Last Will & Testament Lawyers in Salem
Creating Solid Wills for Clients in Albany & Keizer
At Johnson & Taylor, our attorneys can help you draft a will that protects your legacy and your loved ones’ interests. Founded in 2012, our legal team, led by practice partner Ryan Johnson, focuses on answering your questions and replacing the dread of estate planning with profound relief. Rather than handing you a generic online template that leaves critical blind spots, we sit down with you to explore the "what-ifs" and future scenarios you may not have considered.
We serve individuals and families throughout Marion County and Polk County, bringing clear guidance to your most important decisions. In addition to creating a last will and testament, we can review your circumstances and help you with other important estate planning documents, such as powers of attorney, trusts, and more.
Request a free initial consultation by calling us at (971) 318-5516 today. Se habla español.
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“She was knowledgeable, professional, & prompt in her responses...while also being personable & friendly. She made a complicated process easy to navigate. Thx Debbie!”- Kathy L.
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“Debbie was respectful and prompt in all of our discussion. Recommend them to anyone needing help with probate.”- Ruben G.
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“I had no idea how to handle my father's insolvent estate after his death and I was in distress. The staff at Johnson &Taylor were compassionate to my situation and set up a consultation when no other firm would give me the time of day. It was the best money well spent.”- Leah D.
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“My wife & I, recently completed our Estate Planning to protect our family and everything we have built this far. The attorneys were very professional and walked us through the process of doing the right kind of estate planning that was best for our family. I highly recommend them for your estate planning needs. Also, his assistant Debbie was Amazing. Thank you again!”- Joaquin B.
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“Johnson and Taylor have been an incredible help to my wife and mother-in-law as they navigated the process of setting up a Special Needs Trust. Ryan, in particular, has been outstanding—patient, understanding, and always willing to take the time to explain every step clearly. He’s made what could have been a complicated and stressful process feel smooth and manageable. We truly appreciate the care and attention they’ve given our family, and we’re grateful to have had such a dedicated and compassionate legal team on our side.”- Casey W.
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“My experience was exceptional. Interacting with Ryan and Mayra was professional, yet very personal. They expertly guided me through the complex process of preparing a Revocable Living Trust and Power of Attorney, and more, ensuring that every detail was meticulously handled. Ryan’s deep knowledge and clear explanations made me feel confident and informed at every step. Mayra’s attention to detail and friendly demeanor made the entire experience smooth and stress-free.”- Deb S.
What Is a Will and What Does It Include?
A will is a legal document that outlines how you want your property distributed and managed after your death. When adult children bring their older parents to our downtown Salem office, conveniently located next to the courthouse, our lawyers treat multiple generations with deep respect, patience, and warmth.
In addition to specifying how your assets are distributed, your will enables you to:
- Name a personal representative for your estate.
- Designate guardians or conservators for your children.
- Provide for your pets and offer direction on how taxes will be paid.
- Make specific gifts to family, friends, or charities.
Even if most of your assets are in a living trust, a will serves as a backup that clarifies your wishes to the probate court and your personal representative. Our attorneys can advise you on the available ways to protect your assets and outline the inheritance process for your beneficiaries.
Does a Will Avoid Probate in Oregon?
No, your will must be filed with the probate court after your death. However, navigating the Marion County Circuit Court or Polk County Circuit Court without a clearly drafted will can complicate the probate process and cost your family substantial time and money. Because our attorneys handle estate planning and family law under one roof, we understand the complex family dynamics that often surface during probate. If disputes arise, our team maintains a trial-ready litigation posture and is prepared to represent fiduciaries and beneficiaries in contested probate or breach of fiduciary duty proceedings.
What are the Legal Requirements for a Will in Oregon?
Knowing how to write a last will and testament that complies with the law is vital.
Generally, for a will to be valid under Oregon law, it must be:
- In writing.
- Signed by the testator (the person who creates the will).
- Signed by two adult witnesses who attest to the signing.
You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to write a will in Oregon, though emancipated or married minors may make a will before turning 18. Although Oregon does not require a will to be notarized, a notary is required if you want it to be self-proving, which can expedite probate.
The Pre-Review & Signing Process
At Johnson & Taylor, we remove the pressure from signing day by emailing draft documents to you for a "pre-review" at home prior to finalizing. When you arrive for your in-person signing appointment, our knowledgeable paralegals and legal assistants can answer complex questions on the spot and facilitate flawless execution. We also actively accommodate unique client needs during the signing process, from atypical schedules to severe allergies.
Should I Update My Will?
Keep your estate plan up to date, especially after life events like the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, or changes in financial circumstances. You can change your will at any time and should review it with your attorney at least every three years.
Because Johnson & Taylor offers multidisciplinary coverage, we can seamlessly coordinate overlapping legal needs, such as adjusting your beneficiary designations during a divorce or updating guardianship provisions.
Why You Need an Estate Planning Attorney to Write Your Will
Many do-it-yourself websites claim you can write a legally sound will yourself, but creating a will without an experienced estate planning lawyer's guidance can leave your family vulnerable. Our clients often feel anxious about online templates because they lack the personalized strategy needed to navigate complex family dynamics and protect assets. Many scenarios you may not have imagined can affect your estate distribution and negatively impact your loved ones.
When you work with us, you receive direct access to your lead attorney and individualized strategy, meaning your case is not passed off to a high-volume legal mill or an out-of-state call center. Our firm holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® and has hundreds of verified five-star client reviews, giving you an objective perspective you can trust.
You can count on our compassionate attorneys to help create, maintain, and implement your last will and testament. Call our Salem office at (971) 318-5516 or reach out online.
Meet the Partners
The attorneys leading your case with experience, strategy, and a commitment to results
