Probate in Oregon | OR Legal Resources | FastCounsel

Can I Seek Reimbursement from the Estate for Funeral Expenses in Oregon?

Detailed Answer When someone pays for a decedents funeral in Oregon, they may seek reimbursement from the estate through probate. Oregon law grants priority for funeral expenses and specifies how to file a claim. Priority of Funeral Expense Claims ORS 113.095 allows claimants to recover reasonable funeral, burial, or cremation costs up to $10,000 from […]

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How can an Administrator verify that the payment fully satisfied the outstanding vehicle loan in Oregon?

Detailed Answer In Oregon, verifying that a vehicle loan payment fully satisfies the debt involves confirming the exact payoff, obtaining lender release documents, and checking public records. An administrator can follow these steps: Obtain a Written Payoff StatementRequest an official payoff statement from the lender showing the amount due as of a specific date. This […]

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How does an incomplete or missing marriage certificate affect a surviving spouse’s allowance claim in Oregon?

Detailed Answer Under Oregon law, a surviving spouse may claim a family allowance from the decedent’s estate during probate under ORS 114.105. To qualify, the claimant must prove the marital relationship. Normally, this proof is a certified marriage certificate issued under ORS 92.140. If the original certificate is incomplete, damaged, or missing, you can: Request […]

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How Can I Obtain Appointment as Administrator When a Higher-Priority Heir Exists in Oregon?

Detailed Answer Under Oregon law, the probate court follows a strict priority list when appointing an estate administrator. ORS 113.025 sets out the order: spouse or domestic partner, children, parents, siblings, and then more distant heirs. If you are not the highest-priority heir, you can still seek appointment only if a higher-priority person renounces or […]

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What is the process and timeline for applying to become the personal representative of an estate in Oregon?

Detailed Answer Applying to become the personal representative (executor or administrator) of an estate in Oregon involves petitioning the circuit court in the county where the decedent lived at death. Oregon law provides two main pathways: informal and formal probate. Most estates use informal probate unless someone contests the will or the personal representative’s qualifications. […]

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How Can a Guardian or Guardian ad Litem Be Appointed to Manage a Minor’s Interest in an Estate in Oregon?

Detailed Answer Under Oregon law, when a minor inherits property or money in a decedents estate, the probate court must protect the minors interest. The court can appoint either a guardian of the estate or a guardian ad litem, depending on the circumstances. Step 1: File a Petition Any interested personoften the personal representative, a […]

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What steps protect a minor’s inheritance when the decedent did not leave a will in Oregon?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer When a person in Oregon dies without a will (intestate), the Minor’s share of the estate is governed by Oregon’s intestate succession laws. Under ORS 112.155, children of the […]

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What mechanisms ensure the administrator complies with estate duties and bond requirements? (OR)

Detailed Answer In Oregon, the court appoints a personal representative (often called an administrator) to handle estate matters. State law sets clear checks and balances to ensure compliance with fiduciary duties and bond requirements. Court-Supervised Bond Requirement Under ORS 116.173, the court requires a fiduciary bond unless all interested parties waive it. The bond amount […]

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Can a personal representative seek a commission on estate assets and sale proceeds in Oregon?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Detailed Answer In Oregon, a personal representative (formerly known as an executor) is generally entitled to receive a commission on the value of the estate’s assets, including the proceeds from the […]

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What Steps Are Required to Locate, Inventory, and Distribute Estate Assets and Settle Debts in Oregon?

Detailed Answer When someone passes away in Oregon and leaves assets, the probate process ensures valid distribution and debt settlement. A personal representative follows Oregon law to locate assets, notify creditors, inventory property, pay debts, and distribute the estate. Here are the required steps: 1. File a Probate Petition The personal representative (often named in […]

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