Trusts

Trust Lawyers in Beaverton, OR 

Trusts for Clients Throughout Washington County & Beyond

Creating a trust is more than just paperwork. It's about protecting your loved ones and your assets. Sunstone Planning LLC helps families create trusts that are clear, easy to understand, and customized to their needs. 

Properly crafted trusts allow you to avoid probate, protect your children, manage your assets, or plan for long-term care. However, you might feel unsure about where to start or worry about making mistakes. 

We're here to help. Our job is to explain your options, show you what a trust can do, and help you create a plan that works. We serve clients in Beaverton, Washington County, the Portland metro area, and Vancouver, Washington. 

Our planning is practical and easy to follow. When you work with us, we provide clear, kind, and careful guidance. Our goal is for your trust to work when you need it most.

Message our firm online or at (971) 376-7745 to book a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with a Beaverton trust attorney. 

Our Clients Experince With Us

At Sunstone Planning LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Thank you so much, Sunstone Planning!”
    “I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for advice with their estate planning.”
    - Todd H.
    “Kaitlyn is an absolute pro!”
    “You need someone knowledgeable, capable, and thorough who remains calm and keeps it simple.”
    - Brady W.
    “The attorney really impressed me.”
    “It was just such a night-and-day difference.”
    - Peter B.
    “Kaitlyn is skilled, professional, and easy to work with.”
    “I am happy working with her and confident referring her. Highly recommend.”
    - Eleni G.
    “We can recommend Sunstone with no reservations.”
    “Sunstone was very professional and an immense help in setting up our trust.”
    - Diane S.
    “I would confidently recommend reaching out to Sunstone Planning.”
    “I’m consistently impressed by the professionalism and expertise she brings to her work.”
    - Brian W.
    “A trustworthy choice who brings total peace of mind.”
    “Excellent, timely communication, thorough explanations of the process, would recommend to anyone.”
    - Grace M.
    “Hands down the best money I have spent.”
    “Kaitlyn really took the time to understand my objectives, a bit complicated, and she put my future plans in place.”
    - Amy S.

How We Can Help with Trust Planning

A trust can be a helpful tool when done right. We'll help you decide if a trust fits your situation. If it does, we'll match it to your family and financial goals. Every family is different, and your trust plan should reflect that.

Without the right planning, your assets could go through probate. This can cause delays, extra costs, and stress for your loved ones. Poorly written trusts can also cause tax problems or confusion for the people in charge. This could prevent you from meeting your goals.

Sunstone Planning LLC helps you avoid these issues. We offer clear advice and thoughtful planning for both revocable and irrevocable trusts, as well as trust funding, to correctly title your assets. 

We also help coordinate trusts with wills and other documents to create a complete estate plan. We explain everything in simple terms and guide you step by step so you can make informed decisions.

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Clear Planning Is a Kindness to Those You Care About

When it comes to trust planning, clarity is key. We understand this process can be emotional, and our goal is to make it as easy to understand as possible. We don't rush decisions or overwhelm you with legal jargon. Instead, we give you clear, simple advice to make your plan work as intended. 

At Sunstone Planning LLC, we believe clear planning is a kindness to those you care about. It reduces confusion, prevents disputes, and ensures your wishes are followed. With our help, you can create a trust that gives you peace of mind, knowing your family and assets are protected.

What to Expect When Working with our Trust Lawyers

Understanding the trust planning process makes it easier. When you work with our firm,  you can expect a simple, clear approach from start to finish. We break down every step and guide you through the entire process.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We begin with a free consultation to learn about your goals, family, and assets. This helps us decide if a trust is the right option for you. We want to understand your concerns and priorities before moving forward.

Step 2: Strategy and Education

Once we know your needs, we'll explain your trust options clearly. We'll show you how each type of trust works, what it solves, and how it fits into your overall plan. This helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

Step 3: Drafting and Review

Once we've agreed on the right trust for you, we'll carefully draft it and any other necessary documents, like powers of attorney. We review everything with you to make sure it's just right. If needed, we'll make adjustments.

Step 4: Trust Funding Guidance

A trust only works if it's properly funded. We help you transfer assets into the trust and make sure your beneficiary designations are correct. This step makes your trust work as planned.

Step 5: Ongoing Support

Life changes, and so do your needs. We offer ongoing support to help you update your trust as needed. If your family or assets change, we're here to help adjust your trust to keep it effective.

Common Types of Trusts in Oregon

Trusts are highly flexible estate planning tools, and the right type of trust depends on your goals, your assets, and the people you want to protect. 

Common trusts used in Oregon estate planning include:

  • Revocable living trusts  – Allow you to maintain control of your assets during your lifetime while helping your estate avoid probate after your death.
  • Irrevocable trusts – Designed for clients seeking greater asset protection, tax planning opportunities, or long-term wealth preservation. Once established, these trusts generally cannot be modified without meeting specific legal requirements.
  • Special needs trusts - Provide financial support for a loved one with a disability while helping preserve eligibility for certain government assistance programs.
  • Testamentary trusts – Created through a will and become effective only after your death, often providing ongoing management of assets for children or other beneficiaries.
  • Charitable trusts – Allow individuals to support charitable organizations while pursuing philanthropic and estate planning objectives.
  • Spendthrift trusts – Helps protect a beneficiary's inheritance from creditors or poor financial decision-making by controlling how and when trust assets are distributed.
  • Minor's trusts – Holds and manages assets for children until they reach an age or milestone you designate.
  • Pet trusts – Provides funding and instructions for the long-term care of beloved companion animals.
  • Asset protection trusts – In appropriate circumstances, these trusts may help preserve certain assets from future creditor claims while supporting broader estate planning goals.
  • Generation-skipping trusts – Designed for families interested in preserving wealth across multiple generations while addressing potential transfer tax considerations.

Talk With a Beaverton Trust Lawyer Today

Creating a trust doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right help, it can be empowering and reassuring. Our firm helps families create trusts that are clear, effective, and tailored to their needs. 

Whether you're just starting to explore trusts or need to update an existing trust, we're here to guide you with care and transparency. 

Our free consultation or review of your trust and estate plan is your chance to ask questions, understand your options, and decide what feels right, without any pressure. Call (971) 376-7745 or reach us online to get started.

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Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 971-376-7745 today!

  • Does a trust replace the need for a will?
    Most estate plans include a will, even if you have a trust. We make sure both documents work together to cover everything.
  • Can I change my trust later?
    Most revocable trusts can be changed or revoked while you're alive. Irrevocable trusts have more restrictions, but we'll explain them fully before you decide.
  • Can a trust help avoid probate in Washington County?
    Yes. A revocable living trust can help assets avoid probate in Washington County and throughout Oregon, as long as it's properly funded.
  • What is the difference between a will and a trust?
    A will decides how assets are distributed after death and usually goes through probate. A trust manages assets during life and after death, and may help avoid probate.