Blog

And even when a debt is valid, negotiation is often an option. Many collectors will accept a lump-sum settlement or payment plan — especially when they purchased the debt for far less than the original balance.

Knowledge is leverage. At As Your Counsel, we help you use it.

For As Your Counsel, 2026 presents opportunities to build on these lessons while expanding our support for Oregon's entrepreneurs and families. Whether forming your first LLC, negotiating a complex commercial lease, implementing a comprehensive estate plan, or navigating consumer protection challenges, our goal remains constant: translating legal complexity into strategic advantage and ensuring your vision becomes reality. That's what 2025 taught us, and that's what we'll carry into 2026.

Essential tenant rights include:

• The warranty of habitability (safe structure, working utilities, no serious hazards)

• Fair housing protections and the right to reasonable accommodations for disabilities

• Right to quiet enjoyment and advance notice before landlord entry

• Timely return of security deposits with itemized deductions

• Protection of personal belongings during and after your tenancy

• Advance notice and limits on rent increases

• Due process protections 

Knowing and asserting these rights gives you the confidence to address problems as they arise and maintain a stable living environment. If you're facing any housing issues, As Your Counsel is here to help you navigate the process and protect your rights.

Every vendor agreement, lease, and service contract you sign can either reinforce business-as-usual—or help shift economic activity toward a decarbonized world; they can shape the world you want to build. Green contracting is one of the fastest, most scalable ways to reduce emissions. Unlike massive policy overhauls, contract changes: 

• Can be implemented immediately 

• Apply to everyday operations (waste removal, HVAC, sourcing) 

• Encourage your vendors to meet your sustainability goals 

• Reduce future compliance and liability risks

Small and medium-sized businesses make up 90% of companies worldwide. SMEs have a unique advantage: agility. You can move faster than large corporations, access green markets, and build climate resilience into your operations now. And the businesses that act early gain long-term advantages in efficiency, reputation, and resilience. If you're ready to embed sustainability into your business agreements, we're here to help. Let's build a legal ecosystem aligned with your values.

Explore the importance of carefully structuring and reviewing contracts with experienced counsel to mitigate financial and legal risks for your small business.

Find out why engaging an attorney before starting a big project is crucial for mitigating risk and protecting your business.

Learn about the Oregon CCB's complaint process, mediation, and what to expect when resolving construction disputes.

Navigating the legal system can be daunting, but Small Claims Court in Oregon offers a more accessible option for resolving disputes. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about filing a complaint, from gathering evidence to presenting your case in court.

The worst has happened, but that doesn't mean you have to go to trial. Discover the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and learn how mediation, arbitration, and other ADR methods can help you resolve legal disputes without the stress and expense of a trial.

Estate planning is important for everyone. However, there is no single estate planning vehicle which is right for everyone. A revocable living trust is a powerful estate planning tool that offers numerous benefits for Oregonians seeking to protect their assets, provide for their loved ones, and ensure a smooth transition of wealth. By avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and providing ease of asset management during incapacity, a revocable living trust can save your family time, money, and stress during an already difficult time. However, it is important to fully understand the logistics and legal steps necessary to fund the trust for it to be effective.