Bill > SB744

This bill modifies Oregon law regarding the appointment of personal representatives in intestate estates (cases where someone dies without a valid will). The key change requires petitioners seeking to be appointed as a personal representative to make a reasonable attempt to locate and notify persons with higher priority for appointment before the court can proceed. Previously, the court "may" require such notification, but now the law mandates that petitioners "shall" attempt to find and notify higher-priority individuals. The priority order for appointment remains unchanged, starting with the personal representative named in the will (if applicable), then the surviving spouse or their nominee, followed by other potential distributees of the estate, and ultimately allowing the State Treasurer to be appointed if the decedent died without known heirs. The bill also specifies that these amendments will apply to estates of decedents commenced on or after the effective date of the 2025 Act. This change aims to ensure a more thorough and transparent process for identifying and notifying potential personal representatives in intestate estate cases, prioritizing family members and those closest to the deceased.

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https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB744