- Estate Planning & Administration
Doug works on simple and complex estate plans for clients depending on their situation and needs. When appropriate, besides wills, the estate plans may include trusts for surviving spouses, minor children, education and charities. Though planning to minimize estate tax may be important on some estates, assisting clients on how to best structure their estate so ensure that the client’s desires on what each beneficiary will receive and how/when the beneficiary will receive their share are a cornerstone of any estate plan. Clients must coordinate the overall estate plan as many estate plans not only include a will or trust, but also have beneficiary designations for life insurance or retirement plans, and may have different real estate ownership options.
Additionally, an individual’s estate plan should also consider the use of a durable power of attorney and documents for health care decisions. When the time comes, Doug can assist with the probate or administration of the trust estate, as well as prepare any estate or gift tax returns that may be required.
- Business & Corporate Law
Doug advises clients regarding the choice of entity and the organization of a business entity. Doug also assists with contracts, including the acquisition or sale of business transactions. Often, an important part of organizing a business includes an appropriate buy/sell agreement among the owners. For small or family owned businesses, clients should consider succession issues for the business whether through transition to the next generation or sale to a third party.
- Income & Estate Tax
Income tax issues are often complex and tax laws (federal and state) are continually changing. Doug has been representing clients on tax related issues for over 30 years and on many aspects of income tax issues. Doug assists clients on planning issues for reporting and for structuring transactions, as it is far better to know the potential tax costs or opportunities allowing clients to make informed decisions. This may include discussions related to the taxation of business entities as part of the choice of entity determination for a client. And Doug is also able to assist clients when a dreaded notice may arrive from the IRS or the Oregon Department of Revenue, whether at the initial audit level or, if needed, appealing issues to the tax court.