Last Will and Testament Your Problems. Our Priority.

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. 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.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines your instructions for distributing and managing your property after your death. Our lawyers are well-versed in drafting wills for clients of all ages, backgrounds, and financial circumstances. We make sure all important information is included in your last will and testament, giving you peace of mind and making things easier for your family during a difficult time.

Request a free initial consultation by calling us at (971) 318-5516 today. Se habla español.

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They gave me peace of mind and clear options.
“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.
Very professional in the handling of my mom's estate.
“Debbie was respectful and prompt in all of our discussion. Recommend them to anyone needing help with probate.”

- Ruben G.
They provided a perfect blend of professionalism and personal care.
“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.
From the beginning, the entire team has been professional, kind, and knowledgeable.
“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.
Debbie with Johnson & Taylor was a pleasure to work with on closing out my dad's estate.
“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.
We could not have chosen a better firm to do our Estate Planning.
“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.

What Is in a Last Will & Testament?

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, offer direction on how taxes will be paid, and make specific gifts to family, friends, or charities.

Even if the majority of your assets are in a living trust, a will serves as a backup that can make your wishes clear to the probate court and your personal representative. However, a will is not a legal tool for reducing taxes and other benefits of a living trust. Our attorneys can advise you of the best way to protect your assets and maximize your beneficiaries’ inheritance.

Does a Will Avoid Probate in Oregon?

No. A will should be filed with the probate court after your death. However, without a will, the probate process can be complicated. Having a last will and testament can save your loved ones time, money, and headaches. Our lawyers can help you understand how probate works in Oregon and help you with the process every step of the way.

What are the Legal Requirements for a Will in Oregon?

Knowing how to write a last will and testament so it adheres to the law is vital. Generally, for a will to be valid under Oregon law, it must be:

In writing
Signed by the testator (creator of the will)
Signed by two adult witnesses to attest to the signing of the will

You must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to write a will in Oregon. If you are an emancipated or married minor, you may make a will before turning 18. Although a will does not have to be notarized in Oregon, if you want it to be self-proving, a notary is required.

A self-proving will can be accepted by the probate court without contacting the witnesses who signed it, which can expedite the probate process. A will that was created in another state is valid in Oregon as long as it was written according to the laws of that state.

Should I Update My Will?

It’s important to keep your estate plan up to date, especially after life events like the birth of a child, marriage, divorce, or a change in financial circumstances. You can change your will at any time and should review it with your attorney at least every three years.

Why You Need an Estate Planning Attorney to Write Your Will

There are many do-it-yourself websites that claim you can write a legally sound will by yourself, but creating a will without the guidance of an experienced estate planning lawyer can be disastrous. There are many scenarios you may not have even imagined that can affect the distribution of your estate and have a negative impact on your loved ones.

Our attorneys provide an objective perspective you can trust when it comes to choosing an executor, maximizing your assets for beneficiaries, and including important details specific to your situation.

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.

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Meet the Partners

The attorneys leading your case with experience, strategy, and a commitment to results

Meet Our Team

Your Legacy Deserves Thoughtful Planning The right plan provides more than protection. It provides peace of mind.

Estate planning is about more than documents and legal formalities. It’s about protecting the people you love, preserving what you’ve worked hard to build, and making sure your wishes are honored. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and create a plan tailored to your family’s future so you can move forward with confidence knowing everything is in place.

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