Timothy J. Wachter
Partner
Timothy J. Wachter is a partner at Black Helterline LLP with more than 35 years of experience advising clients on sophisticated estate planning, trust and estate administration, and taxation matters. His practice spans foundational, multi‑generational, and multi‑state estate planning, as well as the modification and termination of irrevocable trusts. Tim is widely recognized for his deep technical knowledge, practical judgment, and long‑standing leadership in the trusts and estates field.
- Advises individuals and families on comprehensive estate planning strategies, including multi‑generational and multi‑state plans.
- Drafts and implements estate planning instruments, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and closely held entity structures.
- Assists clients with estate and trust administration, gift and estate tax compliance, and fiduciary income tax planning.
- Establishes and advises on the use of charitable trusts, private foundations, and other philanthropic vehicles.
- Counsels clients on the modification and termination of irrevocable trusts and related fiduciary matters.
- Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
- Member, Estate Planning Council of Portland
- Member, Oregon State Bar (Estate Planning and Administration; Taxation; Elder Law Sections)
- Member, Washington State Bar (Real Property, Probate, and Taxation Sections)
- Former Chair, Executive Committee, Estate Planning and Administration Section, Oregon State Bar
- Professional Advisory Council Member, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
- Advisory Board Member, MIKE (Multicultural Integrated Kidney Education) Program for Healthy Youth
- Chambers High Net Worth Guide – Oregon (Band 1) (2019–present)
- The Best Lawyers in America® (2007–present)
- Lawyer of the Year, Tax Law, Portland (2019)
- Lawyer of the Year, Trusts and Estates, Portland (2022)
- Author, Administering Trusts in Oregon, Chapter 5: Trustee Duties, Powers and Liabilities (Oregon State Bar; 2007, 2018 revisions)
- Author, Administering Oregon Estates, Chapter 8: Rights of Interested Persons (Oregon State Bar; 2012, 2018, 2023 revisions)
Tim is deeply engaged in the trusts and estates community, contributing to practice standards, fiduciary best practices, and charitable and nonprofit initiatives throughout the region.