Donald Rolfe
Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
I am a reformed litigator. While rewarding, litigation focuses on cleaning up messes due to poor planning. I knew there was a better way to practice law, and I find it much more rewarding. That better way is to serve my clients as an Estate Planning Attorney and Business Planning Attorney.
My new role is to help my clients avoid the need of a litigator’s services. Working with my personal and business clients I strive to anticipate and head off problems that far too often end up costing lots of money to deal with.
I help families, individuals and their loved ones avoid the burdens, pains and costs which often arise from poor planning or the failure to plan.
As an Estate Planning Attorney I help to stop unintended consequences and family turmoil. My focus is helping people control and distribute their values and possessions the way they want, to whom they want and when they want. I founded NWLP to provide personalized comprehensive Estate Planning to those who want to insure that their values, legacy and assets are preserved for the coming generations.
I work to not only help transfer their tangible assets, but also experiences, values, advice and history to loved ones. This is accomplished by building lasting relationships with my clients, not just selling them a set of documents. I believe the basis for a good lawyer-client relationship is understanding my client’s goals, wishes and desires…the documents I create are the tools I use to make those wishes and desires real. I am proud to offer a number of personalized Estate Planning Services.
When not serving my clients, I enjoy spending time with my amazing wife, Colleen, and my twin boys enjoying life and exploring the beautiful Northwest. Colleen and I are Portland natives. We have returned to PDX from Phoenix to be closer to our families and start a family of our own. We enjoy gardening and eating the fruits of our labor.
- Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
- J.D. (2004) | Law
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- Oregon State University
- B.S. (2000) | Construction Engineering Management
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- Attorney
- Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
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- Attorney
- The Rolfe Law Firm, PLLC
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- Attorney
- Rolfe Stafford, PLLC
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- Attorney
- The Rolfe Law Firm, PLLC
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- Attorney
- Cheifetz Iannitelli Marcolini, P.C.
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- Law Clerk
- Bluff & Associates
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- Legal Intern
- United States Senate
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- Top Attorney in North America by the Who's Who Directories
- Top Attorneys of North America
- Oregon State Bar Association
- Member
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- Arizona State Bar
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- Arizona
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- Oregon
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Free Consultation
Complimentary 30 minute Estate Planning Strategy Session - www.myestateplanmeeting.com -
Credit Cards Accepted
VISA & Mastercard
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- English: Spoken, Written
How Can A Trust Be Private & Still Work? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 38
It's nobody's business what's in your Trust. This is how it stays private. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
How do I disinherit a child?
Disinheriting someone is a difficult choice to make, but a simple thing to make happen. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Why People Choose A Will Or A Trust | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 37
Experience with probate is often the driving force in choosing a Will or a Trust. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Why do I need more than a Will?
Yes and no. You and your family are better served with a comprehensive Estate Plan. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
3 Essentials For Every Parent's Estate Plan | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 36
Temporary/Emergency Guardians | Short Term/Intermediate Guardians | Permanent Guardians www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Where Should I Store My Estate Planning Documents?
Keeping your documents safe and accessible is very important. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Being A New Trustee | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 35
Taking over as Trustee usually comes at a difficult time, but you need to take steps to make sure your doing your job. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Is it too late for an Estate Plan?
Don't wait to get your Estate Plan in place, someday it will be too late. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Some Estate Planning Basics | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 34
Some basics about why we do estate planning. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Is Asset Protection Real? - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 33
Yes, but your first line of defense is having the proper insurance. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What is the process for Estate Planning?
5 Steps of the Estate Planning Process www.myestateplanmeeting.com
When Can My Children Handle Their Inheritance? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 32
Here are 3 things to consider when deciding how to leave an inheritance to your children. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Is Your Power Of Attorney Expired?
Three things to think about: 1. Do you have a Will or Trust based Estate Plan? 2. Is your Power of Attorney durable or not? 3. Have you given a copy of your Power of Attorney to the 3rd parties that may need them? www.myestateplanmeeting.com
How to Protect Assets from Creditors, Exes, and Predators
You can protect your own assets, but at a pretty high cost. It's easier, and very worthwhile, to protect the assets you leave behind. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Is Your Estate Plan Complete? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 31
Just writing a Will or Trust is not enough. There are certain things you must do to make what is written work. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What can happen if you don’t have an Estate Plan?
