Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Oregon attorney for guidance tailored to your situation.
Detailed Answer
Locating and identifying assets across multiple counties or states in Oregon requires systematic research in public records, court procedures, and specialized databases. Below is a step-by-step approach under Oregon law.
1. Search Real Property Records
Real estate interests are public. Visit the County Recorder’s Office or Assessor’s website in each county where the person may own land. Under ORS chapter 93 and ORS chapter 308, deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax assessments are recorded. Many counties offer online mapping tools and document searches.
2. Review UCC Financing Statements
Personal property secured by a loan is often recorded as a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statement. Use the Oregon Secretary of State’s UCC search to find filings under ORS chapter 79. This reveals collateral such as equipment, inventory, or accounts receivable.
3. Check Business and Corporate Records
The Oregon Secretary of State maintains corporate and LLC records. Search at Oregon Business Registry. You can identify registered agents, office addresses, and annual reports that may list assets or real property holdings.
4. Examine Vehicle and Vessel Registrations
Oregon Department of Transportation’s DMV database lists registered motor vehicles and trailers. For boats and recreational vehicles, contact the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Registration records can reveal ownership of high-value assets.
5. Use Court-Ordered Discovery
After obtaining a judgment, you may compel asset disclosure through a judgment debtor examination under ORCP 69. A court order (subpoena) can require banks, employers, or third parties to produce records of accounts, wages, or other assets.
6. Locate Out-of-State Assets
To enforce an Oregon judgment elsewhere, domesticate it under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act (ORS 24.155–24.195). Once registered in the other state, you can use that state’s discovery tools (e.g., debtor exams, lien searches) to trace assets.
7. Leverage Third-Party Data Services
Specialized online platforms aggregate public records from multiple jurisdictions. Private investigators and asset-search services can access proprietary databases on real property, vehicles, corporate affiliations, litigation history, and more.
Helpful Hints
- Start at the person’s last known address to identify relevant counties.
- Use exact legal names and any business trade names in searches.
- Check for variations in spelling and previous addresses.
- Request certified copies of critical documents for authenticity.
- Keep detailed notes of search terms, dates, and sources.
- Consider hiring a licensed professional for complex, multi-state searches.