Chapter 125 — Protective Proceedings
2023 EDITION
PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS
PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS; POWERS OF ATTORNEY; TRUSTS
GENERAL PROVISIONS
125.005 Definitions
125.010 Protective proceedings
125.012 Petition for protective order; disclosure of information; confidentiality; inspection; visitor report
125.015 Jurisdiction of protective proceedings; proceedings in other states
125.020 Venue for protective proceedings
125.025 Authority of the court in protective proceedings
125.030 Use of limited judgment in protective proceedings
125.035 Reports to Legislative Assembly regarding protective proceedings
PROCEDURE IN PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS
125.050 Application of ORCP and Oregon Evidence Code
125.055 Petitions in protective proceedings; filing fee
125.060 Who must be given notice
125.065 Manner of giving notice
125.070 Contents of notice
125.075 Presentation of objections
125.080 Hearing; appointment of counsel
125.082 Notice of appointment
125.085 Motions after appointment of a fiduciary; disclosure of protected information
125.090 Termination of proceedings
125.095 Fees, costs and disbursements payable in protective proceedings
125.098 Factors in determining award of attorney fees; appeal
PROTECTED PERSON SPECIAL ADVOCATE
125.120 Protected person special advocate; appointment; duties; immunity; access to records and information; qualifications, standards and procedures
VISITORS
125.150 Appointment of visitors
125.155 Visitor’s report
125.160 Subsequent appointment of visitor
125.165 Qualifications and standards for visitors
125.170 Payment and reimbursement for visitor services
FIDUCIARIES GENERALLY
125.200 Preferences in appointing fiduciary
125.205 Persons not qualified to act as fiduciary
125.210 Circumstances requiring notice to court
125.215 Acceptance of appointment as fiduciary; notice of proceedings to fiduciary
125.221 Conflicts of interest
125.225 Removal of fiduciary
125.230 Termination of fiduciary’s authority; discharge of fiduciary
125.235 Liability of fiduciary
125.240 Professional fiduciaries
125.242 Exemptions for financial institutions and trust companies
GUARDIANS
125.300 In general
125.305 Order of appointment
125.310 Letters of guardianship
125.315 General powers and duties of guardian
125.320 Limitations on guardian
125.323 Limits on association
125.325 Guardian’s report
125.330 Limitations on guardian appointed for person committed to custody of Department of Corrections
CONSERVATORS
(Appointment)
125.400 Order of appointment
125.405 Letters of conservatorship
(Bond)
125.410 Conservator’s bond
125.415 Termination of bond by surety
(Conservator’s Powers and Duties)
125.420 Power of conservator over property of protected person
125.425 Powers of conservator to pay expenses of protected person and dependents
125.430 Sale of protected person’s residence
125.435 Power of conservator to make gifts
125.440 Acts conservator may perform only with court approval
125.445 Acts authorized to be performed without prior court approval
125.450 Voidable transactions
(Desires of Protected Person)
125.455 Power of competent protected person over estate
125.460 Consideration of estate plan of protected person
(Inventory of Property)
125.465 Discovery of property; examination by conservator
125.470 Filing of inventory required; supplemental inventory
(Accountings)
125.475 Conservator’s accounting to court; contents
125.480 Approval of accounting
(Liabilities)
125.485 Liability of conservator
125.490 Status of persons dealing with conservator
(Claims and Expenses)
125.495 Payment of claims against estate or protected person
125.500 Enforcement of claim against estate or protected person
125.505 Notice of claim to conservator
125.510 Procedure where claim disallowed
125.515 Effect of presentation of claim on statute of limitations
125.520 Order of payment of expenses and claims
(Termination of Proceedings)
125.525 Termination of conservatorship
125.530 Powers and duties of conservator on death of protected person
125.535 Disposition of small estate
(Payment to Foreign Conservator)
125.540 Payment of debt and delivery of property to foreign conservator
TEMPORARY FIDUCIARIES
125.600 In general
125.605 Procedure for appointment of temporary fiduciary
125.610 Report of temporary fiduciary
OTHER PROTECTIVE ORDERS
125.650 Other protective orders; filing fee
OREGON PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND CONSERVATOR
125.675 Definitions
125.678 Appointment; term; responsibilities; delegation of duties; rules
125.680 Duties of Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator
125.681 Authority to require fingerprints of employees, volunteers or contractors
125.683 Needs assessment; access to records; written plan for services
125.685 Deputy public guardian and conservator; volunteer requirements and responsibilities
