James R. Doran, an attorney with more than 27 years of experience, has opened a Bellingham law practice specializing in personal estate planning and administration.

Doran offers expertise in drafting wills, community property agreements, revocable living trusts and a variety of specialized trusts.

He also assists clients with durable or limited powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, directives to physicians or pre-marital agreements.

“By making arrangements now, people can ensure that assets are distributed as they wish and without delays,” Doran said in an April 23 press release. “Clients can avoid costly legal complications and prevent family acrimony by working with an attorney on estate planning.”

Doran will be giving three free estate-planning presentations: at noon on May 15 at the Blaine Senior Center, at noon on June 5 at the Lynden Senior Center, and at noon on June 12 at the Ferndale Senior Center.

Doran has additional experience in real estate—including contracts, deeds of trusts and easements—landlord-tenant relations and personal injury insurance claims. He also provides debt negotiation services and foreclosure defense for homeowners in distress.

“I’m a problem-solver helping people through difficult times and complicated circumstances on a wide range of issues,” Doran said. “I’m also old-school enough to come to a home for a legal ‘house call’ if getting out is difficult for a client.”

Doran earned a law degree from Gonzaga University in 1984 and practiced in Twisp, Wash., a town in Okanogan County.

He was also the mayor of Twisp from 1996 to 2000. He moved to Bellingham in September.

His son also lives in Bellingham and attends Western Washington University.

Doran’s office is at 100 Pine St.

For more information, he can be reached at 360-393-9506.

His practice on online at www.doranlegal.com.