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Oregon Last Will and Testament

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Last Will and Testament

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF

BE IT KNOWN THIS DAY THAT,

I, , of County, Oregon, being of legal age and of sound and disposing mind and memory, and not acting under duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence of any person, do make, declare and publish this to be my Will and hereby revoke any Will or Codicil I may have made.

ARTICLE ONE

Marriage and Children

I am married to and have no children.

ARTICLE TWO

Debts and Expenses

I direct my Personal Representative to pay all costs and expenses of my last illness and funeral expenses. I further direct my Personal Representative to pay all of my just debts that may be probated, registered and allowed against my estate. However, this provision shall not extend the statute of limitations for the payment of debts, or enlarge upon my legal obligation or any statutory duty of my Personal Representative to pay debts.

ARTICLE THREE

Specific Bequests of Real and/or Personal Property

I will, give and bequeath unto the persons named below, if he or she survives me, the Property described below:

Name/Address/Relationship
Property Description

[LIST OR STATE NO PROPERTY LEFT UNDER THIS ARTICLE]

In the event I name a person in this Article and said person predeceases me, the bequest to such person shall lapse and the property shall pass under the other provisions of this Will. In the event that I do not possess or own any property listed above on the date of my death, the bequest of that property shall lapse.

ARTICLE FOUR

Homestead or Primary Residence

I will, devise and bequeath all my interest in my homestead or primary residence, if I own a homestead or primary residence on the date of my death that passes through this Will, to my spouse, , if he or she survives me. If he or she does not survive me, then my homestead or primary residence shall pass under the residuary clause of this Will.

ARTICLE FIVE

All Remaining Property – Residuary Clause

I will, devise, bequeath and give all the rest and remainder of my property and estate of every kind and character, including, but not limited to, real and personal property in which I may have an interest at the date of my death and which is not otherwise effectively disposed of, to my spouse, .

ARTICLE SIX

Contingent - All Remaining Property – Residuary Clause

In the event that my spouse shall predecease me, I will, devise, bequeath and give all the rest and remainder of my property and estate of every kind and character, including, but not limited to, real and personal property in which I may have an interest at the date of my death and which is not otherwise effectively disposed of, to:

and , equally, per stirpes.

Signed if Selected:

OR

and , equally, or the survivor.

Signed if Selected:

ARTICLE SEVEN

Appointment of Personal Representative, Executor or Executrix

I hereby appoint , as Personal Representative of my estate and this Will. In the event my Personal Representative shall predecease me, or, for any reason, shall fail to qualify or cease to act as my Personal Representative, then I hereby appoint to serve as successor Personal Representative my estate and Will.

The term “Personal Representative”, as used in this Will, shall be deemed to mean and include “Personal Representative”, “Executor” or “Executrix”.

ARTICLE EIGHT

Waiver of Bond, Inventory, Accounting, Reporting and Approval

My Personal Representative and successor Personal Representative shall serve without any bond, and I hereby waive the necessity of preparing or filing any inventory, accounting, appraisal, reporting, approvals or final appraisement of my estate.

ARTICLE NINE

Powers of Personal Representative, Executor and Executrix

I direct that my Personal Representative shall have broad discretion in the administration of my Estate, without the necessity of Court approval. I grant unto my Personal Representative, all powers that are allowed to be exercised by Personal Representatives by the laws of the State of Oregon and to the extent not prohibited by the laws of Oregon, the following additional powers:

  1. To exercise all of the powers, rights and discretions granted by virtue of any "Uniform Trustees' Powers Law," and/or “Probate Code” adopted by the State of Oregon.
  2. To compromise claims and to abandon property which, in my Executor’s opinion is of little or no value.
  3. To purchase or otherwise acquire and to retain any and all stocks, bonds, notes or other securities, or shares or interests in investment trusts and common trust funds, or in any other property, real, personal or mixed, as my Personal Representative may deem advisable, whether or not such investments or property be of the character permissible by fiduciaries, without being liable to any person for such retention or investment.
  4. To settle, adjust, dissolve, windup or continue any partnership or other entity in which I may own a partnership or equity interest at the time of my death, subject, however, to the terms of any partnership or other agreement to which I am a party at the time of my death. I authorize my Personal Representative to continue in any partnership or other entity for such periods and upon such terms as they shall determine. My Personal Representative shall not be disqualified by reason of being a partner, equity owner or title holder in such firm from participating on behalf of my estate in any dealings herein authorized to be carried on between my Personal Representative and the partners or equity owners of any such partnership or other entity.
  5. To lease, sale, or offer on a lease purchase, any real or personal property for such time and upon such terms and conditions in such manner as may be deemed advisable, all without court approval.
  6. To sell, exchange, assign, transfer and convey any security or property, real or personal, held in my estate, or in any trust, at public or private sale, at such time and price and upon such terms and conditions (including credit) as my Personal Representative may deem advisable and for the best interest of my estate, or any trust. I hereby waive any requirement of issuing summons, giving notice of any hearing, conducting or holding any such hearing, filing bond or other security, or in any way obtaining court authority or approval for any such sale, exchange, assignment, transfer or conveyance of any real or personal property.
  7. To pay all necessary expenses of administering the estate and any trust including taxes, trustees' fees, fees for the services of accountants, agents and attorneys, and to reimburse said parties for expenses incurred on behalf of the estate or any trust hereunder.
  8. Unless otherwise specifically provided, to make distributions (including the satisfaction of any pecuniary bequest) in cash or in specific property, real or personal, or in an undivided interest therein, or partly in cash and partly in other property, and to do so with or without regard to the income tax basis of specific property allocated to any beneficiary and without making pro rata distributions of specific assets.
  9. To determine what is principal and what is income with respect to all receipts and disbursements; to establish and maintain reserves for depreciation, depletion, obsolescence, taxes, insurance premiums, and any other purpose deemed necessary and proper by them and to partite and to distribute property of the estate or trust in kind or in undivided interests, and to determine the value of such property.
  10. To participate in any plan of reorganization, consolidation, dissolution, redemption, or similar proceedings involving assets comprising my estate or any trust created hereunder, and to deposit or withdraw securities under any such proceedings.
  11. To perform such acts, to participate in such proceedings and to exercise such other rights and privileges in respect to any property, as if she or he were the absolute owner thereof, and in connection therewith to enter into and execute any and all agreements binding my estate and any trust created hereunder.
  12. To compromise, settle or adjust any claim or demand by or against my estate, or any trust, to litigate any such claims, including, without limitation, any claims relating to estate or income taxes, or agree to rescind or modify any contract or agreement.
  13. To borrow money from such source or sources and upon such terms and conditions as my Personal Representative shall determine, and to give such security therefor as my Personal Representative may determine.

All authorities and powers hereinabove granted unto my Personal Representative shall be exercised from time to time in her or his sole and absolute discretion and without prior authority or approval of any Court, and I intend that such powers be construed in the broadest possible extent.

ARTICLE TEN

Construction Intentions

It is my intent that this Will be interpreted according to the following provisions:

  1. The masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine as well as the neuter, and vice versa, as to each of them; the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.
  2. The term “testator” as used herein is deemed to include me as Testator or Testatrix.
  3. This Will is not a result of a contract between myself and any beneficiary, fiduciary or third party and I may revoke this Will at any time.
  4. If any part of this Will shall be declared invalid, illegal, or inoperative for any reason, it is my expressed intent that the remaining parts shall be effective and fully operative and it is my intent that any Court so interpreting same construct this Will and any provision in favor of survival.
  5. In the event that my spouse, , and I die under circumstances where it is difficult to determine who died first, I direct that I be deemed to have survived her/him and the terms of my Will shall take precedence over any Will or Codicil that he/she may have made, notwithstanding any provisions of the law to the contrary.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

Misc. Provisions

I direct that this Will and the construction thereof shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Oregon.