125.687 Limitations of court on appointment of Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator; bond; fees and compensation
125.689 Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund
125.691 Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Protected Person Trust Account
125.693 High-risk teams; appointment; membership; duties
125.694 Confidentiality
OFFICES OF COUNTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND CONSERVATOR
125.700 Office of county public guardian and conservator; expenses; termination
125.705 Effect of vacancy in office of county public guardian and conservator
125.710 Powers and duties of county public guardian and conservator
125.715 Bond; exoneration of surety
125.720 Deposit of funds
125.725 Reimbursement of county public guardian and conservator’s expenses from estate of ward or protected person
125.730 Fees prohibited
UNIFORM ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS JURISDICTION ACT
(Article 1 - General Provisions)
125.800 Short title
125.802 Definitions
125.805 International application
125.807 Communication between courts
125.810 Cooperation between courts
125.812 Taking testimony in another state
(Article 2 - Jurisdiction)
125.815 Definitions; significant-connection factors
125.817 Exclusive basis
125.820 Jurisdiction
125.822 Special jurisdiction
125.825 Exclusive and continuing jurisdiction
125.827 Appropriate forum
125.830 Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct
125.832 Notice of proceeding
125.835 Proceedings in more than one state
(Article 3 - Transfer)
125.837 Transfer of guardianship or conservatorship to another state
125.840 Accepting guardianship or conservatorship transferred from another state
(Article 4 - Registration and Recognition of Orders from Other States)
125.842 Registration of guardianship orders; fee
125.845 Registration of conservatorship orders; fee
125.847 Effect of registration
(Article 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions)
125.850 Uniformity of application and construction
125.852 Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
GENERAL PROVISIONS
125.005 Definitions. As used in this chapter:
(1) “Conservator” means a person appointed as a conservator under the provisions of this chapter.
(2) “Fiduciary” means a guardian or conservator appointed under the provisions of this chapter or any other person appointed by a court to assume duties with respect to a protected person under the provisions of this chapter.
(3) “Financially incapable” means a condition in which a person is unable to manage financial resources of the person effectively for reasons including, but not limited to, mental illness, mental retardation, physical illness or disability, chronic use of drugs or controlled substances, chronic intoxication, confinement, detention by a foreign power or disappearance. “Manage financial resources” means those actions necessary to obtain, administer and dispose of real and personal property, intangible property, business property, benefits and income.
(4) “Guardian” means a person appointed as a guardian under the provisions of this chapter.
(5) “Incapacitated” means a condition in which a person’s ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions is impaired to such an extent that the person presently lacks the capacity to meet the essential requirements for the person’s physical health or safety. “Meeting the essential requirements for physical health and safety” means those actions necessary to provide the health care, food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene and other care without which serious physical injury or illness is likely to occur.
(6) “Minor” means any person who has not attained 18 years of age.
(7) “Protected person” means a person for whom a protective order has been entered.
(8) “Protective order” means an order of a court appointing a fiduciary or any other order of the court entered for the purpose of protecting the person or estate of a respondent or protected person.
(9) “Protective proceeding” means a proceeding under this chapter.
(10) “Respondent” means a person for whom entry of a protective order is sought in a petition filed under ORS 125.055.
(11) “Visitor” means a person appointed by the court under ORS 125.150 for the purpose of interviewing and evaluating a respondent or protected person.
(12) “Vulnerable youth” means a person who:
(a) Is at least 18 years of age but has not attained 21 years of age;
(b) Is eligible for classification under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J); and
(c) Cannot be reunified with one or more of the person’s parents due to abuse, neglect or abandonment, that occurred when the person was a minor. [1995 c.664 §1; 2007 c.70 §31; 2021 c.399 §1]
125.010 Protective proceedings. (1) Any person who is interested in the affairs or welfare of a respondent may file a petition for the appointment of a fiduciary or entry of other protective order.
