Serving hillsboro & Surrounding areas Clarity is Kindness

At Sunstone Planning LLC our client-centered approach helps individuals and families build lasting legacies that protect what matters most.

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Hillsboro Estate Planning Lawyers

Planning for Property, Incapacity & Family Decisions

A thoughtful estate plan coordinates what happens to your property, who can manage financial matters if you become incapacitated, and how your healthcare preferences should be carried out. For parents of minor children, it can also identify the people they want considered as guardians.

Whether you’re creating your first plan or reviewing documents after a change in your family, assets, or priorities, the right plan may involve several coordinated legal documents. We help Hillsboro individuals, families, and business owners determine which documents fit their circumstances and goals.

Many people put off estate planning because they assume it’s only for the wealthy or expect an intimidating legal process. At Sunstone Planning LLC, we explain legal requirements in practical, everyday terms and clarify your options so you can make informed decisions about your loved ones, property, and legacy.

Schedule a free initial consultation in person or virtually. Call (503) 300-2593 or message our firm online to get started.

Oregon Estate Planning & Washington County Probate

Estate planning documents and probate proceedings serve different purposes. Probate is the court-supervised process for administering and distributing a deceased person’s assets. Whether probate is required depends on the assets involved, how they’re owned, and the surrounding circumstances.

The Washington County Circuit Court Probate Department handles estate, small-estate, guardianship, conservatorship, and trust proceedings. Planning ahead can clarify who should act, where assets are held, and which documents provide authority during incapacity or after death.

Important incapacity-planning decisions include:

Financial authority: An Oregon durable financial power of attorney can authorize a chosen agent to manage financial matters during the document creator’s lifetime, including during incapacity.
Healthcare decisions: An Oregon advance directive can record healthcare wishes and appoint a healthcare representative to make medical decisions when the individual can’t decide personally.
Asset administration: Wills, trusts, beneficiary arrangements, and property ownership should be reviewed together because each can affect how property is managed or transferred.

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Our Services

The Documents That Form a Complete Estate Plan

A comprehensive estate plan coordinates several documents to address incapacity and the transfer of property after death.

Each document has a distinct role. We tailor those documents to your goals, assets, family circumstances, and the people you want to protect.

We guide clients through the core planning tools, including:

Statutory wills: Drafting directives that outline how your personal property and assets should be distributed. A will may also nominate a guardian for minor children.
Trusts: These legal tools can provide a structure for managing property during life and after death based on your goals, assets, and intended beneficiaries. Trust funding is a separate implementation step that involves transferring or designating appropriate property to the trust.
Guardianship designations: Naming the individuals you want considered to care for your minor children if you’re no longer able to do so.
Financial powers of attorney: Nominating a trusted agent to manage financial obligations, such as paying a mortgage, managing investments, or handling business matters, if you become incapacitated. This authority applies during your lifetime and ends at death.
Advance healthcare directives: Recording your medical preferences and naming a healthcare representative to make treatment decisions when you can’t make them personally.

A Transparent, Flat-Fee Approach Built around Your Life

Predictable flat-fee pricing: We use flat-fee pricing whenever possible and explain the fee before you proceed.
Plain-language guidance: We communicate in plain English. We take the time to understand your family circumstances, goals, and values and explain how your plan works before you sign.
More than 10 years in estate planning: Principal Attorney Kaitlyn Metscher began as a legal assistant, became an estate planning paralegal, and is now an estate planning attorney.
Oregon and Washington licensing: Our firm is licensed in both states and serves clients on both sides of the Columbia River. When a client has property, family, or business connections across state lines, we can identify which jurisdictions may affect the planning process.

Our Estate Planning Process

Our process gives you time to identify your priorities, consider planning options, and understand the documents prepared for you. Each stage has a defined purpose.

The planning sequence includes:

Initial consultation: We discuss your circumstances, concerns, and reasons for creating or updating a plan.
Strategy meeting: We examine your goals and compare the planning options that may fit your family, property, and priorities.
Document signing: We review the completed documents with you and oversee the signing stage.
Optional follow-up: You can schedule a later conversation to address questions about your completed plan.

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Our Process and fees Simple, Transparent, Four-Step Process

Flat Rate Pricing

Our streamlined approach includes three core meetings and an optional follow-up, ensuring you receive personalized attention every step of the way, with clear communication and no hidden surprises. Our transparent flat-rate pricing reduces headaches and stress. There are no hidden fees just clear, straightforward service tailored to your needs.

Initial Consultation
This is your "clarity meeting". At this meeting you will get your questions answered and we will ask you questions. Together we will uncover what matters most in your planning. Afterwards you'll receive a flat rate quote and 1-3 options that achieve your goals.
Strategy Meeting
We will answer any questions you might have about your options, dive into your plan details, and build the architecture of your plan. Often it's at this meeting we will review draft summaries together.
Document Signing
We'll review the documents together and make sure we are aligned with the details to move forward. Then, we'll confirm the final drafts and sign documents!
Implementation
An estate plan is only effective if it's properly implemented. We guide you through every step, answer your questions, coordinate with your professional advisors, and can even host a family meeting to explain your plan and what it means for your loved ones. This is optional.

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Start an Estate Plan That Reflects Your Priorities

Your estate plan should reflect your family, property, and priorities, not a generic online template. For Hillsboro individuals, families, and business owners, our firm provides personalized, easy-to-understand guidance focused on your circumstances and goals.

Call (503) 300-2593 or message our firm online to request a complimentary consultation.

People-First Planning
Your legacy is more than paperwork—it's your story. We take the time to understand your values, goals, and loved ones so your plan reflects what matters most.
Clear Guidance, Confident Decisions
We simplify complex legal concepts into clear, practical choices, giving you the confidence to make informed decisions every step of the way.
Transparent Pricing, Honest Conversations
Whenever possible, we offer flat-fee pricing so you can focus on the conversation—not the clock. Honest guidance comes without surprise billing.
Thoughtful Plans Built to Last
Every plan is carefully tailored to protect your family, honor your values, and reflect the latest estate planning best practices.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“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.

Client Resources

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Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team

At Sunstone Planning LLC, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.

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