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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Does an Oregon pour-over will have to go through probate if it uses the power of testamentary to create a new trust?

Our mother passed away in Oregon in 2019 and used her power of testamentary in her will to create a new trust for her grandkids from money in her other trusts. It never went through probate as far as I know. Looking online now, it seems to me like maybe it was supposed to go through probate because... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Dec 4, 2023

Yes, usually you must probate a Will in order to implement a testamentary trust, however, you bring up several facts that could change this answer (mom's other trusts and the fact that mom died four years ago). I recommend you consult with an experienced probate attorney who can help you sort... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Legal Malpractice and Probate for Oregon on
Q: How do I find out what is included in probate in Oregon? How do I sue my lawyer, when her malpractice left me with $0?

Grandpa died with 401k. I hired a probate lawyer. I did not know 401k has a beneficiary. Now the estate has $0, but the probate court believes it's worth $225,000. Everyone rec'd the notice about the worth of the estate. I'm the executor. I can't pay any bills, taxes, lawyer I... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Dec 1, 2023

Sometimes it happens that a probate is started but we find out that the assets all have beneficiaries. In that case the probate can be withdrawn. However, it sounds like you have other assets besides the 401(k) to include in the probate. If the car and the manufactured home are in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Elder Law and White Collar Crime for Oregon on
Q: 2 local residents are using a fake ministry to commit grand larceny, (grand theft auto)senior abuse

I have all documents of my business bank account swindle, removal of all keys to my business & embezzlement of income. Grand theft auto , which they sold. I need an arrest warrant. I can NOT find an attorney to take the case !!! I waited for 3 hours at the local Police precinct : Police do... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Dec 2, 2024

I recommend you contact Adult Protective Services to report these issues.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Foreclosure and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Is my mother's probate attorney supposed to give me an itemized list of expenses?

Can I ask him for a list?

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Oct 22, 2024

Did your mother pass away or did she hire a probate attorney? Were the expenses incurred by the attorney or someone else? More information is needed before your question can be accurately answered.

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1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law for Oregon on
Q: If i have a friend that is 79 staying at my house and has become a herdship on our family ,how can i have the state take
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Sep 25, 2024

I'm sorry, I don't think you have provided enough information to determine what your legal issues are. Does your friend need to apply for Medicaid to pay for their long-term care? Would applying for food stamps help? The State of Oregon will not take control of your friend. Does your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: What wording do I use to put a home in a trust, into my name as trustee on the deed, without removing it from the trust.

Mom passed last year. I am the trustee, and need to do repairs to the house, prior to its sale, for a buyer to qualify for a mortgage. I need to get a loan, and lender wants my name on the deed. My brother is a beneficiary, so the house needs to stay in the trust. I need to know what wording to use... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Sep 13, 2024

You should consult with an experienced attorney to assist you. You will likely NOT sign a Deed but, instead, give the mortgage company an up-to-date Certification of Trust showing you as Trustee.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Oregon on
Q: How do I transfer a land property in Tillamook, OR from my husband who passed away 12 yrs ago? I am the executor & sole

sole beneficiary. Please advise. Thanks, Lillian

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on May 25, 2024

If the property is in your husband’s name only you will probably need to file a probate to clear title to the property.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: My half brother died no will. My sister and I our heirs. She wants me to disclaim. If I don't does she have a case.

The estate will goes to our father who is still alive. He is going to disclaim because my older sister is requesting he do so, because they were estranged. Once he signs the doc, the estate will go to she and I. She is a full sibling with a life long relationship. I have known him since 2010.... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on May 25, 2024

Your sister cannot change where your brother’s estate goes if your father disclaims. Also, you have an equal right to be the personal representative if your father has disclaimed.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Oregon on
Q: single, no kids. What's the simplistic, no hassle way to write a will and designate what you want done if you die?

I want to make sure my sibling is able to take care of everything if I die/have access to my money/accounts. and knows my wishes. And with as little trouble as possible.

