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Probate is hard - We can help

4/25/2025

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Probate is Hard: Don’t Go Through It Alone

Losing a loved one is among the most painful and challenging experiences any family will face. In the midst of grief, survivors are confronted with unfamiliar legal responsibilities, financial logistics, and a seemingly endless list of tasks—all while trying to support one another and process their loss.

Oregon probate is complex and navigating it almost always requires an attorney. Attempting to go it alone often leads to avoidable mistakes that cost time, money, and more grief.

No Will (Intestate)
Without a Will, Oregon’s intestacy statutes dictate how assets are distributed. Probate will determine the rightful legal heirs.

With a Will (Testate)
With a valid Will, probate is still required to ensure the assets are distributed according to their decedent’s wishes. The court  oversees the process confirming it is done properly and legally.

Priorities
The best thing you can do in those early days is to take care of each other. Focus on honoring your loved one and managing immediate needs. When you're ready, reach out to a probate attorney who can ease the legal burden.

Probate is hard—Help is here when you need it.


📞 When you are ready, Contact us

McKean & Knaupp Attorneys, LLC

503-846-0707
101 SW Washington St., Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
#Probate #Will
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Everyone needs an Estate Plan

4/18/2025

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Estate Planning is for Everyone

You have an estate — Your home, car, bank account, life insurance, retirement funds.

​And yes, it needs a plan.

Why Plan?
🔹 Estate planning is more than who inherits
🔹 An estate plan is proactive protection for you and your loved ones during your lifetime - even temporary incapacity
🔹 When life throws you the unexpected, someone needs pre-authority to step in and manage things

Your Plan Should Reflect Your Life
🔹 Every estate is different. Single individuals may face more planning complexity than a married couple
🔹 Blended families require thoughtful documentation
🔹 And don’t forget aging parents, loved ones with   special needs, or even pets—they all depend on your   foresight

The Bottom Line?
You do have an estate
Your estate has unique needs
A Plan = Peace of mind and protection for loved ones

📞 Contact us today to build a custom estate plan that fits your life.

McKean & Knaupp Attorneys, LLC
503-846-0707
101 SW Washington St., Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

#Probate #Will #Trust

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Great news for trusts!

4/11/2025

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GREAT REASON TO HAVE A TRUST!

Simplified probate available for assets outside of trusts!

What’s Changed?
Oregon’s new Simple Estate Affidavit allows a shorter, easier probate process for assets that accidentally fall outside a trust.

The key? You must have a trust to take advantage of this new process

Why Does This Matter?
Trusts avoid probate, but for assets not in the trust or with faulty beneficiary designations — probate can still be required.
The Affidavit “assumes” this was a mistake and allows a simplified, lower cost probate

 Key Benefits:
✔️ Applies to estates with an existing trust
✔️ Ensures assets are transferred as originally intended
✔️ Significantly reduces probate legal and court fees

Planning Your Estate? A trust is more important than ever! Secure your estate plan today and gain peace of mind for your loved ones.

📞 Have questions? Contact us today!

McKean & Knaupp Attorneys, LLC
503-846-0707
101 SW Washington St., Hillsboro, Oregon 97123
#EstatePlanning #ProbateSimplified #Trust #OregonLaw #GoodNews #FinancialPlanning
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When adding your home to a Trust - You MUST update your home insurance

4/3/2025

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🔥 Does Your Insurance Cover your Home in a Trust 🔥

The California wildfires highlighted a major requirement overlooked by Trustees --
If your property is in a Trust, but your insurance policy doesn’t reflect it, your claim could be denied!

Why This Matters: When you transfer your home into a Trust, the trustee becomes the legal owner. But if your insurance policy still lists only your personal name, your coverage might not apply when you need it most.

How to Make Sure You're Protected:
📌 Update Your Policy – Let your insurer know your home is in a Trust and ensure the Trust is listed as an additional insured party.
📌 Double-Check Coverage – Review your policy to confirm the right parties are named.
📌 Make Necessary Adjustments – Both the Trust and trustee(s) should be included in the policy.
📌 Stay Ahead of Changes – Laws and policies evolve, so regular check ins can save you from unexpected issues.

The best time to fix a coverage gap is before disaster strikes. A quick review now could prevent major headaches later!

McKean & Knaupp Attorneys, LLC
503-846-0707
Mckeanknaupp.com 
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