(I have placed my initials next to the provisions below that I desire to adopt. Unmarked provisions are not adopted by me and are not a part of this Will)

If any person named herein is indebted to me at the time of my death and such indebtedness be evidenced by a valid Promissory Note payable to me, then such person’s portion of my estate shall be diminished by the amount of such debt.

Any and all debts of my estate shall first be paid from my residuary estate. Any debts on any real property left herein shall be assumed by the person to receive such real property and not paid by my Personal Representative.

If any beneficiary under this Will contests this Will in any manner, directly or indirectly, or attacks this Will or any of its provisions, any share or interest in my estate given to the contesting beneficiary shall lapse and said beneficiary shall instead receive the sum of $100.00 under this Will. Any share or interest so lapsing shall be disposed of as if the contesting beneficiary had predeceased me without issue.

I desire to be buried in the cemetery in County, .

I direct that my remains be cremated and that the ashes be disposed of according to the wishes of my Executor.

I, , having signed this Will in the presence of and who attested it at my request on this the day of , 20 at (address), declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

Testator/Testatrix

Date

Witness Attestation

The above and foregoing Will of (name of testator/testatrix) was declared by in our view and presence to be his/her Will and was signed and subscribed by the said in our view and presence and at his/her request and in the view and presence of and in the view and presence of each other, we, the undersigned, witnessed and attested the due execution of the Will of on this the day of , 20 .

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

Telephone No.

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

Telephone No.

Oregon Self Proving Affidavit

I, , having signed this Will in the presence of and who attested it at my request on this the day of , 20 .

Testator/Testatrix

Date

We, and , the witnesses, sign our names to this instrument, and, being duly sworn, do hereby declare to the undersigned authority that the testator/testatrix signs and executes this instrument as his or her last will and that he or she signs it willingly, and that each of us, in the presence and hearing of the testator/testatrix, hereby signs this will as witness to the testator's/testatrix's signing, and that to the best of our knowledge the testator/testatrix is 18 years of age or older, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.

Witness

Witness

State of Oregon

County of

Subscribed, sworn to and acknowledged before me by , the testator/testatrix and subscribed and sworn to before me by and , witnesses, this day of , 20 .

NOTARY PUBLIC

My Commission Expires:

Enter text

What the Oregon Last Will and Testament Covers

An Oregon Last Will and Testament is a legal document that records how a person (the testator) wants their property, personal effects, and guardianship decisions distributed after death. It names an executor to administer the estate, identifies beneficiaries and alternate beneficiaries, and can appoint guardians for minor children. In Oregon, a will that meets statutory execution and witnessing requirements is admitted to probate to direct asset distribution, subject to state intestacy rules if no valid will exists. Properly executed wills help reduce uncertainty and streamline probate administration.

Why an Oregon Will Matters

A valid Oregon Last Will and Testament lets you control distribution of assets, name an executor and guardians, and reduce family disputes by expressing your clear intentions under Oregon probate law.

Why an Oregon Will Matters

Who Typically Prepares an Oregon Will

Preparing a will is appropriate for most adults; complexity and asset types determine whether you need attorney assistance.

  • Individuals with minor children who need a guardian named for their care
  • Property owners or those with financial assets seeking a clear distribution plan
  • Older adults or anyone wanting to appoint an executor and reduce postmortem conflict

Core Sections to Include in an Oregon Will

A professional Oregon Last Will and Testament typically contains clauses that establish identity, appointment of an executor, beneficiary designations, guardianship for minors, specific bequests, and a residuary clause that disposes of remaining assets.

Testator Identity

Full legal name, address, and affirmation of capacity and domicile in Oregon to avoid ambiguity during probate.

Executor Appointment

Name primary and alternate executors who will manage estate administration, pay debts, and distribute assets under ORS probate procedures.

Beneficiary Designations

Identify primary and contingent beneficiaries with clear shares or amounts to prevent contested interpretations.

