Oregon Restrictions on Who Can Serve as Executor

One of the most important reasons to make a will is to name your executor—sometimes called a "personal representative" in Oregon. After your death, your executor's primary job is to protect your property until any debts and taxes have been paid, and then transfer what's left to those who are entitled to it.

Every state has some rules about who may serve as the executor of an estate that goes through probate. Here are the requirements in Oregon.

Basic Requirements for Serving as an Oregon Executor

Your executor must be:

• at least 18 years old, and
• of sound mind—that is, not judged incapacitated by a court.

(Or. Rev. Stat. § 113.095 (2024).)

Many states prohibit people who have felony convictions from serving as executor. In Oregon, if the person you name as your executor has been convicted of a felony, they must inform the court of the conviction or risk disqualification. The judge will disqualify your choice if the circumstances surrounding the conviction demonstrate "unfaithfulness and neglect" and the judge believes the person is likely to mismanage your estate. (Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 113.092; 113.195 (2024); Roley v. Sammons, 170 P.3d 1067 (2007).)

Special Rules for Executors in Oregon

In addition to the restrictions above, an Oregon probate court will reject a potential executor who is an attorney and has:

• been suspended for misconduct or disbarred from practicing law at the time your estate is going through probate, or
• resigned from the Oregon State Bar while under investigation for professional misconduct or facing disciplinary proceedings.

Furthermore, Oregon courts will not appoint a licensed funeral services practitioner as your executor, unless this person is a relative, or you are a licensed funeral practitioner and your executor is your employee, employer, or business partner.

(Or. Rev. Stat. § 113.095 (2024).)

Oregon Restrictions on Out-of-State Executors

Unlike many states, Oregon does not impose special requirements on executors who live out of state. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea to appoint someone who lives far away. For practical reasons, it's usually best to name an executor who lives near you. Your executor may have to handle day-to-day matters for weeks, months, or sometimes longer.

Learn More

For more information about choosing your executor and making your will, see the Wills section of Nolo.com.