Estate Lawyer in Portland, OR

What Does an Estate Lawyer Do?

An estate lawyer helps you create legally sound documents that control how your assets are managed and distributed during your lifetime and after your death. At Harris & Elkins, that includes drafting wills, establishing powers of attorney and advance directives, naming guardians for minor children, and coordinating with personal representatives. Attorney Tiffany Elkins has practiced in Oregon for over 20 years, with experience in real property, probate, and guardianship matters. 

Wills vs. Trusts: Which Is Right for You?

The right document depends on your goals, family situation, and the size of your estate.

A will directs how your assets are distributed after death, names an executor, and can designate guardians for children. Oregon requires a will to be signed by the testator and witnessed by at least two people under ORS 112.235. Wills must go through probate in Multnomah County Circuit Court, which can take 8 to 12 months and cost thousands in legal and court fees.



A revocable living trust transfers ownership of your assets to the trust during your lifetime, allowing them to pass to beneficiaries without probate. Oregon's estate tax applies to estates valued over $1 million, with rates from 10% to 16%. A trust may help manage that exposure and protect Portland real estate from delays tied to the probate process. Although our firm does not currently prepare trusts, we can refer you to an experienced attorney who does if you choose to have a trust prepared.

How Much Does an Estate Lawyer Cost in Oregon?

Costs vary by complexity, but proper planning typically avoids far greater costs later. Simple wills may involve a flat fee, while trusts and multi-asset plans require more attorney time. Oregon's simple estate affidavit process (ORS 114.515) is available for estates under a total of $275,000 ($200,000 for real property; $75,000 for personal property), but most Portland families with real property exceed that threshold. Harris & Elkins aims to provide effective legal representation at a reasonable cost, which is part of why the firm has served SE Portland clients for decades.

When Should You Start Estate Planning?

Estate planning is valuable at any adult life stage but is especially important after marriage, the birth of a child, a home purchase, or a significant change in assets. Waiting until a health crisis hits can limit your options. Oregon's intestate succession laws (ORS Chapter 112) determine how assets are divided if you die without a plan, and the outcome may not reflect your wishes.

The Estate Planning Process at Harris & Elkins

1. Call (503) 777-5473 to schedule an initial consultation.
2. Review your assets, family situation, and goals with your attorney.
3. Select the right documents: a will, power of attorney, advance directive or a combination. If you want a trust prepared, we can find another attorney for you.
4. Review, sign, and properly execute your documents under Oregon law.
5. Store your documents securely and revisit them after major life changes.