Estate planning in Oregon: what you need to know
Learn all about estate planning in Oregon and how to prepare your estate’s assets for distribution after you’re gone.
Summary
Oregon is one of the most affordable states for estate planning, with a whole plan costing as little as $900 to $5,000.
Oregon estate tax is 10% to 16% on all properties worth more than $1 million.
In Oregon, probate is only necessary if an estate is complex or valuable and requires court supervision.
Unbiased can match you with a financial advisor who can help you manage your estate and ensure it’s passed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes.
How much does estate planning cost in Oregon?
Estate planning in Oregon costs between $900 and $5,000, depending on how complex or valuable your estate is and how many assets it includes.
This fee includes estate plan drafting, the creation of essential documents (such as a will or trust), health care directives, and a power of attorney.
While estate planning in other states, like New York, can cost up to $10,000 or more, Oregon estate planning is considered fairly affordable.
How does Oregon estate tax work?
Oregon estate tax is only imposed on properties worth more than $1 million.
If your estate passes that value threshold, it will be liable for a 10% to 16% estate tax. Oregon estate tax is imposed independently from the federal estate tax.
The federal estate tax exemption is $13,62 million (or double that if you are a married couple with jointly owned property).
So, if your estate is worth under $13.61 million, you will be exempt from federal estate tax. If it is over that figure, federal taxes are imposed.
How does estate planning for blended families work in Oregon?
Blended families (families involving second marriages or stepchildren) must include special considerations in their estate planning process.
Estate planning for blended families in Oregon requires exceedingly clear will instructions. Without a very clear outline of who your beneficiaries are, biological child or not, your assets may end up being distributed in a way that is not in accordance with your wishes.
How does tax planning for single parents work in Oregon?
Tax and estate planning for single parents requires more specificity regarding asset distribution and child guardianship.
Since Oregon imposes high-income tax rates, single parents need to keep their estate affairs strictly in order and leave explicit instructions for who will legally take over child guardianship in the event of their incapacitation or death.
How does tax planning for married couples work in Oregon?
Oregon estate tax is not applied when the remaining spouse is inheriting all of the deceased spouse’s wealth.
When the second spouse dies, the estate can only apply a $1 million exemption.
How does probate work in Oregon?
In the state of Oregon, probate is only necessary if the estate in question is very complex or valuable and requires court supervision.
Otherwise, it can be handled directly between the estate executor and the named beneficiaries.
What are the final arrangements and organ donation laws in Oregon?
Your last will and testament should clearly express your final wishes for your body, including burial or cremation preferences.
Registered organ donors will automatically be included in the donation process unless the will clearly stipulates otherwise.
Your estate planning checklist for Oregon
Estate planning in Oregon is an important process for everyone who lives in the Beaver State, especially large estate owners. Here is an estate planning checklist for Oregon:
Last will and testament
Your last will and testament should explicitly outline your final wishes regarding your body, estate ownership, and asset distribution. Getting your estate planning done by a legal professional can help remove the potential for miscommunications and issues.
Healthcare documentation
A healthcare directive and a living will are both necessary for expressing how you’d like to be taken care of in the event of incapacitation or illness.
Trusts
In Oregon, a trust can help you bypass probate. It is essentially a document that details how you’d like your assets to be managed and distributed while you are still alive.
Power of attorney
Giving someone power of attorney means handing over the responsibility of estate planning, executorship, and other legal management affairs to a trusted professional. The professional's job is to advocate for the deceased’s wishes and documents after their death.
Pre-need guardian
A pre-need guardian is a carefully selected person who will act on your behalf in the event that you become ill or incapacitated before your estate plans are complete.
Get expert financial advice
Estate planning in Oregon is essential for any person who owns property and wants their assets distributed fairly after they’re gone. It is especially crucial for those with a spouse or children who they would like to pass their estate on in the future.
To learn more about estate planning in Oregon, get matched with a financial advisor via Unbiased.
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