(2) A protective proceeding is commenced by the filing of a petition in a court with jurisdiction over protective proceedings.
(3) The court may appoint any of the following fiduciaries in a protective proceeding:
(a) A guardian, with the powers and duties specified in this chapter.
(b) A conservator, with the powers and duties specified in this chapter.
(c) A temporary fiduciary, with the powers and duties specified in this chapter.
(d) Any other fiduciary necessary to implement a protective order under ORS 125.650.
(4) In addition to appointing a fiduciary, or in lieu of appointing a fiduciary, the court may enter any other protective order in a protective proceeding in the manner provided by ORS 125.650.
(5) The court may make a determination described in ORS 127.550 with regard to an advance directive in a protective proceeding in which a guardian or temporary guardian has been appointed for the principal, or in which the petition seeks the appointment of a guardian or a temporary guardian for the principal. [1995 c.664 §2; 2001 c.396 §1]
125.012 Petition for protective order; disclosure of information; confidentiality; inspection; visitor report. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Party” means:
(A) A person who is the subject of a petition for a protective order.
(B) A person who has petitioned for appointment, or who has been appointed, as a fiduciary for a protected person under this chapter.
(C) A person, not otherwise a party under this paragraph, who has filed objections as allowed under this chapter.
(D) A visitor appointed by the court in a proceeding under this chapter.
(E) Any other person who has filed a petition or motion in a proceeding under this chapter.
(b) “Protected health information” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.556.
(c) “Protective services” has the meaning given that term in ORS 410.040.
(2) The Department of Human Services or the Oregon Health Authority, for the purpose of providing protective services, may petition for a protective order under this chapter. When the department or authority, or a petitioning attorney with whom the department or authority has contracted, petitions for a protective order under this section, the department or authority shall disclose to the court or to the petitioning attorney only a minimum amount of information about the person who is the subject of the petition, including protected health, mental health, financial, substantiated abuse and legal information, as is reasonably necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person who is the subject of the petition or protective order.
(3) When a petition for a protective order is filed under this chapter by a person other than the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority or an attorney with whom the department or authority has contracted, or when a protective order has already been entered, the department or authority may disclose to a court protected health, mental health, financial, substantiated abuse and legal information about the person who is the subject of the petition or protective order, or about a person who has petitioned for appointment, or who has been appointed, as a fiduciary for a protected person under this chapter. The department or authority may disclose such information without authorization from the person or fiduciary if the disclosure is made in good faith and with the belief that the disclosure is the minimum amount of information about the person or fiduciary as is reasonably necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person who is the subject of the petition or protective order.
(4)(a) All confidential and protected health, mental health, financial, substantiated abuse and legal information disclosed by the Department of Human Services, the Oregon Health Authority or an attorney with whom the department or authority has contracted under this section must remain confidential.
(b) Information disclosed under this section must be identified and marked by the entity or person making the disclosure as confidential and protected information that is subject to the requirements of this subsection.
(c) Information disclosed under this section is subject to inspection only by the parties to the proceedings and their attorneys as provided in subsection (5) of this section. Information disclosed under this section is not subject to inspection by members of the public except pursuant to a court order entered after a showing of good cause. Good cause under this paragraph includes the need for inspection of the information by an attorney considering representation of the person who is the subject of the petition or protective order, or of a person who has petitioned for appointment, or who has been appointed, as a fiduciary for a protected person under this chapter.
(d) Notwithstanding ORS 125.155 (4), to the extent that the report of a visitor appointed by the court under ORS 125.150 contains information that is subject to the requirements of this subsection, the report in its entirety shall be considered subject to the requirements of this subsection and may be disclosed only as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection.
(5) The court may enter an order allowing inspection of information subject to disclosure under this section upon the filing of a written request for inspection and the payment of any fees or costs charged to copy the information.