Specific Bequests

List particular items or sums to specific individuals or organizations to ensure intended distributions are honored.

Guardianship Clause

If you have minor children, name a guardian and alternate to avoid court-appointed guardianship uncertainty.

Residuary Clause

Provide for the remainder of your estate after debts and specific bequests, specifying distribution method and contingencies.

Step-by-Step: Completing an Oregon Will

Follow this sequence to prepare an Oregon Last Will and Testament that meets typical statutory requirements.

  • 01
    Gather Information: Collect full names, addresses, asset lists, and beneficiary details before drafting.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Specify executor, guardians, specific bequests, and residue clearly in plain language.
  • 03
    Sign and Witness: Sign before two competent witnesses as Oregon law requires for attested wills.
  • 04
    Store Safely: Keep the original will in a secure location and inform the executor of its whereabouts.

How an Oregon Will Enters Probate

This concise flow shows the typical courtroom and administrative steps after a testator dies in Oregon.

  • Death Occurs: The executor locates the original will and begins initial notifications.
  • File Will: Executor files the will and death certificate with the county probate court for admission.
  • Appointment: Court appoints the executor or personal representative to administer the estate.
  • Administer Estate: Debts paid, assets inventoried, and distributions made under court supervision.

Online Completion: Recommended Digital Workflow

Set up an e-signature workflow that captures intent, authentication, and an audit trail for electronic execution and storage.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer signature and date in the main attestation block
Witness Fields Add two witness signature and date fields with sequential signing order
Executor Notification Auto-email executor when the document is fully executed
Audit Trail Capture IP, timestamp, and signer authentication method for recordkeeping

Digital Signing Considerations for Oregon Wills

Ensure the chosen platform supports secure storage (AES-256), reproduction of the record, and export to PDF/A for long-term retention.

  • Authentication: Use at least email confirmation plus optional SMS or ID verification to strengthen attribution
  • Audit Trails: Maintain detailed logs with timestamps, IP addresses, and signer actions for admissibility
  • Notarization / RON: If using notarization, follow Oregon RON rules and preserve the audio-video record when required

Key Timing and Deadlines to Keep in Mind

Wills have no fixed filing deadline, but timely steps after death improve probate efficiency and preserve creditor notice rights.

Execution Date:

Date of signing is MM/DD/YYYY and determines applicable law and testamentary capacity timing

Probate Filing:

File the will with the county probate court soon after death to start administration

Creditor Claims:

Creditors must be notified per Oregon probate timelines to preserve estate claim processes

Ineffective Wills:

If improperly witnessed or signed, the will may be denied admission and intestacy rules apply

Review Frequency:

Review the will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth, or significant asset changes

Common Risks and Legal Consequences

Improper Execution: An incorrectly witnessed or unsigned will can be declared invalid under Oregon probate law
Ambiguous Language: Vague beneficiary descriptions can cause disputes and court interpretation delays
Outdated Beneficiaries: Failing to update beneficiaries after life changes may disinherit intended heirs
Unsigned Codicils: A codicil that does not meet witnessing rules may be unenforceable
Conflict with Trust: Inconsistent terms with existing trusts can trigger litigation to resolve priority
Not Notarized (Self-Proving): Skipping a self-proving affidavit may require witness testimony at probate, complicating admission

Essential Data Elements to Protect

Testator Name: Full legal name
Signatures: Signed and dated originals
Witness Info: Witness names and addresses
Executor Contact: Executor full contact details
Beneficiary Details: Names, addresses, and shares
Self-Proving Affidavit: Notary-signed if used

eSignature Pricing Comparison Relevant to Oregon Will Execution

Compare common vendor pricing and plan distinctions when choosing an eSignature provider for will execution and related estate documents.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial Yes, 7-day trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes (Business Premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions — Oregon Last Will and Testament

Answers address common execution, witness, and probate concerns for Oregon wills to help avoid admission problems and delays.


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