Without a proper plan, your property may not end up going to your heirs. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What’s in an estate plan?
From Zero documents to over 20 documents...what's in an estate plan. Find out what should be in your estate plan by booking your complimentary Strategy Session. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Q & A With Shivon
Answering your questions about Estate Planning. 1. What is the benefit of someone in their thirties starting an estate plan? 2. What steps would you recommend for a young family to take regarding their estate plan when they do not have many assets? 3. When it comes to estate planning, is being married an asset or liability in Oregon? 4. Why do you think so many people put off estate planning? www.myestatplanmeeting.com
What Is The Simplest Way To Leave Assets? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 30
First you need to determine who you want things simple for. From there you have many options. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Asset Protection For Your Beneficiaries
One benefit of leaving inheritances in trust is asset protection. Make sure your estate plan doesn't defeat that asset protection. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Can I Be Taxed For Making Gifts? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 29
Making a gift, intentionally or by accident, can make you liable for additional taxes. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Young Couple Estate Planning - In-Laws
Young couples with Estate Plans can reduce conflict with in-laws in the event of a tragedy. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Do You Need To Update Your Estate Plan When Moving To A New State? | Episode 28
Moving to a new state is a life change that should trigger a review of your estate plan. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Do I wait for our baby to be born before creating our estate plan?
The arrival of a first child often gets people thinking about estate planning. You don't have to wait for your baby to arrive before putting your plan in place. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What are the benefits of estate planning?
Estate Planning is not all about the documents. It's also about knowing that you have a plan in place when it's needed. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What To Tell Your Kids About Your Estate Plan | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 27
It can be a difficult discussion, but there are some basics your kids should know. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What are beneficiary designations?
Life Insurance, Retirement Accounts, etc. - Completing your beneficiary designations is a must. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Are trusts only for the wealthy?
Short answer...No. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What Is A Power Of Appointment? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 26
If you are leaving an inheritance in trust, or you're the beneficiary of a trust, you need to know what a Power of Appointment is. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Planning With Real Property In Many States
Owning real property in multiple states can lead to additional costs and fees if you have a Will based estate plan. In this scenario a Trust based plan may serve...
Revocable Trusts Are Not For Asset Protection | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 25
www.myestateplanmeeting.com
When Does A Will Expire?
Spoiler Alert...It doesn't. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
How To Reduce Estate Taxes | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 24
1. A Life Insurance Trust, know as an ILIT. 2. Gifting. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
When does a revocable trust become irrevocable?
www.myestateplanmeeting.com
What Is Tax Basis?
www.myestateplanmeeting.com Death and Taxes...the only certainties. However, we can control how much of an assets value is subject to tax.
Can I Draft My Own Estate Plan? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 23
Short answer - Yes. Right answer - You Shouldn't. www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Can your child’s creditors garnish your bank account?
www.myestateplanmeeting.com Putting your child on your bank account can spell disaster. Find out how this seemingly innocent act can cost you a fortune.
3 Times It Is Too Late For An Estate Plan | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 22
1. Incapacity. 2. Late State for Medicaid Planning. 3. After You Pass Away. https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Why Do People Want To Avoid Probate?
https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com
When Is The Right Time For An Estate Plan?
www.myestateplanmeeting.com
Fair Does Not Mean Equal
https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com When splitting assets amongst your heirs, you don't have to make the values equal for things to be fair.
What Is A Power Of Attorney? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 21
www.myestateplanmeeting.com There are generally two types of Powers of Attorney. It is important that you know the difference and know which one you do, or should, have. Funding a Trust Info: https://youtu.be/rXHxBzdXE6g
Does Your Will Disinherit Your Youngest Child?
https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com Hello, I am Don Rolfe, owner of Northwest Legal Planning, estate planning and probate law firm located in West Linn, Oregon, and I am jumping on here real quick today...
