Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning Services in Portland
The Law Office of Matthew Kress provides comprehensive estate planning and administration services grounded in over 15 years of legal expertise. Since establishing the firm in 2012, we have prioritized clear communication and personalized guidance, helping clients navigate wills, trusts, probate, and trust administration. Our practice combines corporate analytical skills with compassionate client education to ensure seamless estate transitions.We emphasize transparency in explaining legal processes while maintaining strict adherence to Oregon state regulations. Our collaborative approach ensures clients retain control over asset distribution while minimizing administrative burdens for their families.
Services
Wills
Trusts
Estate Planning
Probate
Trust Administration
Incapacity Planning
Wealth Transfer
Beneficiary Protection
Guardianship
Conservatorship
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized estate planning experience
- Our collaborative approach ensures personalized legal solutions
- We provide clear explanations of complex legal processes
- Comprehensive services covering all estate planning needs
- Proven track record in probate and trust administration
What people say
Knowledgeable and patient
Made the process fun
Affairs are in order
Exceptional consulting
Made it easy
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that address asset distribution, incapacity management, and family protection. Our approach combines legal expertise with personalized education to ensure clients understand all options. Services include wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, and advanced medical directives tailored to individual circumstances.
Probate
Our probate services guide executors through court-supervised estate administration. We handle asset identification, tax filings, debt settlement, and property distribution according to wills or state law. The process typically takes 6-9 months with proper documentation and planning.
Trust Administration
We facilitate private trust administration without court involvement, ensuring efficient asset distribution and management during incapacity. Services include trust review, asset gathering, tax analysis, and creation of sub-trusts while maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
Wills
We draft legally binding wills that specify asset distribution, guardian appointments, and executor responsibilities. Our process ensures compliance with Oregon statutes while creating contingency plans through pour-over wills and testamentary trusts to complete estate plans.
Trusts
We establish revocable and irrevocable trusts to avoid probate, manage assets during incapacity, and provide controlled inheritance. Services include trust funding strategies, tax planning, and protective provisions for beneficiaries requiring long-term financial management.
People
Matthew Kress
Attorney
Licensed since 2008, Matthew specializes in estate planning and probate. Former corporate strategist with Ford and Vector Supply Chain. Focuses on clear client communication and educational approach to legal matters.
Questions
Why do I need a lawyer for estate planning?
Legal oversight ensures document validity and proper implementation. Our expertise prevents common oversights while creating customized solutions that meet Oregon legal requirements.
What happens if I don't create an estate plan?
Oregon's default laws will control asset distribution. This may not align with your wishes and could create administrative burdens for surviving family members.
How much does estate planning cost?
Costs vary based on complexity. We develop customized plans that balance your needs with budget considerations while ensuring comprehensive legal protection.
What's the difference between wills and trusts?
Wills require probate court validation while trusts operate privately. Trusts offer greater control over asset management during incapacity and distribution timelines.
Can I handle probate without an attorney?
While possible, the complex legal requirements and paperwork make professional guidance highly recommended to ensure proper execution and compliance.
