Hertsel Shadian · Attorney at Law, LLC

Estate Planning · Oregon & Washington

Estate Planning That Accounts for Taxes — and for the People You Love

A will or trust makes your wishes clear. With an LL.M. in Taxation, Hertsel also looks at the tax side of your plan, so more of what you’ve built goes where you intend.

Estate Planning Credentials

LL.M. in Taxation — University of Washington School of Law
Member, Oregon State Bar Estate Planning Section
Presenter, “Drafting Wills in Oregon” — continuing legal education seminar
Presenter, “Income Tax & Estate Planning Ideas for Real Estate”
Former Steering Committee member, Solomon's Legacy CLE Series

LL.M. in Taxation

Tax-aware planning

Oregon & Washington

Admitted in both states

Wills & Trusts

Prepared and reviewed

24-Hour Reception

Your call gets answered

Estate Planning Services

What Hertsel Handles for Families

Clear documents, plain-English explanations, and a plan that still makes sense years from now.

Wills

Preparation of wills that clearly state your wishes and name the people you trust to carry them out.

Trusts

Preparation of trusts tailored to your family, your assets, and your goals — including how they’re taxed.

Review of Existing Plans

Marriage, children, a move, a business, new property — Hertsel reviews existing plans and advises on whether they still work.

Trust Administration

Assistance and advice for trustees, so a trust is administered properly and beneficiaries are treated fairly.

Wealth Preservation

Advice on preserving wealth for the next generation, including the tax consequences of how assets pass.

Business & Real Estate Owners

Planning that accounts for business interests and real estate, where income and estate tax questions often overlap.

Why tax knowledge matters here

Oregon and Washington each have their own estate tax.

Oregon’s estate tax applies at a far lower threshold than the federal estate tax, so families who would never owe federal estate tax can still owe Oregon tax. Washington has a separate estate tax of its own. For families with property in either state, an estate plan written with tax in mind can make a real difference.

Is This You?

Common Reasons Families Call

You don't have a will or trust yet
Your plan was written years ago — or in another state
You own a business or rental property
You own property in both Oregon and Washington
You've been named trustee of a trust
You want to make sure your plan is tax-efficient

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a will or a trust?

It depends on your assets, your family, and your goals. A will directs how your property is distributed and generally goes through probate; a properly funded trust can allow assets to pass without probate and with more privacy. Hertsel explains the trade-offs in plain English.

Does Oregon have an estate tax?

Yes. Oregon imposes its own estate tax, and its exemption is far lower than the federal exemption — so estates that would never owe federal estate tax can still owe Oregon tax. Thoughtful planning can help reduce the impact.

How often should I update my estate plan?

Review it after major life events — marriage, divorce, a birth or death in the family, a move to another state, or buying or selling a business or significant property — and every few years regardless.

I've been named trustee. What do I do now?

Trustees have legal duties to beneficiaries, including managing assets prudently, keeping records, and following the trust’s terms. Hertsel provides assistance and advice to help you administer the trust properly.

I already have an estate plan. Can you review it?

Yes. Review of existing estate plans is part of his practice. Plans drafted years ago, or in another state, are worth a second look.

Meet Your Attorney

Hertsel Shadian, J.D., LL.M.

Hertsel brings an LL.M. in Taxation to estate planning, which means your plan is built by someone who understands how assets are taxed while you’re living and after they pass. He has taught will drafting to other attorneys, presented on income tax and estate planning for real estate, and is a member of the Oregon State Bar Estate Planning Section.

Other Ways Hertsel Can Help

Let's Put Your Plan in Writing

Calls are answered 24 hours a day, and flexible payment options are available so cost doesn’t stand between you and good advice.