Fitzwater Law – Portland, OR

Compassionate Estate and Elder Law

Fitzwater Law is a premier estate planning and elder law firm located just outside the city center, serving the greater Portland area from its long-standing office at 6400 SE Lake Road. Founded with a mission to help families navigate life’s most difficult transitions, the firm has established itself as a leader in protecting the assets and dignity of Oregonians. The firm traces its roots back to founder Wes Fitzwater, a pioneer in the field of elder law who helped shape the legal landscape for seniors in the state. With a team of friendly, responsive, and high-quality attorneys, Fitzwater Law specializes in addressing the unique needs of the elderly, individuals with special needs, and families dealing with the loss of a loved one. Their office provides a welcoming and accessible environment, moving away from the intimidation of high-rise litigation firms to offer practical, down-to-earth counsel.

Specialized Legal Care

The firm’s practice is laser-focused on planning for the future and managing crises. Their primary areas of expertise include:

• Estate Planning: Crafting personalized Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, and Powers of Attorney to ensure your wishes are honored and your family is protected from conflict.
• Special Needs Planning: Designing Special Needs Trusts (SNT) that allow individuals with disabilities to receive an inheritance or settlement without losing eligibility for essential government benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Elder Law & Medicaid: guiding seniors through the complex eligibility requirements for Medicaid to pay for long-term care, employing strategies like Income Cap Trusts and spend-down planning.
• Probate and Administration: assisting executors and trustees in settling estates efficiently, managing creditors, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
• Guardianship & Conservatorship: Representing family members seeking legal authority to make medical and financial decisions for an incapacitated loved one.

A Legacy of Service

At Fitzwater Law, the attorneys are known for their ability to explain technical legal concepts in plain English, often using whiteboards to diagram complex family dynamics. They understand that every family is different, particularly blended families and those facing a medical crisis. The firm emphasizes education, frequently speaking to community groups about the importance of planning ahead. If you need to find a lawyer who will treat your aging parents with the utmost respect and patience, Fitzwater Law is the compassionate choice. They offer structured guidance to help you make informed decisions, ensuring that you leave their office with peace of mind.

Convenient Location

Situated near the Milwaukie/Portland border, the office offers ample parking and easy access, removing the stress of downtown traffic. This location is particularly convenient for elderly clients and those with mobility challenges. Whether you urgently need a lawyer because a loved one has been hospitalized or you are simply planning for retirement, Fitzwater Law provides the expertise you need. Their commitment to ”preserving family harmony” is at the core of everything they do.

We don’t just draft documents; we design solutions that care for your family when you can’t. Our goal is to provide clarity in times of confusion.

Recognized as one of the oldest and largest firms of its kind in Oregon, Fitzwater Law continues to set the standard for excellence in estate and elder law. Trust the team that has dedicated decades to serving the specific needs of Northwest families.