyers result in litigation. Families going through the emotionally trying experience of probate rely on Kaleb’s calm reassurance that he has their family’s needs in mind throughout the entire process. Creating secure estate plans for individuals and families is his strength as he keeps the eventual estate administration in mind.
“Money and love occupy different spaces of our lives but they intersect in significant ways, especially when it comes to estate planning. By taking this responsible step, you can truly integrate the practicalities of life with the emotions that make life worth living—love, connection, and family.”
Abby Wool Landon has been preserving family legacies for decades. Her practice counseling high net-worth individuals in all facets of estate planning, trust administration, and wealth preservation continues, with an additional focus on supporting and mentoring a growing team of like-minded attorneys and legal staff committed to the protection of our community families.
www.woollandon.com
Serving Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Arizona
503-447-8800
