It is now possible under Oregon's "harmless error" statute that a written document that is not signed in the presence of, and by two qualified witnesses may be a valid will.

The question is whether there is clear and convincing evidence that the testator intended the... View More

You may have a private nuisance claim against the owner of the adjacent property. A private nuisance is a substantial and unreasonable interference with the use and enjoyment of land.

To prevail on a claim of private nuisance, the plaintiff must prove it is more likely than not that:... View More

A personal representative (or executor) is someone who handles the deceased person’s affairs. A will generally names a personal representative who, if willing to serve and otherwise qualified, will be approved by the probate court.

If your mother owned the real estate in her individual... View More

If the power of attorney does not contain an ending date, the law assumes it is “durable.” That means the authority does not end, even if the person giving the power of attorney is incapacitated. A durable power of attorney is useful when the person who authorized it later becomes unable to... View More

An 18 year old is considered an adult and is no longer subject to a court order for parenting time.

I am sorry to hear of the abuse your children have suffered. You did not ask a question but I hope this helps:

Your 18 year old daughter is an adult and is entitled to make her own decisions regarding where she will live and whether she should obtain a restraining order. She is eligible... View More

Probate is the legal process whereby a court oversees the distribution of assets left by a deceased person. Assets are anything a person owns with value, such as real property (home and land).

A probate is needed to clear title to land or a home that was held in the name of the deceased... View More

Your question presents a complex and unique situation that cannot be answered here.

Generally, a modification of child custody requires a substantial change of circumstance since the time of the most recent award of custody. Once a person demonstrates a substantial change of... View More

The main purposes of service of legal pleadings (service of process) are (1) to notify a person that there is a court proceeding that may affect his or her legal rights and (2) to give that person an opportunity to contest the claim. If the purposes are met, the service of process is considered... View More

Probate is a legal process whereby a court oversees the distribution of assets left by a deceased person. Assets are any property a person owns that is of some value, such as a bank account.

If your sister named you as a co-owner of the account or as the payable on death beneficiary of the... View More

Oregon courts permit "discovery" of “any matter, not privileged, that is relevant to the claim or defense” of any party. The document or infor­mation being sought need not be admissible in court as long as it “appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible... View More

No. Extortion is a crime that usually involves a threat of physical harm. You have a dispute about child support.

Oregon’s Uniform Child Support Guidelines contain a formula that takes into account the parties’ gross income, the parties’ parenting plan (the overnights), childcare... View More

You will first need to check the deed to the home to see who owned it. If the home was owned by your stepfather and your mother (or your mother alone), then you will need to probate your mother's estate. Probate is a legal process whereby a court oversees the distribution of assets left by a... View More

There are many variables to consider, but in most cases, you have four months to file an objection disputing the validity of the will that was submitted to the probate court . The time for objecting begins to run from the date you received notice of the probate proceeding. The objection must be... View More

Please accept my condolences on the death of your mother.

Probate is a legal process whereby a court oversees the distribution of assets left by a deceased person. Assets are anything a person owns with value, such as real and personal property and cash, for example.

You... View More

Subject to the court's availability during COVID 19, a hearing in most relocation cases can usually be heard within 3-5 months of when Father files his objection to the move. Often, the objection is accompanied by a motion to change custody and/or parenting time. The process usually begins... View More

One factor that a court may consider in deciding whether to modify child custody is whether a parent is able to provide a secure and stable environment for the children. Your current spouse's income, which allows you to be a stay-at-home mother to your children, could work to your advantage... View More

The presumed amount of child support in Oregon is based upon the following variables.

1. Each parent's gross income (before tax). If a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court will determine that parent's potential income or earning capacity based upon that... View More

The fair market value of the residence is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an arm's length transaction. The appraised value is an appraiser's expert opinion of the fair market value of the residence. The expert's opinion is only an opinion of fair market value.... View More

Yes. A claim of the personal representative, as a creditor, is not presented in the same manner as other creditor's claims. The personal representative’s claim must be filed with the court and must be approved by the court before payment. Upon request of the personal representative or of any... View More