Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht

For many Oregonians, especially those navigating the later stages of life or planning for their family's future, the legal landscape can seem complex and overwhelming. Issues related to healthcare financing, long-term care costs, estate planning, and probate are deeply personal and require not only legal expertise but also a compassionate and understanding approach. In Portland, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht stand as a highly respected and dedicated resource, specializing in Elder Law and Estate Planning. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of their practice, highlighting why they are a trusted choice for locals seeking peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

The challenges faced by seniors and their families are unique, often involving difficult decisions about health, finances, and legacy. Without proper legal guidance, these issues can lead to significant stress, financial vulnerability, and family disputes. Geoff Bernhardt and Julie Nimnicht, along with their capable staff, are committed to providing "compassionate counsel and top-notch legal services" that address these specific concerns. They excel at explaining complex legal issues clearly and offering "well-thought-out advice from professionals who care about you and your family." As one grateful client shared, Geoff and his team were "a trusted guide in the management of my mother's estate and a complete pleasure to work with along the way!"

What truly sets this firm apart is their deep specialization and long-standing commitment to Elder Law. Since 1993, they have been helping individuals and families address the legal and financial consequences of aging, ensuring that clients can plan their legacies and manage care costs effectively. Their goal is simple yet profound: to deliver legal services that protect clients and their families, and ultimately, "put you all at ease." For Oregonians seeking to navigate the intricacies of elder care, secure their assets, or ensure their wishes are honored, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht offer a reliable and empathetic partnership.

The Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht are conveniently located in a pleasant neighborhood in South Portland, providing a more serene and accessible setting than the bustling downtown core for many clients. Their office is situated at 5603 S Hood Ave, Portland, OR 97239, USA. This location offers a welcoming environment and ease of access for individuals throughout the Portland metropolitan area and beyond.

While not in the immediate downtown area, the firm's location on S Hood Avenue is well-connected. It is easily reachable by car, with typically less traffic congestion than downtown. There is likely ample street parking or dedicated client parking available at or near the office, reducing the stress often associated with finding parking at city-center law firms. For those who rely on public transportation, TriMet bus lines serve the South Portland area, providing connections to MAX light rail and other parts of the city. Clients can check TriMet schedules for the most direct routes to the S Hood Avenue area.

This deliberate choice of location reflects the firm's client-centered approach, aiming to provide a comfortable and easily accessible environment for individuals often dealing with sensitive and personal legal matters. The peaceful setting and straightforward accessibility underscore their commitment to serving the Oregon community with convenience and care.

The Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht specialize exclusively in Elder Law and Estate Planning, providing comprehensive and compassionate legal services designed to protect seniors, their families, and their legacies. Their expertise addresses the specific legal and financial challenges that arise with aging. Key services include:

• Medicaid - Long-Term Care Costs: Providing compassionate counseling about planning for and managing the high costs of long-term care in Oregon, including strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits. This is crucial given the average cost of such care can be $7,000 per month.

• Estate Planning - Wills and Trusts: Helping clients plan their legacies by creating legally sound wills and various types of trusts (including revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts) to manage assets, minimize probate burdens, and ensure smooth distribution to loved ones.

• Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding families through the often complex process of administering an estate after a loved one's passing, whether or not a will exists. This includes settling debts, filing tax returns, and distributing assets, with expertise in both supervised probate court proceedings and trust administration.

• Power of Attorney: Assisting clients in establishing financial powers of attorney, which grant a trusted individual the authority to make financial decisions if the client becomes incapacitated. They emphasize creating tailored documents that include special provisions for long-term care directions, unlike generic forms.

• Guardianship and Conservatorship: Helping families navigate the legal process of appointing a guardian (for personal decisions like medical care and housing) or a conservator (for financial decisions) when a loved one is unable to make such choices due to conditions like dementia or stroke. They have been assisting with protective proceedings since 1993.

• Advance Directive for Health Care: Assisting clients in creating documents that allow a trusted person to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated, ensuring their wishes regarding end-of-life care and medical treatment are honored.

• Special Needs Trust: Drafting specialized trusts to protect the eligibility of individuals with disabilities for government benefits (like health care, food, and shelter) while allowing them to receive inheritances or settlements to improve their quality of life.

The firm's long history in these areas, dating back to 1993, underscores their deep experience and commitment to serving the elder community in Oregon.

The Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht distinguish themselves through several key features and highlights that underscore their expertise, client-focused approach, and standing in the Oregon legal community:

• Exclusive Focus on Elder Law: The firm specializes solely in Elder Law, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, probate, and protective proceedings. This deep specialization ensures a concentrated and current understanding of the complex and evolving laws affecting seniors and their families.

• Decades of Experience: The firm has been providing compassionate counsel and top-notch legal services for seniors and their families for over 29 years (since 1993). This extensive tenure demonstrates profound experience and a well-established presence in the field.

