Estate Planning Attorneys in Bend, OR
Estate Planning Attorneys in Bend, Oregon: A Comprehensive Guide
Updated 11/26/25
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future and ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes. Bend, Oregon, offers a variety of skilled estate planning attorneys ready to help with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about estate planning in Bend, from understanding its importance to choosing the right attorney.
Estate planning involves creating a legally binding plan for how your assets, finances, and healthcare decisions will be managed in the event of your incapacity or passing. It ensures your loved ones are cared for and helps avoid costly legal disputes or confusion.
Key elements of estate planning include:
Wills and Trusts: Determining how your assets are distributed.
Powers of Attorney: Designating someone to make financial or medical decisions if you're unable.
Advance Directives: Outlining your preferences for healthcare decisions.
Guardianship Designations: Naming guardians for minor children.
Estate planning goes beyond wealth—it’s about providing peace of mind and clarity for your family.
Selecting the right estate planning attorney in Bend, Oregon, is crucial to ensure your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. Here are over 20 reputable estate planning attorneys in Bend, along with their contact information and websites:
THurley Re Law Group, LLC – Bend, OR
Hurley Re is a long-established Bend firm that handles both estate planning and probate, along with related family law matters for Central Oregon families.
Helps with wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives
Handles probate and trust administration if a loved one has already passed
Good fit if you want one firm to handle both planning and later court work for the family
Works with clients in Bend, Redmond, La Pine, and surrounding communities
Offers guidance on updating older plans as life circumstances change
https://www.hurley-re.com/
Oregon Legacy Law LLC – Bend, OR
Oregon Legacy Law focuses on estate planning and elder law, with a strong emphasis on long-term care planning and protecting aging family members.
Helps with wills, trusts, and incapacity planning
Experienced with dementia, disability, and Medicaid/long-term care planning
Handles guardianships, conservatorships, and special needs trusts
Good option if you’re planning for aging parents or your own later-life care
Centrally located in Bend and serves families across Central Oregon
https://oregonlegacy.com/
Two Spruce Law P.C. – Bend, OR
Two Spruce Law is a Bend firm that leans heavily into estate planning and probate with a very “people-first” tone and supportive approach.
Focus on wills, trusts, and full estate plans
Handles probate and trust administration when someone passes away
Emphasizes gentle, compassionate guidance through difficult family transitions
Helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional side of planning
Located in Bend and focused on Central Oregon families
https://twosprucelaw.com/
De Alicante Law Group, LLC – Bend, OR
De Alicante Law Group handles probate and estate planning, with a clear focus on wills, trusts, and related court work.
Drafts wills and living trusts tailored to Oregon law
Handles probate cases and estate administration in Deschutes County
Good fit if you need both planning and help navigating the court process
Offers scheduled office hours in Bend during the workweek
Serves Bend and surrounding Central Oregon communities
https://www.dealicante.com/
Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis, P.C. – Bend, OR
BLJ is one of Bend’s long-running firms, with a full estate planning and probate practice plus business and tax support.
Handles wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate plans
Offers guidance on tax-efficient planning and business succession
Manages probate and trust administration when an estate needs to be settled
Helpful for families with real estate, businesses, or more complex assets
Serves Central and Eastern Oregon from their Bend office
https://www.bljlawyers.com/
WealthEstate.law (Paul Heatherman) – Bend, OR
WealthEstate.law is the solo practice of attorney Paul Heatherman, focused almost entirely on estate planning for Bend-area clients.
Concentrates on wills, trusts, and full estate plans
Emphasis on avoiding probate where possible and protecting assets
Streamlined process so you don’t have to bring a mountain of paperwork
Offers free initial consultations for estate planning matters
Located downtown on NW Franklin Ave in Bend
https://www.wealthestate.law/
Horner Law, LLP – Bend, OR
Horner Law is a Bend firm that focuses on estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration, and elder law.
Handles wills, trusts, and tax-conscious estate plans
Helps with probate and trust administration when someone passes away
Experienced with elder law issues and planning for aging clients
Good option if you need both planning and ongoing guidance as laws change
Longstanding presence serving Central Oregon families
https://www.hornerlawllp.com/
Albertazzi Law Firm – Bend, OR
Albertazzi Law Firm works in probate, trust and estate planning, and related matters.
Helps set up trusts, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships
Handles probate cases and estate administration in Bend and nearby areas
Can be a fit if your estate includes complicated financial or debt issues
Also works in related areas like bankruptcy and asset protection
Office located near downtown Bend
https://www.albertazzilaw.com/
SKH Family Law & Estate Planning – Bend, OR
SKH combines family law and estate planning, so they can help with both current family issues and long-term planning.
Estate planning support alongside divorce, custody, and other family law issues
Handles wills, trusts, and longer-term planning for families
Helpful for blended families or those updating plans after major life changes
Longtime presence in Bend with a larger team of attorneys
Convenient office on NE Greenwood Avenue
https://www.skhlawyers.com/
Driscoll Law, LLC – Bend, OR
Driscoll Law is a smaller Bend firm focused on estate planning and elder law.
