About Henzel Law Offices — Estate Planning Milwaukie OR

Henzel Law Offices provides estate planning Milwaukie services to clients throughout Clackamas County, with additional work in real estate, business, and tax representation. The firm handles wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, along with the real estate transactions that often accompany estate work. Clients comparing options can also explore the estate planning attorney directory.

Probate and estate matters in Clackamas County move through the Circuit Court at 807 Main Street in Oregon City. Oregon imposes one of the lowest state estate-tax thresholds in the country at $1 million, which means many middle-income Milwaukie families face state estate tax exposure even when they fall well below the federal exemption. A local attorney structures plans to minimize that exposure while keeping documents valid under Oregon’s execution rules.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe a personal, attentive approach with detailed explanations of trust and tax mechanics. Clients value the firm’s full-service capability — covering estate, real estate, and IRS or Oregon Department of Revenue audits in one office. Outcomes depend on personal facts, so a planning consultation typically sets a clear path forward.

Estate Planning Milwaukie — Practice Areas & Services

• Simple wills and pour-over wills coordinated with revocable trusts
• Revocable living trusts to avoid Clackamas County probate
• Durable powers of attorney and Oregon advance directives
• Real estate deed transfers, including beneficiary deeds
• Trust funding and asset retitling
• Probate administration in Clackamas County Circuit Court
• IRS and Oregon Department of Revenue audit representation

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Oregon’s estate tax affect Milwaukie families?

Oregon imposes a state estate tax on estates above $1 million, far below the federal exemption. Rates run from 10% to 16% on the amount above the threshold. Married couples can use credit shelter trusts to double the exemption to $2 million through proper planning.

Do I need a trust if I already have a will in Oregon?

A revocable living trust avoids probate, which in Clackamas County typically takes 9 to 18 months for a regular estate. Trusts also keep asset details private. Most middle-income Milwaukie families with real estate benefit from a trust-based plan rather than a will alone.

How long does probate take in Clackamas County?

Standard probate in Clackamas County Circuit Court typically runs 9 to 12 months. Simplified small estate affidavits may close in 60 to 90 days when the estate qualifies. Contested matters can extend significantly longer depending on objections and motion practice.