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Donald Rolfe

Donald Rolfe

Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
  • Estate Planning, Probate
  • Arizona, Oregon
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Biography

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.

Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Probate
Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Complimentary 30 minute Estate Planning Strategy Session - www.myestateplanmeeting.com
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    VISA & Mastercard
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
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Oregon
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
- Current
Attorney
The Rolfe Law Firm, PLLC
-
Attorney
Rolfe Stafford, PLLC
-
Attorney
The Rolfe Law Firm, PLLC
-
Attorney
Cheifetz Iannitelli Marcolini, P.C.
-
Law Clerk
Bluff & Associates
-
Legal Intern
United States Senate
-
Education
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University
J.D. (2004) | Law
-
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University Logo
Oregon State University
B.S. (2000) | Construction Engineering Management
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Oregon State University Logo
Awards
Top Attorney in North America by the Who's Who Directories
Top Attorneys of North America
Professional Associations
Oregon State Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Arizona State Bar
Member
- Current
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
Blog
Videos
It's nobody's business what's in your Trust. This is how it stays private.  www.myestateplanmeeting.com 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

Disinheriting someone is a difficult choice to make, but a simple thing to make happen.  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

Experience with probate is often the driving force in choosing a Will or a Trust.  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

Yes and no. You and your family are better served with a comprehensive Estate Plan.  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

Temporary/Emergency Guardians | Short Term/Intermediate Guardians | Permanent Guardians  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

Keeping your documents safe and accessible is very important.  www.myestateplanmeeting.com Where Should I Store My Estate Planning Documents?

Keeping your documents safe and accessible is very important. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

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 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

Don't wait to get your Estate Plan in place, someday it will be too late.  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 basics about why we do estate planning.  www.myestateplanmeeting.com Some Estate Planning Basics | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 34

Some basics about why we do estate planning. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

Yes, but your first line of defense is having the proper insurance.  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

5 Steps of the Estate Planning Process  www.myestateplanmeeting.com What is the process for Estate Planning?

5 Steps of the Estate Planning Process www.myestateplanmeeting.com

Here are 3 things to consider when deciding how to leave an inheritance to your children.  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

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 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

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 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

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 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

Without a proper plan, your property may not end up going to your heirs.  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

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 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

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 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

First you need to determine who you want things simple for. From there you have many options.  www.myestateplanmeeting.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

One benefit of leaving inheritances in trust is asset protection. Make sure your estate plan doesn't defeat that asset protection.  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

Making a gift, intentionally or by accident, can make you liable for additional taxes.  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 couples with Estate Plans can reduce conflict with in-laws in the event of a tragedy.  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

Moving to a new state is a life change that should trigger a review of your estate plan.  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

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 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

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 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

It can be a difficult discussion, but there are some basics your kids should know.  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

Life Insurance, Retirement Accounts, etc. - Completing your beneficiary designations is a must.  www.myestateplanmeeting.com What are beneficiary designations?

Life Insurance, Retirement Accounts, etc. - Completing your beneficiary designations is a must. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

Short answer...No.  www.myestateplanmeeting.com Are trusts only for the wealthy?

Short answer...No. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

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 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

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... 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...

www.myestateplanmeeting.com Revocable Trusts Are Not For Asset Protection | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 25

www.myestateplanmeeting.com

Spoiler Alert...It doesn't.

www.myestateplanmeeting.com When Does A Will Expire?

Spoiler Alert...It doesn't. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

1. A Life Insurance Trust, know as an ILIT.
2. Gifting.

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

www.myestateplanmeeting.com When does a revocable trust become irrevocable?

www.myestateplanmeeting.com

www.myestateplanmeeting.com

Death and Taxes...the only certainties. However, we can control how much of an assets value is subject to tax. 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.

Short answer - Yes.
Right answer - You Shouldn't.

www.myestateplanmeeting.com Can I Draft My Own Estate Plan? | Estate Planning Weekly Episode 23

Short answer - Yes. Right answer - You Shouldn't. www.myestateplanmeeting.com

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. 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.

1. Incapacity.
2. Late State for Medicaid Planning.
3. After You Pass Away.

https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com 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

https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com Why Do People Want To Avoid Probate?

https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com

www.myestateplanmeeting.com When Is The Right Time For An Estate Plan?

www.myestateplanmeeting.com

https://www.myestateplanmeeting.com

When splitting assets amongst your heirs, you don't have to make the values equal for things to be fair. 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.

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 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

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... 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...

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... 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...

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,... 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,...

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... 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...

"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/ 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/

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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,... 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,...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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... 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...

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 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 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... 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...

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... 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...

Contact & Map
Northwest Legal Planning, LLC
2350 Willamette Falls Drive
West Linn, OR 97068
Telephone: (503) 850-8345
Fax: (866) 896-6370