Extract Data From Legal Oregon Estate Planning Forms For Free

A will is a legal document that spells out how you want your affairs handled and assets distributed after you die. A trust is a fiduciary arrangement whereby a grantor (also called a trustor) gives a trustee the right to hold and manage assets for the benefit of a specific purpose or person.

Oregon law requires that trustee's make certain information available to trust beneficiaries. Generally speaking, a trustee must keep the beneficiaries of the trust reasonably informed about the administration of the trust and of the material facts necessary for those beneficiaries to protect their interests.

In Oregon, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to make a will. If you are married or emancipated, you can make a will before you turn 18. Your will must be in writing and must be signed by you and two witnesses. Some people cannot serve as witnesses to your will.

Although Oregon does not require a will to be notarized, the state allows you to make your will ?self-proving,? which does require a notary. A self-proving will speeds up probate because the court can accept the will without contacting the witnesses who signed it.

Wills are also valid if they comply with the Uniform International Wills Act, which Oregon has adopted. Oral or ?nuncupative? wills aren't valid under Oregon law. Handwritten or ?holographic? wills aren't recognized in Oregon.

The short answer is no. Wills that are handwritten and not witnessed are not recognized as valid in Oregon. A handwritten will that is witnessed by two individuals will be considered valid.