Andrea Bachhuber
Jonathan P. Bacsalmasi
Shauna Newcomb-Haney
Emily Hogan
Theressa Hollis
Melanie Marmion
Emily Pringle
Christopher L. Ray
Estate Planning
Trusts
Special Needs
Guardianship / Conservatorship
Medicaid
Probate / Trust Admininistration
Elder Law​
Wesley D. Fitzwater
Partner, Retired
For more than 40 years, Wes Fitzwater has dedicated his legal career to serving the Oregon elder law community. We are proud to carry on his legacy and wish him all the best in his retirement.
I value helping people in times of crisis, whether it is guiding families through the probate system or relieving anxiety by simply answering questions. I pride myself on being reliable and thorough in my work. I strive to take the mystery out of the legal process. My practice emphasizes legal issues unique to the elderly and their families, including guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, probate estates, trust administration, and estate planning.
After 22 years of practicing estate planning and estate administration, I believe that promoting family harmony is the core of a good estate plan. My early background as a professor allowed me to develop the skills to explain the law, even technical aspects of the law like taxes and public benefits, in a way that is understandable and practical. I am a visual person so I tend to draw flowcharts and use a white board to illustrate the discussion points for my clients.
I pride myself on being approachable, down to earth, and willing to answer any questions my clients may have. My practice emphasizes estate and tax planning and estate administration and I cannot think of any area in which I would rather practice. I invest in learning about my client’s whole story which creates a friendly environment in which I can provide more effective assistance.
I strive to provide the helping hand my clients can turn to for guidance and support in challenging times. Whether it is with a court-related case such as probate, guardianship or conservatorship, an administrative process like Medicaid, or the planning for a loved one with special needs, I thrive on helping individuals and families with their legal needs.
I want my estate planning clients to walk away with a customized, detailed, realistic, and clear estate plan which will accomplish their wishes. Estate planning can be uncomfortable and confusing and my goal is to explain complicated legal options in a way that is easy to understand and clear. I want to provide peace of mind and clarity for my clients while also giving them the information necessary to make well informed decisions.
Practicing in the field of trust and estate administration means that I often work with spouses, family members, and friends named as Trustee or Personal Representative after a loved one’s death or incapacity. In this overwhelming time I want my clients to be at ease knowing they can rely on me to be accessible and answer all of their questions. I enjoy helping them understand their responsibilities and making the legal process easier to undertake.
My highest priority is helping my clients feel heard, respected, and cared for. I know my clients have worked hard all their lives, and now they want to feel certain that all of their ducks are in a row. I help my clients take a step-by-step approach to their planning, which can be especially helpful for anyone who may be feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the estate planning process. I offer patience and a friendly atmosphere, taking the time to explain everything clearly, and allowing my clients to move at their own pace.
I am passionate about creating a seamless transition for families by helping my clients navigate the legal requirements involved with a trust administration or a probate estate. My practice at Fitzwater Law focuses on Trust Administration, Probate and Estate Planning. I enjoy assisting families through the steps of settling a loved one’s estate.