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Michael John Turner

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also known as Michael J. Turner
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Avvo Rating9.3
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About Michael

Michael's practice focuses on estate planning and administration. As an estate planner he advises clients about how to preserve their legacies and protect themselves and their loved ones. He also routinely guides executors, trustees, and guardians in carrying out their fiduciary duties. Estate and trust beneficiaries rely on his advocacy for their interests as well.

Michael says, “Most clients come to an initial meeting because they are dealing with major changes and decisions in their life and are feeling overwhelmed. More often than not, at the end of the process they say they feel relief. It’s always great to see the smiles as those weights and anxieties melt away.”

Michael graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law in the top tenth of his class. He believes lawyers have a duty to promote justice for all and he volunteers pro bono services for modest estates passing to minors. He currently serves on a bar committee for promotion of legal historical projects.

Outside the office Michael enjoys reading, cooking, and training for his next triathlon. He and his wife are faithful servants to two cats.

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Practice areas

GuardianshipTrustsProbateEstate planning
  1. Estate planning: 45%

    Estate planning is the process of selecting representatives and beneficiaries. I help clients document those choices in their wills and trusts and coordinate with clients' other trusted advisors.

    12 years

  2. Probate: 25%

    "Probate" is the court-supervised settlement of an estate. I advise executors about their duties under Oregon law and estate beneficiaries about protecting their interests.

    12 years

  3. Trusts: 20%

    A "trust" is a set of rules imposed over property. I draft those rules, advise trustees on how to follow the rules, and ensure beneficiaries' rights under the rules are honored.

    12 years

  4. Guardianship: 10%

    A guardian may be needed when someone is unable to protect their own well being. I advise families about the appointment process and reporting obligations for guardians and conservators (financial guardians).

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1888952 1566519123

Contact

521 SW Clay Street
Portland, OR, 97201

      5200 Meadows Road
      Suite 150
      Lake Oswego, OR, 97035

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      ORActive200911/15/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers26
      Legal guides0
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      ShareholderLarix Legal Counsel P.C.2021 - Present
      Of CounselCorey Law Group2019 - 2021
      OwnerMichael J. Turner, Attorney at Law2011 - 2019
      AttorneyLaw Office of Dean C. Werst2009 - 2011
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Oregon State Bar, Legal Heritage Interest Group CommitteeSecretary2018 - Present
      Oregon State Bar, Quality of Life CommitteeChair2015 - 2017
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of Oregon School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2009
      Washington State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts2005
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      In re GWD TrustIrrevocable trust modified
      In re REK EstateInsolvent estate fully settled
      BDH et al. v. Trustee of RDH TrustTrust defense successful

      Reviews

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      Review Michael Turner

      Pleasure to work with. Will hire again for future legal needs.

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      My father had hired Michael to create his will a few years ago. After my father's passing and it was time to consider legal assistance to navigate the estate process, I felt confident in continuing to work with Michael. He was very considerate and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Anytime I had a question, he was very prompt in his responses. We primarily communicated via email and that worked really well with my personal and work schedules. However, if needed he always offered to discuss matters by phone. With Covid-19 and being long distance, all in all, it went very well in my opinion. This was my first time as a Personal Representative of an Estate and I feel fortunate that I had Michael to assist me. He was very professional and personable. For future services, I will definitely be contacting Michael and would recommend him to anyone else that needs legal assistance.
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      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Michael Turner - Highly Recommend

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Our standards are extremely high and after interviewing several estate attorneys we just weren't comfortable until Michael was suggested to us. He was willing to take our existing knowledge and offer advice that was perfect for our situation. He took the time to explain, educate, and answer all of our questions and concerns impeccably. It's unusual and refreshing to work with someone like Michael with such personal matters. We were relieved to finally have someone we trust update and implement our estate plan.
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      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Earl Stuart owner of E & J Stuart Enterprises LLC

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Since first being introduced to Michael at BNI, I made the decision that I wanted Michael Turner to be our "Business Attorney and Estate Planning Representative". His work ethics are beyond reproach! When it comes to Contracts for Leases and advice on rentals, Michael makes sure that the I's are doted and the T's crossed.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Hard Worker

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      I became acquainted (and hired) Michael back in 2014 and I have been working with him ever since. I will continue our relationship for as long as I may need his expertise. Michael is very dedicated and works hard for his clients. He listens well and has a very organized way of working on and solving problems. I highly recommend Michael for assistance in his field.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Developing a will

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Making decisions regarding power of attorney, distribution of funds and assets, and advanced directive protocols can be a daunting task when developing a will. Michael led us through the process with thoughtful and transparent explanations. His calm demeanor was helpful in bringing us to a peaceful resolution to decisions that affect those that are left behind after one passes away.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Attorney endorsements

      (5)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      Lawyer Oliver Thomas O'Brien

      Oliver O'Brien, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 14, 2020
      Relationship: Co-worker

      I work in divorce. As you can imagine, many divorces result in the need for people to revisit their estate planning. It speaks volumes of Michael's work that I recommend him to all of my clients.

      Lawyer Alex Sollars

      Alex Sollars, Guardianship Attorney on Sep 19, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      As a fellow attorney working on guardianship and trusteeship, I have consulted Michael for his opinion on guardianship matters, and his advice has always been spot on. Michael has the steady demeanor and the precise knowledge necessary to give wise advice on probate matters large and small.

      Lawyer Oliver Thomas O'Brien

      Oliver O'Brien, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 14, 2020
      Relationship: Co-worker

      I work in divorce. As you can imagine, many divorces result in the need for people to revisit their estate planning. It speaks volumes of Michael's work that I recommend him to all of my clients.

      Lawyer Alex Sollars

      Alex Sollars, Guardianship Attorney on Sep 19, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      As a fellow attorney working on guardianship and trusteeship, I have consulted Michael for his opinion on guardianship matters, and his advice has always been spot on. Michael has the steady demeanor and the precise knowledge necessary to give wise advice on probate matters large and small.

      Lawyer William D. Ball

      William Ball, Trusts Attorney on Sep 19, 2019
      Relationship: Worked for lawyer

      Michael is a trusts and estates wizard. Highly capable and dedicated to his clients.

      Lawyer Jonathan M Corey

      Jonathan Corey, Estate planning Attorney on Aug 13, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Michael is a great lawyer and a great person. I highly recommend his services - very knowledgeable, experienced and savvy. He works hard to protect the interests of his client. I would not hesitate to refer clients to Michael for all of their estate planning needs.

      Lawyer Yunus M. Paisner

      Yunus Paisner, Business Attorney on Jan 17, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      Mr. Turner is very detail oriented and did an excellent job on a project we worked on together. At the same time he is down to earth and easy to work with. I strongly endorse this lawyer.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates $240-$240/hour
      PAYMENT METHODS

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