ORS 701.565 states that a homeowner may not file a claim for construction defects against a contractor unless the homeowner first completes the right-to-cure procedure set out in the statue. This procedure includes sending a written notice of defect to the contractor outlining each defect, how the homeowner believes each defect should be cured, any … Read More
A joint tenancy account with a right of survivorship is a great estate planning tool. Essentially, all assets in the account pass to the surviving co-owner of the account on the death of the other co-owner. Joint tenancy accounts pass outside of probate. This means that you do not have to start or be a … Read More
A small probate affidavit is a fast and inexpensive method of probating an estate. Instead of petitioning the court for a probate and drafting numerous pleadings and notices, an executor may simply mail notice to heirs then sign an affidavit and he or she can then administer the estate. As the name suggests, the estate … Read More
This is the first of several blogs concerning estate planning. We will cover basic wills and trusts as well as power of attorneys and advanced health care directives. A basic will is the document that will determine where your estate will go upon your passing. The basic will identifies the testator (the person whose will … Read More
If you find that your construction company files numerous liens in Washington or Oregon you may consider hiring a lien filing service. Such a service will provide all the applicable pre-lien notices, draft and record a claim of lien and send the required post-lien notices to the owner and general contractor (if any). You can … Read More
One question I often get asked is: What is the difference between a power of attorney and an advanced health care directive? A power of attorney is a document that gives someone the ability to make decisions during your lifetime. The person you appoint to make decisions is called the attorney in fact. The attorney … Read More