Frequently Asked Questions about Wills - sourced from Oregon State Bar's web site
What is a will?
A will is a set of instructions that explains how you want your property distributed after your death. In Oregon, you must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to make a will. If you are married, 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. It is important to make sure that all of Oregon's legal formalities are carefully observed.
What are the benefits of a will?
A will allows you to decide who will manage your money and other property after you die, and how it will be distributed. It lets your wishes be heard regarding the care of minor and disabled children. It often prevents disputes among your relatives. In a large estate, a will can also reduce the amount of taxes that may be due at your death. Read more here from the Oregon State Bar's site
Questions & Answers about Probate sourced from Lane County's web site
do I need probate?
This is not a simple question since each case is unique. You may want to speak with an attorney regarding Oregon probate law and what is involved with the estate of a deceased person.
Probate is the process of transferring the property of a deceased person to others after locating assets and paying debts. Sometimes property can be transferred without probate through a less expensive process called an Affidavit of Claiming Successor or Simple Estate Affidavit. Read more here from the Lane County site
Right to Die - Information and assistance in using Right to Die act and related issues
Body Disposition ~ Options & Warnings
Our law firm is not affiliated or associated with any of these entities and cannot vouch for their business practices or procedures; we provide links purely for informational purposes.
Medcure
Body donation for science
Aeternitas Life
Body donation for medical education
Brain preservation
DNA preservation
Aquamation
Carbon neutral water dissolution
The Body Trade - Cashing in on the donated dead -
A 2017 seven part series by Reuters Investigates worth reading if you are considering making a donation
“Body brokers are also known as non-transplant tissue banks. They are distinct from the organ and tissue transplant industry, which the U.S. government closely regulates. Selling hearts, kidneys and tendons for transplant is illegal. But no federal law governs the sale of cadavers or body parts for use in research or education. Few state laws provide any oversight whatsoever, and almost anyone, regardless of expertise, can dissect and sell human body parts.”