Planning for your children’s future provides clarity and peace of mind. Whether you have young children or a child who has recently turned 18, having the right legal documents and planning decisions in place helps ensure your family is prepared if something unexpected happens.
At Tillson Law P.C., we help families in Sandy and surrounding Mt. Hood communities create plans that protect minor children, support young adults, and reflect each family’s priorities.
Why This Planning Matters
For minor children, courts may need to step in if there are no clear instructions in place. Planning ahead allows you to decide who will care for your child and how financial matters will be handled.
For young adults, turning 18 changes things legally. Parents no longer have automatic authority to access medical information or assist with financial decisions. The right documents allow families to stay involved when needed.
Planning for Minor Children
Most plans for younger children focus on two key areas: care and financial support.
Naming a Guardian
A guardian is the person who will care for your child if you are unable to do so. Naming a guardian in advance provides stability and helps avoid uncertainty.
Planning for Finances
Rather than leaving assets directly to a child, many families use a trust to manage those funds. This allows a trustee to use the assets for education, health, and other needs until the child reaches a chosen age.
Wills
A will allows you to name a guardian and outline how assets should be handled for your children. Many wills include trust provisions for this purpose.
Planning for Young Adults
Once a child turns 18, legal authority shifts. Planning helps ensure parents or trusted individuals can still assist if needed.
Common documents include:
- Health care power of attorney for medical decisions
- HIPAA authorization to allow access to medical information
- Durable financial power of attorney to assist with financial matters
These documents are especially helpful for college students or young adults living away from home.
If you want help creating a plan that protects your minor children or supports young adults as they step into legal adulthood, contact us today. Visit the Contact Us page, reach out to Tillson Law P.C., or call (503) 668-3558. We can help you put the right documents and decisions in place.
Special Situations
Some families require additional planning.
Children With Special Needs
A Special Needs Trust can help provide financial support while preserving eligibility for certain benefits.
Blended Families
Clear planning helps ensure all children are provided for while also protecting the interests of a spouse or partner.
Choosing the Right People
Selecting guardians, trustees, or decision-makers is one of the most important parts of the process.
Things to consider include:
- Values and parenting approach
- Financial responsibility
- Availability and location
- Willingness to take on the role
Having a conversation with the people you choose helps ensure everyone is prepared.
Keeping Your Plan Current
Plans should be reviewed over time to reflect changes in your family.
Updates are often needed after:
- The birth of a child
- Marriage or divorce
- Changes in health or finances
- Children reaching adulthood
Why Work With Tillson Law P.C.?
Families across Oregon choose Tillson Law P.C. because we provide:
- Clear, practical guidance in plain language
- Experience with Oregon estate and family planning law
- Thoughtful planning tailored to your family’s goals
- Respectful, responsive communication
- We understand that planning for children is both a legal and deeply personal process.
Let’s Chat About How We Can Help
If you want to build or update a plan for your needs, Tillson Law P.C. is here to help Call (503) 668-3558 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
Serving clients in Sandy, Gresham, Estacada, Boring, Welches, Brightwood, Rhododendron, and other Mt. Hood communities.