Passing the Baton: Oregon Estate Tips

Medicaid Planning in Oregon: MAPTs, Miller Trusts, and the Rules You Need to Know

Medicaid planning isn’t about loopholes — it’s about survival. In Oregon, the average cost of long-term care can hit $10,000 a month, and without a plan, families can burn through everything they’ve worked for in a matter of years. In this episode of Passing the Baton, estate planning attorney Jared Hight explains how Medicaid eligibility actually works in Oregon, why it requires clearing both medical and financial gates, and how advance planning tools like the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) and the Income Cap Trust (Miller Trust) fit into the process. You’ll learn what it means to meet Oregon’s “nursing facility level of care” standard, how exempt and non-exempt assets are treated, and why the five-year lookback period makes timing everything when it comes to MAPTs. We’ll also walk through Oregon’s income cap for 2025 — $2,901 per month — and why every dollar of an applicant’s income must flow through a Miller Trust once care is needed. Along the way, Jared clears up common myths, like whether a wealthy spouse’s income can be ignored, and lays out the usual order of operations when advance planning is in place. Whether you’re planning ahead for your own future or helping aging parents, this episode gives you a clear, Oregon-specific roadmap for protecting assets, qualifying for Medicaid, and ensuring long-term care without losing everything in the process. For more details, read the companion blog post and schedule a free consultation at tracktownlaw.com.

Pet Trusts in Oregon: Who Will Care for Your Animals?

Worried about what would happen to your pets if something happened to you? In this episode of Passing the Baton, Oregon estate planning attorney Jared Hight explains how pet trusts work under Oregon law, when you might need one, and how to make sure your animals are protected. From dogs and cats to parrots and horses, learn how to legally name a caregiver, fund your pet’s ongoing care, and avoid leaving it all to chance. Whether you're drafting a will or building a full trust-based plan, this episode will help you understand when a pet trust is worth it—and how to set one up properly. Visit tracktownlaw.com [https://www.tracktownlaw.com] to schedule a free consultation or read the companion blog post for this episode.

Oregon Estate Tax Update: What Passed, What Didn’t (2025 Legislative Recap)

The 2025 Oregon legislative session just ended—and while eight separate estate tax reform bills were introduced, not one of them passed. In this special bonus episode of Passing the Baton, estate planning attorney Jared Hight breaks down what stayed the same (the $1 million exemption) and what changed (House Bill 3630, expanding the natural resource property exemption). Learn how the new rules affect Oregon families with farms, timberland, and fishing interests—especially those using LLCs or trusts. This episode is essential listening for Oregon families wondering about estate tax thresholds, farm succession, and passing down land without triggering a tax bill. Passing the Baton is the Oregon estate planning podcast from Track Town Law, a virtual law firm offering flat-fee wills, trusts, and legacy planning across the state. Book your free consultation at tracktownlaw.com [https://www.tracktownlaw.com]

Guardianship for Minor Children in Oregon: What Every Parent Needs to Know

If you're a parent in Oregon, naming a guardian for your minor children is one of the most important estate planning decisions you can make. In this episode of Passing the Baton, attorney Jared Hight explains how Oregon law handles guardianship, what can go wrong if no one is named, and how you can protect your children with a clear plan. He also covers temporary guardianship options and how to manage a child’s inheritance through a trust. Don’t leave it to a judge to decide who raises your kids. Tune in to learn how a thoughtful guardianship nomination—and possibly a trust—can protect your child’s future. To schedule your free consultation or read the full companion blog post, visit https://www.tracktownlaw.com [https://www.tracktownlaw.com].

Powers of Attorney in Oregon: Who Manages Your Money If You Can’t?

Incapacity can happen suddenly—and when it does, someone needs legal authority to manage your finances. In Oregon, that means having a durable power of attorney. In this episode of Passing the Baton, estate planning attorney Jared Hight explains how powers of attorney work, when they take effect, how to choose your agent, and why a poorly drafted POA can leave your family stuck in court. Track Town Law includes a custom Oregon power of attorney in every flat-fee estate plan. Because access and clarity shouldn’t be optional. Schedule your free consultation today at tracktownlaw.com [https://www.tracktownlaw.com]