– Est. –
1927

Important New Case Law Confirms Protection for Vulnerable Oregonians

SYK is proud to announce financial elder abusers under ORS 124.110 cannot wipe away debts to their victims just by filing for bankruptcy. While one would hope that would not be controversial, the previously reported cases provided too much gray area for abusers.  However, with SYK’s recent work, the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth

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SYK Partner Victoria Blachly’s Work on the Uniform Law Commission

Happy 130th Birthday to the Uniform Law Commission (“ULC”)! Samuels Yoelin Kantor Fiduciary Litigation Partner Victoria Blachly is an Oregon Commissioner for the ULC.  Read our interview with Victoria about her work on the ULC. What does the ULC do?   The ULC “provides states with non-partisan, well-conceived and well-drafted legislation that brings clarity and stability

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Too Good To Be True: Inheritance Scams

The Federal Trade Commission just posted a strong reminder on their Consumer Advice page:  If you get a letter from an alleged law firm claiming you are the beneficiary of large piles of money, to be split between the law firm, you and some charities – but you must keep it a SECRET – it

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Social Media & Child Custody

Celebrity divorces are not news and many celebrities go out of their way to keep their divorces out of the mainstream and social media.  One recent exception is the ongoing divorce of “Kimye” or Kim Kardashian and Ye (aka Kanye) West.  The “Kimye” divorce has not made the news because of the size of their

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New Guardianship Rules in Washington

I think we’ve all succumbed to the siren song of New Year’s Resolutions, right? Whether it’s losing a few pounds (guilty!), going to the gym, meditating, we all start the year with the best of intentions. Washington State is no different with the adoption of the Uniform Guardianship Act in January 2022, although unlike most

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Aphasia – Planning for the Unimaginable

At 67 years of age, Bruce Willis recently disclosed his diagnosis for aphasia.  Aphasia is a communication disorder, with various manifestations of impairments.  It can affect ones ability to understand language, including affecting speaking and writing, but aphasia does not impair one’s intelligence.  This is an important factor to appreciate. The main symptoms of aphasia

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WeAreSYK

Samuels Yoelin Kantor LLP is proud to be one of the top 10 most diverse small law firms in the Portland metro area based on the Portland Business Journal‘s annual survey.

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State ex Rel Nicholas Kristof: What is an Oregonian?

Ordinarily, we stay out of politics, for that way lies madness. From time to time though, a case comes out of the political arena that is relevant to the lives of normal people. Such is the case of State ex Rel Nicholas Kristof v. Shemia Fagan. Kristof, a Pulitizer-prize winning New York Times columnist co-authored

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Does a Check Marked “Payment in Full” Actually Constitute Full Payment?

Cashing a check which includes various written designations by the issuer of the check such as “payment in full,” “paid in full,” “final payment,” and “full settlement” is interpreted by some states and courts as a complete satisfaction or discharge of the underlying debt even if the amount of the check didn’t actually constitute payment in full.  That used to be the case in Oregon a number years ago.  Fortunately, that isn’t the case anymore.

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In Memoriam

  Stephen E. Kantor May 22, 1949 – November 14, 2021 We mourn the passing, and celebrate the life, of a beloved friend and a leader of our Samuels Yoelin Kantor family.    

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A Power of Attorney is a Cost-Effective Legal Tool

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows another person to step into your shoes and make decisions for you when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. If you are the person creating a POA, you are known as the principal. And the person you appoint to make decisions for

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Celebrate National Estate Planning Awareness Month

With our adoration of All Things Estate Planning, here at SYK, please take a minute to enjoy the festivities that come around this time of year for National Estate Planning Awareness Month.  What are they?  Presents?  Decorations?  Delicious food?  Feats of strength?  No such luck – just an acknowledgement that you owe it to those

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Lessons From My COVID Year (and a half)

“These are unprecedented times” – a phrase I think we’re all sick of hearing. As the unprecedented times become more precedented times, I’ve had time to reflect on some of the silver linings of this COVID cloud.  As we weather the storm together – apart, I’ve had the opportunity to shelter in place and work

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Important Changes to Oregon’s Safe Employment Act

On June 15, 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed and enacted Senate Bill 483 into law, amending the Oregon Safe Employment Act (OSEA) to include a significant new protection for employees alleging claims for employment discrimination and retaliation under the Act. Previously, if an employee brought an action alleging discrimination or retaliation under the Act, the

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Blachly Recognized by Oregon Super Lawyers

Oregon Super Lawyers recently interviewed Victoria Blachly for her outstanding work on elder law cases. Complicated families and complicated medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia increase the challenging legal issues in preparing for end-of-life events, but Blachly strives for soft landings.  Read the article written about her impactful work, “Soft Landings:  Victoria Blachly Speaks

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Disinherit Your Child?  Sure – It’s Your Money.

Christine Fletcher had an article in last month’s online Forbes, entitled “Should You Disinherit Your Child?”  The full text of the article is below, but I have to say that – to me – the answer is not one that should be made by an attorney, but by the owner of the assets.  If someone

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