Oath - Portland Estate Planning & Investment Attorneys

For individuals and families in Portland, Maine, contemplating their financial future and legacy, the search for "Lawyers Near Me" often extends beyond traditional legal services to encompass integrated estate and investment planning. Oath - Portland Estate Planning & Investment Attorneys, situated at 254 Commercial St Suite 245, Portland, ME 04101, USA, presents itself as a modern solution for these comprehensive needs. Founded in 2010 by Rod Yancy, Oath aims to make estate planning and financial education accessible to a broad spectrum of people, not just the wealthiest, with a core philosophy centered on living purposefully and securing one's future.

Oath's office in Portland is located at 254 Commercial Street, within a commercial suite. This address places the firm in a dynamic and well-connected area of Portland, likely near the vibrant Old Port district. A suite number (Suite 245) typically signifies a professional office environment, designed for focused consultations. While specific aesthetic details of the Portland office are not extensively publicized, the firm's overall brand emphasizes a straightforward, "hassle-free," and "stress-free" experience, suggesting a comfortable and conducive atmosphere for discussing sensitive financial and legal matters. Clients can easily connect with Oath by phone at (207) 544-5702 or via their mobile phone at +1 207-544-5702. Oath's broader national presence, with offices in multiple states, suggests a standardized, client-focused approach across its locations, often integrating online resources and workshops to enhance accessibility.

Oath differentiates itself by offering an integrated approach to financial and estate planning, bringing together legal and financial advisory services under one roof. This model aims to simplify the process for clients, ensuring their estate plan aligns seamlessly with their financial goals.

• Personalized Estate Planning: Oath provides tailored estate plans that address individual goals, family unity, potential tax issues, and the desire for peace of mind. Their services typically include, but are not limited to, the drafting and review of:

  • Wills (including Pour-Over Wills)
  • Revocable Living Trusts
  • Irrevocable Trusts (e.g., Charitable Remainder Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Life Insurance Trusts)
  • Durable Powers of Attorney
  • Advanced Health Care Directives (Living Wills)
  • Certificates of Trust
  • Real Estate Transfers
  They aim to help clients avoid probate, protect assets, and minimize tax burdens for their loved ones.

• Integrated Financial Planning & Fiduciary Advice: A key feature of Oath's model is the integration of financial planning with estate planning. They employ both attorneys and fiduciary financial advisors. Fiduciary advisors are legally obligated to put clients' best financial interests first, without compromise. This contrasts with many other advisors who might act as brokers or agents, potentially earning undisclosed commissions. Oath's financial planning services include:

  • Consolidated asset management plans
  • Retirement planning (considering spending, income, and inflation)
  • Strategies for college savings
  • Guidance on philanthropic giving and charitable trusts
  This integrated approach aims to save clients time, money, and headaches by coordinating financial, tax, and estate strategies.

• Workshops and Education: Oath is known for providing free estate and financial literacy education through local workshops. These workshops are designed to educate potential clients on the importance of planning and the options available, making complex topics accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.

Oath emphasizes a "short three-meeting process" to make estate planning simple and stress-free, aiming to help clients overcome procrastination in securing their future. They position themselves as attorneys "who care," taking the time to understand what truly matters to clients to provide the best protection for their loved ones and assets.

Oath's identity is shaped by several distinct features and a clear philosophy:

• "Our Oath to You" - Transparency and Simplicity: The firm promises "personalized estate planning, no inflated fees." They offer transparent, upfront fees and payment plan options, aiming to make estate planning accessible to everyone, contrasting this with traditional hourly billing that can lead to unpredictable costs. Their process is designed to be "hassle-free" and "stress-free."

• Fiduciary Standard in Financial Advice: The commitment of their financial advisors to a fiduciary standard means they are legally bound to act in the client's best interest, offering a level of trust and confidence that might not be present with non-fiduciary advisors.

• Mission-Driven Approach: Founded on the idea that "recognizing life is short leads to living a better life," Oath aims to educate and guide clients to "plan for more" – purpose, wealth, family, and estate. They also engage in philanthropic initiatives, such as providing free planning clinics for first responders, financial literacy workshops for youth, and retirement transition classes. Notably, they actively support the cause of ending the death penalty, highlighting their commitment to social justice.

• Focus on "Everyone": Oath explicitly states that their services are "For Everyone," emphasizing that "you've worked hard for everything you have. Those things are worth protecting - even if you're not a member of the 1%." This inclusive approach aims to democratize access to quality estate and financial planning.

Oath promotes itself through its "Our Oath to You" pledge, emphasizing personalized, transparent, and caring services. Their website features numerous positive testimonials from clients who appreciate the firm's professionalism, knowledge, friendliness, and responsiveness. Clients consistently praise Oath for making a "complex process very simple," providing "peace of mind," and making them feel "well prepared for the future."

For instance, testimonials from various clients across different states highlight their positive experiences:

• "I found the great folks at OATH to be professional, knowledgeable, friendly, responsive and personable. They made an overwhelming task easy to accomplish through their guidance."

• "The whole experience was pleasant and very informative. I now know that I have everything in order for those I leave behind. And most of all I have peace of mind. That in itself, is worth more than I could put in words."

• "We had put off proper estate planning for too long...It is very comforting to know we are well prepared for the future. It was a great decision to go with Oath."

• "They made a complex process very simple for anyone to understand. Thanks for helping us with our estate planning and giving us some peace of mind."

However, it is important to note that some online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, present varying perspectives on Oath's business model. Some users have expressed concerns about the firm's structure, the sales-oriented nature of workshops, and allegations of templated documents drafted by non-attorneys. One Reddit user, claiming to have met with attorneys from the firm, stated, "their model is pretty appropriate for this practice space, which involves educating the client as to what the available options are for estate planning." However, another user expressed strong negative opinions, describing the "company" as a "trust mill at best and, again, in my opinion, a scam and a cult at worst," alleging "insanely overpriced non-state-specific templated 'estate plans' that are drafted by non-attorneys in their early 20's," and accusing the firm of "predatory sales pressure tactics" and "bar violations" related to funneling clients to financial advisors. These comments are not direct client reviews but rather discussions about the firm's operational practices and reputation. Oath, however, prominently features numerous positive client reviews on its own platforms, emphasizing its commitment to client satisfaction and effective planning.

For those in Portland, ME, seeking "Lawyers Near Me" who offer an integrated approach to estate and financial planning with an emphasis on accessibility, transparency, and a client-centered philosophy, Oath - Portland Estate Planning & Investment Attorneys presents a compelling option. Their focus on education, fixed pricing, and the fiduciary standard for investment advice aims to provide a distinct and reassuring experience for clients looking to secure their financial and personal legacies, while prospective clients are encouraged to conduct their own thorough due diligence, including considering varied online discussions.