3 Considerations When Hiring An Estate Planning Attorney | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 20
Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney should be a good experience. These are three considerations to keep in mind to help make sure that you have a good experience. Compatibility You and the...
Asset Protection: Retirement Accounts | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 19
Qualified retirement accounts are generally protected from creditors and bankruptcy. However, that protection usually only applies to you and your spouse. When you leave a retirement account to a non-spouse,...
Accidentally Disinherited Child
Divorce is common and so is remarriage. Make sure that your estate plan won't disinherit your children by accident. If you have any questions, please schedule a time for us to...
What the heck is “Funding A Trust”
"Funding A Trust" means to transfer you assets into your Trust. If you have questions, please schedule a time to talk - https://www.nwlplanning.com/schedule-consulatation/
Dealing With A Problem Heir - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 18
Worried about leaving money to an heir that couldn't handle it? Someone with drug, alcohol, or gambling problems? Here are two ways to deal with those heirs in your Estate...
Joint Ownership & POD's Are Not An Estate Plan - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 17
You've heard that adding a Joint Owner or Pay On Death designation to your bank account is much easier than creating an Estate Plan. Right...and wrong. There are several reasons...
4 Times To Update Your Estate Plan - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 16
Unlike the Showtime Rotisserie, Estate Plans are not "Set It & Forget It." These are 4 times when you need to consider updating your Estate Plan. ONE - Changes To Your...
Can A Personal Representative or Trustee Steal Your Assets? - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 15
Leaving your final wishes to someone else can be a daunting prospect. Your Personal Representative or Successor Trustee could steal it all, but it is very unlikely if you plan...
3 Reasons Everyone Needs An Estate Plan - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 14
There are many reasons that everyone needs an Estate Plan. These are the first three reasons that come to the top of my mind because they seem to really resonate...
Choosing Guardians When You Don't Agree - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 13
In an ideal world we would always agree with our spouse...that is not the world that we live in. When it comes to the very important decision of choosing guardians...
Taxes & Estate Planning - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 12
It's that time of year and you can smell taxes in the air. I am seeing and hearing all sorts of news right now about how everyone is getting smaller...
Healthcare & Estate Planning - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 11
Considering your healthcare decisions in advance is an important part of creating an Estate Plan. The three healthcare documents that most people are concerned with are the POLST, Advanced Directive,...
18 Year Old's Magic Vanishing Inheritance - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 10
Not everyone is ready to handle inheriting a lump sum of money. This is especially true of young people that don't have the life experience to appreciate the value of...
Everyone Has An Estate Plan - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 9
Whether you know it or not...whether you want it or not...you have an estate plan even if you've never signed one. In Oregon, (really in every state) our legislature created...
4 Ways To Leave Assets To Your Children - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 8
As they say..."there is more than one way to skin..." The same is true with leaving assets to your children. There are good ways, traditional ways, ugly ways and everything...
Incorporating Retirement Accounts Into Your Estate Plan - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 7
Retirement accounts are often very misunderstood. Dealing with how to incorporate them in your estate plan can seem very difficult. Here is some basics, but you really need to speak...
What Is Estate Planning? - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 6
Most people think of Estate Planning solely as an end of life tool. That is an essential part of Estate Planning, but there are more. I like to think of...
How To Leave Money To Minors - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 5
As parents we all worry in the back of our heads about our children being cared for after we are gone. Hopefully we all get to see our children grow...
Why You Need A Will With Your Trust - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 4
A couple that I worked with this year was surprised to learn that they need a Will to go along with their Trust based Estate Plan. This couple came to me...
How To Leave Real Property To More Than One Person - Estate Planning Weekly 3
Just last week I met with a client with three children. They wanted to leave the home they had built to all three of their children. This can, and often...
How to Avoid Probate - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 2
"How do I avoid probate?" "Why should I avoid probate?" I get asked questions like this all the time. Many people have heard that avoiding probate is a good thing, but...
What’s The Difference Between a Will and a Trust? - Estate Planning Weekly Episode 1
One of the most common questions I get about estate planning is "What's the difference between a Trust and a Will?" Trusts and Wills are documents that you create during your...