Helps with wills, trusts, and incapacity documents
Focus on estate tax planning, Medicaid/long-term care planning, and elder law
Handles probate administration, guardianships, and related court work
Good fit if you’re planning around long-term care costs and eligibility
Located on SW 13th Street in Bend
http://www.driscolllawbend.com/
Baxter Law, LLC – Bend, OR
Baxter Law handles a mix of criminal defense, family law, and civil work, but also has a dedicated estate planning and probate practice.
Offers wills, trusts, and broader estate plans
Handles probate and estate administration when someone has passed away
Can coordinate estate planning alongside other legal issues (family, real estate, etc.)
Helpful if your situation touches multiple legal areas under one roof
Located on SW Bond Street in Bend
https://www.baxter-law.com/
Cascades Law Group, P.C. – Bend, OR
Cascades Law Group covers family law, business, and estate planning, plus tax controversy and other civil work.
Provides estate planning alongside business and family law services
Handles wills, trusts, and estate plans that may involve businesses or real estate
Can help coordinate planning that touches both family and business interests
Good choice if you want one firm that understands multiple parts of your life
Located on SE Division Street in Bend
https://www.cascadeslawgrouppc.com/
MGM Law Firm, LLC – Bend, OR
MGM Law Firm focuses on estate planning, trusts, and probate, with an emphasis on long-term care and special needs planning.
Works on wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and full estate plans
Handles probate and trust administration for Central Oregon families
Offers long-term care and special needs planning for more complex situations
Good fit if you’re worried about future care costs and protecting assets
Located on NW Irving Ave in Bend
https://mgmlawfirm.net/
More to Know About Estate Planning in Bend, Oregon
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it’s about creating a comprehensive strategy to protect your family and assets, both now and in the future. In Bend, with its growing community and unique lifestyle, many residents incorporate specific considerations like second homes, recreational properties, or outdoor equipment into their estate plans. Including these items ensures they are distributed as intended, preserving cherished memories and avoiding potential disputes among heirs. Additionally, with Oregon’s specific estate tax laws, careful planning can help minimize the tax burden on your beneficiaries.
1. Common Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most well-intentioned estate plans can fall short due to avoidable mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to steer clear of them:
Failing to Update Your Plan: Major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring new assets should trigger updates to your estate plan.
Not Funding a Trust: If you set up a trust but don’t transfer assets into it, it won’t serve its purpose.
Overlooking Tax Implications: Failing to account for Oregon’s estate tax, which applies to estates over $1 million, can lead to unexpected costs for your heirs.
Ignoring Digital Assets: Without clear instructions, your family might struggle to access online accounts, cryptocurrency, or other digital holdings.
Tip: Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your plan remains thorough and up-to-date.
2. Special Considerations for Bend Residents
Living in Bend comes with unique estate planning needs:
High-Value Real Estate: The area’s booming housing market often means estates include high-value homes or vacation properties. Proper planning ensures these assets are distributed without excessive tax burdens.
Outdoor Assets: Many Bend residents own outdoor equipment like RVs, ATVs, or boats, which should be included in the plan to avoid disputes.
Sustainability Interests: For those committed to conservation, consider options like donating land for preservation or setting up eco-friendly burial arrangements.
Tip: Include these specifics in your estate plan to align with your lifestyle and values.
3. Estate Planning for Business Owners
Small business owners in Bend face additional complexities in estate planning.
Succession Planning: Ensure your business transitions smoothly by designating a successor or outlining a buy-sell agreement.
Continuity Plans: Protect your business operations with strategies to maintain cash flow during probate or transitions.
Tax Efficiency: Work with professionals to minimize the impact of estate and inheritance taxes on your business assets.
Tip: An estate planning attorney can help align your business and personal goals.
4. How Estate Planning Protects Minor Children
If you have young children, estate planning is essential to safeguard their future.
Guardianship Designations: Clearly name who will care for your children if you’re no longer able.
Trusts for Minors: Set up trusts to manage inheritance until your children reach a specified age or milestone.
Education Funds: Include plans for funding college or other educational needs.
Tip: Communicate your plans with the designated guardians to ensure they are prepared.
5. Charitable Giving in Estate Planning
For Bend’s philanthropic residents, estate planning provides opportunities to leave a lasting legacy.
Charitable Trusts: Use these to allocate funds to causes you care about while potentially reducing estate taxes.
Bequests in Wills: Specify organizations or causes in your will to receive donations.
Donor-Advised Funds: Set up funds that your heirs can manage, continuing your tradition of giving.
Tip: Discuss your charitable goals with an attorney to ensure they’re legally binding.
6. What to Bring to Your First Meeting
To make the most of your initial consultation with an estate planning attorney, come prepared:
Asset List: Include real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
Beneficiary Information: Names and contact details of those you wish to include.
Existing Documents: Bring any wills, trusts, or powers of attorney you’ve created.
