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Gevurtz Menashe

PDX 503.227.1515
WA 360.823.0410

Since 1982.

Beneficiary Selection

Serving Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA

Pass on Your Assets to Your Loved Ones the Right Way

Losing someone you care about is difficult enough without having to deal with the fallout of a poorly managed estate. That’s why one of the best things you can do is designate beneficiaries, making a clear statement of who should inherit what upon your passing.

At Gevurtz Menashe, we understand that estate planning — and selecting heirs — can be a tough task. We make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, from drafting your will or trust and estate documents to providing legal advice on beneficiaries.
 
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Helping You With All Types of Beneficiary Designation Requests

Nothing is too challenging for our team. We’ve been in the field long enough to hone our skills and service to handle all your family law, tax and estate planning needs.


In doing so, we regularly advise clients on the:
  • Estate and income tax impacts of beneficiary selection
  • Intricacies and merits of IRAs, 401ks, and pension plans
  • Beneficiary designations that fit within each unique estate plan

Beneficiary Selection

Choosing people or other entities to receive your assets — such as insurance policy payouts or qualified retirement plan disbursements — when you die is known as beneficiary selection. Having beneficiaries designated for all your assets is a gold standard to strive for.

Our robust approach to estate planning helps you achieve this. Your estate planning attorney will counsel you on all legal aspects of getting your final affairs in order. Because it’s such a critical element of any strategy for asset distribution, your lawyer will advise you on beneficiary designation.

Tax Implications to Consider for Beneficiary Designation

Depending on the account or policy, there are plenty of variables to consider when deciding on beneficiaries.

For example, with retirement accounts, there’s a certain way to do things to derive the most income tax benefits. Additionally, factors such as the beneficiary’s age play an important role in determining how these accounts will be taxed.

Your Gevurtz Menashe attorney will ensure your plan is structured to maximize financial advantage and minimize administrative burden.
 

We've Got You Covered

Better Results

When it comes to ensuring your hard-earned assets reach the heirs you want, it’s key to work with savvy lawyers with a record of favorable outcomes.

Better Processes

Our attention to detail and commitment to getting things right is second to none. With us, you know your estate plan is aligned to your needs, thorough, and well-executed.

Better Service

Selecting beneficiaries can be a sensitive or emotional part of estate planning. We’re here to support you the whole time — so you can be confident in your decisions.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“We worked closely with Sara Winter on updating our wills and healthcare directives and establishing a joint trust. She was extremely knowledgeable, available, and personable. Sara was great to work with and answered every question thoughtfully and with our goals in mind. I highly recommend her and will continue to rely on her in the future to help us manage our family goals.”
-Annie Sanditen


 
     

Attorneys

  • Steven Zipper Steven Zipper Shareholder
    Steven Zipper

    Steven Zipper

    Shareholder
    Steve combines his 23 years as an estate planning attorney with a solid tax background working at two of the "Big Five" accounting firms. As Shareholder of the estate planning practice Steve manages the business and assists clients with all aspects of their estate plans including wills, trusts, life insurance planning, estate and trust administration after death (including probate), as well as estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning. Steve’s focus is on helping people plan for protecting what is important to them, both during life and upon their death.  

    As an estate planning attorney, Steve is a sincere advocate and planner, working with clients through the complexities of their situations. In his personal life Steve enjoys spending time with his family, bicycling around Portland and planning for his next big travel adventure!
     
  • Stefan Wolf Stefan Wolf Shareholder
    Stefan Wolf

    Stefan Wolf

    Shareholder
    Stefan views his role as a strong support system, guiding people through the critical personal and financial choices involved in estate planning. As an experienced estate planning attorney, he regularly assists clients with wills, trusts, planning for incapacity, gift tax returns, estate tax returns, and probate and trust administration matters. Anchored by his attentive spirit and genuine charm, Stefan offers clients both candid and compassionate counsel – recognizing estate planning as one of the most important aspects in a person’s financial life. He approaches each client’s unique situation by identifying their personal and financial goals so that their estate can be handled in accordance with their wishes and in a tax-efficient manner. 

    As a Portland native, Stefan enjoys skiing, soccer, and spending time with his family. When asked where he would live if he could choose any place in the world, he’s quick to respond with his hometown of Portland, but admits the island of Kauai comes in at a close second.

  • Sara Winter Sara Winter Shareholder
    Sara Winter

    Sara Winter

    Shareholder
    Sara has a natural talent of instantly connecting with people. Both personally and professionally, building great relationships has always been the cornerstone of her success. Whether she is helping clients plan for their future or guiding them through the loss of a loved one, her goal is to give clients comfort that their loved ones are taken care of, preserve their legacy, and achieve their goals. Knowing each client has different needs, and complexity of estate planning work, she strives to ensure each client understands the work being done—and more importantly, the mission behind it—in a practical and sensitive manner. With an LL.M. in Taxation, Sara uses her expertise to place a special focus on tax planning for all of her clients, whether it is income, gift, or estate related.  
       
    Sara relocated to Portland after a decade of building a successful estate planning practice in Houston, Texas. When she’s not helping clients plan for their future, you’ll likely find Sara running, baking, or spending time with her husband, their son, and their French Bulldog, Butters.

    Her professional motto is "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." –Helen Keller 
     
Meet our entire team!

FAQ

  • What is a beneficiary and why is it important to select one?

    What is a beneficiary and why is it important to select one?

    A beneficiary is a person or entity who receives your assets after you pass away. Identifying a beneficiary ensures your assets are dispersed according to your wishes and simplifies settling your estate.

  • Can I name multiple beneficiaries?

    Can I name multiple beneficiaries?

    Most accounts and policies allow you to have more than one beneficiary. You’ll need to specify the amounts or portions each beneficiary should get. The primary beneficiary designation will be the first in line to receive the assets.

  • What happens if I don't designate a beneficiary?

    What happens if I don't designate a beneficiary?

    Certain assets may have to go through probate, in which case state laws will determine asset distribution. An estate planning attorney can provide clarity around beneficiary selection.

  • Can I change beneficiaries after a divorce?

    Can I change beneficiaries after a divorce?

    Yes, in most cases you can change beneficiaries at any time. Reviewing and updating beneficiary designations post-divorce is common. Your lawyer can give you legal advice on beneficiaries.

Our Locations

Portland

Vancouver

Be the Beneficiary of Our Experience & Expertise

Gevurtz Menashe has over 40 years of experience in family law and estate planning in Oregon and Washington. As part of your comprehensive estate plan, we’ll guide you through beneficiary designation. To get started, contact our Portland (503-227-1515) or Vancouver (360-823-0410) office or fill out the contact form.