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on May 7, 2024

If you do not want to hire an estate planning attorney (which is my recommendation) you could use the Will form at Stevens Ness Legal Forms.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Legal Malpractice for Oregon on
Q: What to do if your attorney lied to u and did not realy did nothing for u when land lord turned off power for 3 days &6

Months no hot water leagal aid did this to me & bar association is ran by leagal aid .. where to turn to niw

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Mar 13, 2024

The Oregon State Bar Association is not run by Legal Aid. You can use this webpage to submit a complaint about your attorney's conduct: https://www.osbar.org/secured/cao_attorneycomplaints.asp

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Are there any lawyers in Union County that work on a contingency for high dollar will contesting cases?
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Mar 13, 2024

I do not do probate litigation, however, I believe it is unlikely that a will contest case would be handled with a contingency fee.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Oregon on
Q: I receive SS, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, section 8 housing and snap. Settlement money is coming,

Will puting the money into a first person special needs trust keep me from losing my government benefits? I'm being told yes I'm being told no and I don't know what to think but I'm running out of time. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Mar 4, 2024

A Special Needs Trust might be helpful in your circumstance but you have to be very careful when it comes to the rules pertaining to Section 8 housing. I understand that some rules just changed Jan. 1st. I recommend you consult with an experienced attorney.

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Oregon on
Q: What does a final accounting legally have to say? It cant be just hear say?bank accounts and what other documents needed
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Feb 26, 2024

You can look at ORS 116.083 to see what a probate final accounting must include. If you have specific questions about a Final Accounting I recommend you hire a probate attorney to review it for you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Elder Law for Oregon on
Q: I need to find an attorney who can help me with securing a emergency guardianship of my Mother who is in Oregon.
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Jan 10, 2024

There are not very many attorneys in Oregon who handle temporary (emergency) guardianships. You can give me a call at 503-786-8191 I will try to locate someone to help you.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Can a trustee/ beneficiary live on the property that is to be sold and divided? For almost two years? Not even for sale

They were initially planning to buy out the other beneficiaries and build on the property for themselves. But they didn’t, still live there and haven’t placed the 30 acres and house for sale two years after the trust has come to complete maturity. So they just have the property, do whatever... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Jan 8, 2024

If you are a beneficiary of this Trust and are supposed to receive a portion of this property I recommend you hire an attorney to assist you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Elder Law for Oregon on
Q: My mom passed. And the trustee has had no contact with me. Going on 6 months. I'm the only child .and a beneficiary.

He is married to my step brother. He completely took over after my step dad passed. There is a very serious conflict of interest. He kept her from me.and her freinds. I found out that my step had been stealing my grandpa's and my mom's money. And he put it in a irrevocable trust. This guy... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Dec 1, 2023

I am sorry for your loss. I recommend you hire a probate litigator to review the facts and advise you.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Oregon on
Q: Stepfather with living trust in my home. He passed and new wife is still living. Do I need to give 30 days notice?

What are my rights to the home after the 30 days? All of his estate goes to her, do I have to allow them more time past 30 days to settle his estate and to move their things? She is incapacitated so the family is working on getting governorship, etc. I'm guessing this could take longer than 30... View More

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Nov 29, 2023

I think you need to consult with a landlord/tenant attorney to answer your questions. If it is necessary to get Guardianship over your stepfather's wife then it's possible that process could take more than 30 days.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Oregon on
Q: Can the family request equal split of assets when a estate goes into Probate without a will?

We are in Oregon, grandma passed without a will and her new spouse is set to inherit half. The family, including spouse, agree to split the estate evenly. Can this be requested of the Probate Court or does it have to be split by the default half to the spouse and half to children?

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Nov 27, 2023

Oregon law allows the intestate heirs to get together and agree on a different division of the assets if it is approved by the Court. You should speak with the attorney representing the Personal Representative for more information.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Oregon on
Q: In Oregon, is it allowed for a beneficiary named in a will to be an executor of that same will?
Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Oct 18, 2023

Yes, a devisee in a Will can also be named as the Personal Representative (Oregon's term for Executor). That same person can even be one of the two witnesses to the Will. In general, it is best for an attorney to draft and supervise the signing of the Will so that the attorney could testify... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Oregon on
Q: Dad's wife passed. Can he sell jointly held home (Oregon)? Do her adult children from previous marriage get anything?

Dad's wife's will leaves everything to my dad but if he's also deceased then her 3 sons each get 25% of the estate. Does his will supersede his wife's or does he have to follow her will?

Theressa Hollis
Theressa Hollis
answered on Oct 17, 2023

The answer to your question depends on how the home in Oregon is titled. If the Deed shows both of their names as "husband and wife" or "tenants by the entirety" then the house belongs to your father and he has full authority to sell it and keep the proceeds. If it... View More

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