Debt Information: Include mortgages, loans, and other financial obligations.
Business Details: If you own a business, bring relevant documents like ownership agreements.
Tip: A prepared list helps your attorney create a comprehensive plan quickly and accurately.
7. Frequently Overlooked Assets in Estate Plans
Some assets are often forgotten but should be included in your estate plan:
Pets: Specify a guardian for your pets and funds for their care.
Digital Accounts: Include login information for banking, social media, and subscriptions.
Sentimental Items: Create a list of heirlooms or keepsakes and designate recipients.
Memberships and Subscriptions: Detail how these should be canceled or transferred.
Tip: An attorney can help you account for all assets to avoid leaving anything unaddressed.
Explore other related local services:
Professional tax advisors can assist with tax planning strategies that complement your estate planning efforts.
Accurate financial records are essential for effective estate planning.
If you own a business, digital marketing professionals can help increase its value, which is a crucial aspect of your estate.
Planning for your children's education expenses is an important component of estate planning.
Strong family relationships can influence decisions in your estate plan.
Maintaining your health ensures you can actively participate in planning your estate.
FAQs About Estate Planning in Bend, Oregon
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your assets and making legal arrangements for their management or distribution after your death. It includes creating documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Why is estate planning important?
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, minimizes tax burdens, and provides clarity for your family during difficult times. It also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and specify healthcare preferences.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship after your death. A trust, on the other hand, is a legal arrangement that can manage your assets during your lifetime and after your passing, often avoiding probate.
Do I need an estate planning attorney?
Yes, an estate planning attorney ensures your documents comply with state laws and are legally enforceable. They provide guidance on complex issues like tax strategies and trust formation.
How often should I update my estate plan?
It’s recommended to review your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.
Is estate planning only for wealthy individuals?
No, estate planning is for everyone. It helps ensure your assets, no matter their value, are distributed according to your wishes and protects your loved ones.
What documents are typically included in an estate plan?
An estate plan often includes a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, and sometimes letters of instruction or beneficiary designations.
Can I avoid probate with a trust?
Yes, certain types of trusts, like revocable living trusts, allow you to avoid probate, which can save time and money for your heirs.
Are estate planning documents valid in all states?
Generally, yes, but state-specific laws may impact certain provisions. It’s a good idea to consult an attorney if you’ve moved to a new state.
How much does estate planning cost in Bend?
Costs vary depending on complexity. A simple will might cost a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive estate plans with trusts and advanced tax planning can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more.
What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?
If you pass away without a plan, your estate will be distributed according to Oregon’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your preferences.
Why You Need to Hire an Estate Planning Attorney in Bend, Oregon
Estate planning is more than just drafting a will—it's about ensuring that your assets, family, and legacy are protected in the event of incapacity or death. In Bend, Oregon, where residents often have diverse assets like real estate, small businesses, and retirement savings, hiring an estate planning attorney is essential for creating a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique situation.
1. Local Expertise and Compliance with Oregon Laws
Estate planning laws vary by state, and Oregon has its own specific regulations regarding probate, inheritance taxes, and healthcare directives. A Bend-based estate planning attorney understands these laws and ensures your documents comply, avoiding potential legal challenges. Whether you need a will, trust, power of attorney, or advance directive, their local knowledge guarantees your plan is legally sound.
2. Protecting Your Assets and Family
An estate planning attorney can help protect your family’s future by:
Drafting wills and trusts to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Setting up guardianship for minor children or dependents.
Creating tax-efficient strategies to minimize estate and inheritance taxes.
Safeguarding assets from creditors or legal disputes through proper planning.
3. Navigating Complex Family Dynamics
In families with blended relationships, estranged members, or special needs dependents, estate planning can become complicated. A skilled attorney in Bend can mediate these complexities, ensuring equitable solutions that reduce potential conflicts among heirs.
4. Avoiding Probate Hassles
Probate can be a lengthy, costly, and public process in Oregon. A well-structured estate plan, including living trusts and beneficiary designations, can help your heirs avoid probate, saving them time, money, and stress.
5. Planning for Incapacity
Estate planning isn’t just about what happens after you pass away—it also includes preparing for unforeseen events. An attorney can draft:
Durable Power of Attorney: Designates someone to manage your finances if you’re incapacitated.
Advance Healthcare Directive: Ensures your medical preferences are followed in emergencies.
6. Keeping Your Plan Current
An estate planning attorney can help you update your plan to reflect life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring significant assets. They ensure your estate plan evolves alongside your circumstances.
7. Peace of Mind
Perhaps the most significant reason to hire an estate planning attorney in Bend is peace of mind. Knowing that your loved ones are cared for, your assets are secure, and your wishes will be honored allows you to focus on enjoying life in beautiful Central Oregon without uncertainty about the future.
Hiring a local estate planning attorney is an investment in your family's future. Their expertise ensures your plan is robust, compliant with Oregon laws, and capable of protecting what matters most to you.