• Compassionate and Supportive Client Care: Client testimonials consistently highlight the firm's empathetic approach. One client praised Geoff and his staff as a "trusted guide" who "kindly helped me regroup when I made those occasional missteps," and provided encouragement and support "at every step." This personal touch is crucial in sensitive elder law matters.

• Highly Respected Attorneys:

  • Geoff Bernhardt: Served as an Adjunct Professor of Elder Law at Lewis & Clark Law School and was President of the Oregon State Bar Elder Law Section in 2012. He has been honored by the Oregon State Bar for his educational services to Oregon Elder Law Attorneys multiple times (1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2012, and 2013). He also co-authored a book on Elder Law for Oregon attorneys, showcasing his significant contributions to the field.

  • Julie Nimnicht: Selected to Super Lawyers' "Rising Stars" for 2020, a peer designation awarded to a select number of accomplished attorneys. She serves on the Oregon State Bar Elder Law Section executive committee and actively participates in community education, including leading classes on charitable giving and gifting strategies.

• Educational Outreach: The firm actively engages in public education. Geoff Bernhardt has delivered a three-part lecture series on "Elder Law 101," and Julie Nimnicht has led "Lunch & Learn" events, demonstrating their commitment to informing the community about vital elder law topics.

• Practical and Clear Explanations: Clients appreciate that legal issues are explained "clearly," and advice is "well-thought-out," ensuring clients understand their options and feel confident in their decisions.

These highlights collectively position the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht as a leading and highly trustworthy resource for elder law and estate planning in Oregon.

The Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht are deeply committed to educating and assisting the Oregon community with crucial elder law and estate planning matters. While they do not offer traditional "promotions" in a commercial sense, they provide invaluable resources and a client-centric approach that serve as significant benefits and access points:

• Educational Seminars and Online Resources (Free): The firm regularly conducts and makes available educational content, such as Geoff Bernhardt's "Elder Law 101" lecture series and Julie Nimnicht's "Lunch & Learn" events. These are often accessible to the public, providing free, high-quality information on complex topics like estate planning, long-term care costs, and powers of attorney. This proactive community education is a major "offer" in itself.

• Initial Consultation for Prospective Clients: While the firm's website doesn't explicitly state "free consultation," legal practices specializing in sensitive areas like elder law often provide an initial consultation to discuss a client's needs and outline potential legal strategies. This first meeting is crucial for assessing if the firm is the right fit and understanding the scope of services, often at a reduced or no initial charge, providing an accessible entry point to expert advice.

• Personalized and Compassionate Service: As highlighted in reviews, clients are treated with "respect" and receive "compassionate counseling." This level of personal attention, while not a discount, is a valuable service feature that differentiates the firm and brings immense comfort to clients during challenging times.

These initiatives underscore the firm's dedication to serving the Oregon community by making essential legal knowledge and experienced guidance more accessible and less daunting.

For Oregonians seeking specialized and compassionate legal guidance in elder law and estate planning, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht are readily available. You can connect with their office using the following contact details:

• Address: 5603 S Hood Ave, Portland, OR 97239, USA

• Phone: (503) 548-4000

• Mobile Phone: +1 503-548-4000

• Email: info@elderlawpdx.com

• Website: www.elderlawpdx.com

The firm encourages prospective clients to reach out to discuss their specific needs regarding wills, trusts, long-term care planning, probate, or guardianship. Their team is prepared to provide clear explanations and thoughtful advice in a supportive environment.

For Oregonians navigating the intricate and often emotional aspects of aging, long-term care, and estate planning, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht offer an exceptionally suitable and reassuring legal resource. Their exclusive specialization in Elder Law ensures that clients receive highly focused and deeply knowledgeable counsel, which is paramount when dealing with the complex interplay of financial, medical, and legal considerations that arise in later life.

The firm's long-standing presence in the field, spanning over 29 years, combined with the individual expertise and respected reputations of Geoff Bernhardt and Julie Nimnicht, provides a level of trust and confidence that is invaluable to local families. Their commitment to clear explanations, "well-thought-out advice," and genuine compassion, as consistently praised by clients, means that individuals feel supported and empowered rather than overwhelmed. This empathetic approach, especially in sensitive areas like Medicaid planning and guardianship, distinguishes them as true advocates for the well-being of Oregon's senior population.

Furthermore, their convenient South Portland location offers easy accessibility and a comfortable setting, making the process of seeking legal help less daunting. The firm's proactive engagement in community education through seminars and online resources also demonstrates a deep commitment to empowering Oregonians with vital knowledge. For any local seeking to secure their legacy, plan for future care, or administer an estate, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt & Julie Nimnicht represent a top-tier legal partner dedicated to providing peace of mind and expert guidance right here in the community.