WILL-BASED ESTATE PLANNING
Will-Based Estate Planning for Your Family
Fortis Planning helps Portland-area individuals and families understand their options, organize questions, and coordinate next steps with qualified professionals. The right plan depends on your assets, family, and priorities.
Planning for your family does not have to start with a complicated decision. A will-based estate plan can be a practical place to begin when you want clear instructions for the property distributed through your will and a plan for key decisions.
Based in Oregon • Serving families in many states across the U.S.
WILL-BASED ESTATE PLANNING
Will-Based Estate Planning for Your Family
Fortis Planning helps Portland-area individuals and families understand their options, organize questions, and coordinate next steps with qualified professionals. The right plan depends on your assets, family, and priorities.
Planning for your family does not have to start with a complicated decision. A will-based estate plan can be a practical place to begin when you want clear instructions for the property distributed through your will and a plan for key decisions.
Based in Oregon • Serving families in many states across the U.S.
ESTATE PLANNING EDUCATION & COORDINATION
Trust-Based Estate Planning for Families Who Want Clarity and Control
We come to you when signatures matter.
Fortis Planning helps families understand and coordinate trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and legacy planning: with a clear, educational process designed to protect the people and property that matter most.
Based in Oregon • Serving families in many states across the U.S.
WILL BASICS
What Is a Will-Based Estate Plan?
A will-based estate plan centers on a last will and testament. A will can state who should receive property that is part of your probate estate and nominate a personal representative to handle estate administration, subject to the court process.
A will is one part of a broader plan. Depending on your needs, the planning conversation may also cover a durable financial power of attorney, an advance directive and health care representative, beneficiary designations, and how property is titled. Those tools do different jobs and should be reviewed together.
WHAT A WILL CAN DO
What a Will Can Help You Do
Name people you trust to carry out specific responsibilities.
Give instructions for distributing property that is covered by your plan.
Plan for a time when you may not be able to make or communicate decisions.
Consider how your documents, ownership, and beneficiary designations work together.
UNDERSTANDING A WILL'S LIMITS
What a Will Does Not Do
A will takes effect after death. By itself, it does not authorize someone to manage your finances or make health care decisions while you are living but unable to act. A financial power of attorney and advance directive address different planning needs.
A will takes effect after death. By itself, it does not authorize someone to manage your finances or make health care decisions while you are living but unable to act. A financial power of attorney and advance directive address different planning needs.Give instructions for distributing property that is covered by your plan.
A will also does not automatically change a beneficiary designation, account ownership, or the terms of another legal document. Review these items with the appropriate professional before making changes.Plan for a time when you may not be able to make or communicate decisions.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
Will-Based or Trust-Based: Questions to Compare
Neither approach is right for everyone. A will-based plan may suit some people who want a straightforward set of instructions for probate property. A trust-based plan may address other goals, but it requires appropriate legal drafting and attention to funding and administration. Compare the options with an attorney who understands your full circumstances.
What property would be part of probate, and what passes by beneficiary designation or title?
Do you own real property in Oregon, Washington or elsewhere?
How important are privacy, continuity of management, and the way assets are administered?
What ongoing setup, funding, and administration would each option require?
Who are the intended beneficiaries, and are there family or care considerations to discuss?
How Fortis Planning Helps
Relationship That Continues Beyond the Documents
We start by learning what matters to you and explaining planning concepts in plain language. We can help you identify questions, organize relevant information, and coordinate next steps with our team or other qualified professional.
Education Before Decisions
We explain trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and other planning tools in clear language, helping you understand how they may support the goals you have for your family.
Plan Around Your Priorities
Your family, property, and wishes are unique. We help you identify what matters most, compare planning approaches, and coordinate next steps around the future you envision.
Help With the Details
From coordinating with licensed legal professionals to organizing trust funding, we help keep the process moving and important details in view along the way.
Support That Continues
Planning continues after documents are signed. We remain available for educational questions, annual reviews, and updates when your family, assets, or goals change.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About Wills
Does a will avoid probate in Oregon?
A will generally gives instructions for property in the probate estate; it does not, by itself, avoid probate for that property. Some assets may pass by beneficiary designation or title, and some estates may qualify for an abbreviated Oregon process.
What happens if I die without a will?
For property handled through probate, Oregon law provides rules for distribution when someone dies without a will, and the court process addresses administration. The outcome depends on family and asset details.
Can my will name a guardian for my minor children?
A will can nominate the person you would prefer to serve as guardian. The nomination is an important expression of your wishes, but the court makes the appointment under applicable law and based on the circumstances.
Does my will control retirement accounts or life insurance?
Those assets often pass according to beneficiary designations or ownership terms rather than under a will. Review each account and policy, and get professional guidance before changing a designation.
Does a will help if I become incapacitated?
A will takes effect after death, so it does not authorize someone to act for you during incapacity. A financial power of attorney and an advance directive address different needs. Ask an attorney about documents suited to your situation.
When should I review my will?
Consider reviewing your plan after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, a move, or a significant change in assets. Oregon law and personal circumstances can change, so periodic a review is sensible.
Do I need both a will and a trust?
It depends on your goals, assets, and family circumstances. Some trust-based plans also use a will, but the documents serve different functions.
Getting Started
YOUR NEXT STEP
You don’t need to have everything figured out before we talk. Share what you want to protect, the questions you have about your planning options, or the decisions you’re trying to make. We’ll listen and help you identify a clear next step.
Estate planning education and coordination to help families protect what matters most.
By Appointment Only
CONTACT
Hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST
Monday through Saturday
By appointment only
After-hours by request
Oregon Address
7307 SW Beveland St Ste 200 Tigard, OR 97223
Fortis Planning, LLC provides estate planning education and coordination. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal, tax, accounting, or investment advice. Legal documents are prepared and reviewed by licensed attorneys in the applicable state. Consult qualified professionals about your individual circumstances.
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