Skinner Law

06/17/2026

You can make an AI avatar of yourself that will chat with your loved ones after you’re gone – but should you? Here’s a look at the growing business of posthumous AI avatars. https://ow.ly/to7250Z8ww6

06/15/2026

The unlimited marital deduction helps surviving spouses avoid losing their assets to taxes – but the rules are different when only one spouse is a U.S. citizen.

Noncitizens don't get the unlimited marital deduction. Learn how the QDOT bridges this gap to defer estate taxes and protect your family's legacy.

06/12/2026

Inheritance scams take different forms, and they go after both real heirs and people who haven’t actually inherited anything. Here’s what to watch for. https://ow.ly/P3JZ50Z8wvU

06/10/2026

Setting up a special needs trust? Make sure you consider the tax implications when deciding exactly how to set it up.

If a special needs trust isn't structured correctly, the recipient could lose out on a chunk of money when they need it the most. Here's how to prevent that.

06/08/2026

Think you’re too young for estate planning? If you’re a legal adult, you can benefit from having a plan in place. https://ow.ly/Z3Yk50Z8wvf

06/05/2026

How much do you know about beneficiary designations? Take this 10-question quiz to find out.

Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of the essential rules and safeguards when appointing beneficiaries.

06/03/2026

Oregon is one of the few states with an estate tax, and the threshold for who has to pay it is surprisingly low. https://ow.ly/9Hzh50Z3snc

06/01/2026

Spring cleaning is a great way to get organized – but make sure you hold on to important documents.

We're deep into spring cleaning season, and if you're about to start throwing away all of that old paperwork you've been holding onto, experts say there is some of it you should keep for estate planning. John Shumway has the tips you need to hear.

05/29/2026

Do you know what will happen to your estate if you don’t leave a will? Here’s how it works in Oregon. https://ow.ly/3m1r50Z3sn6

05/27/2026

You don’t have to be wealthy to use some of the estate planning strategies of the wealthy. Here’s a look at some of strategies used by high net worth individuals to protect their wealth.

You've done well if you've set up a basic estate plan, but don't stop there. You can now adopt the same principles the wealthy use to establish a legacy.