(6) Nothing in this section is intended to limit the application of ORS 125.050 to the use of information disclosed under this section in proceedings under this chapter.
(7) Information may be disclosed under this section only for the purpose of providing protective services. [2009 c.512 §2; 2011 c.229 §1]
125.015 Jurisdiction of protective proceedings; proceedings in other states. (1) The probate courts and commissioners provided for in ORS chapter 111 have exclusive jurisdiction of protective proceedings.
(2) Subject to ORS 125.800 to 125.852 for adults as defined in ORS 125.802, if an Oregon court exercising probate jurisdiction becomes aware that a protective proceeding has been commenced in another state, the Oregon court shall notify the court in the other state of the proceedings in this state. After consultation with the court of the other state, the Oregon court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the respondent or protected person for the Oregon court to continue to exercise jurisdiction in the matter or whether it would be in the best interests of the respondent or protected person to terminate the Oregon proceedings and transfer the matter to the other court. [1995 c.664 §3; 2009 c.179 §23]
125.020 Venue for protective proceedings. (1) Except as provided in this section, a protective proceeding must be commenced in the county where the respondent resides or is present.
(2) If the respondent resides in an institution by reason of an order of a court, the proceeding may be commenced in the county where that court sits.
(3) If the respondent does not reside in this state and is not present in this state, a conservatorship proceeding may be commenced in any county where property of the respondent is located.
(4) The court may transfer a protective proceeding at any time to another court if the transfer is in the best interests of the respondent or protected person. [1995 c.664 §4]
125.025 Authority of the court in protective proceedings. (1) Subject to ORS 125.800 to 125.852 for adults as defined in ORS 125.802, a court having jurisdiction over a protective proceeding shall exercise continuing authority over the proceeding. Subject to the provisions of ORS 125.800 to 125.852 and this chapter, the court may act upon the petition or motion of any person or upon its own authority at any time and in any manner it deems appropriate to determine the condition and welfare of the respondent or protected person and to inquire into the proper performance of the duties of a fiduciary appointed under the provisions of this chapter.
(2) A court having jurisdiction over a protective proceeding in which the respondent or protected person is a minor shall consider and apply all relevant provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act codified at 25 U.S.C. sections 1901 et seq.
(3) A court having jurisdiction over a protective proceeding may:
(a) Compel the attendance of any person, including respondents, protected persons, fiduciaries and any other person who may have knowledge about the person or estate of a respondent or protected person. The court may require those persons to respond to inquiries and produce documents that are subject to discovery under ORCP 36.
(b) Appoint counsel for a respondent or protected person.
(c) Appoint investigators, visitors and experts to aid the court in the court’s investigation.
(d) Exercise jurisdiction over any transaction entered into by a fiduciary to determine if a conflict of interest existed and enter an appropriate judgment with respect to the transaction.
(e) Surcharge a surety for any loss caused by failure of a fiduciary to perform a fiduciary duty or any other duty imposed by this chapter, including a surcharge for attorney fees incurred by a respondent or protected person by reason of the failure.
(f) Require immediate delivery of a protected person or property of the protected person, including records, accounts and documents relating to that property, to the court or to a place it designates.
(g) Require the fiduciary to produce any and all records that might provide information about the treatment or condition of the protected person or property of the protected person.
(h) Remove a fiduciary whenever that removal is in the best interests of the protected person.
(i) Appoint a successor fiduciary when a fiduciary has died, resigned or been removed.
(j) Require a respondent or protected person to submit to a physical or mental examination pursuant to ORCP 44.
(k) Make provisions for parenting time or visitation or order support for any minor who is a respondent or protected person in a protective proceeding.
(L) Impose any conditions and limitations upon the fiduciary that the court considers appropriate, including limitations on the duration of the appointment. Any conditions or limitations imposed on the fiduciary must be reflected in the letters of appointment.
(m) Appoint protected person special advocates pursuant to ORS 125.120.
(n) In a guardianship proceeding involving a vulnerable youth, allow a person whose attendance the court compels under paragraph (a) of this subsection to attend by telephone, video or other remote technology.
(4) When a person files a petition or motion for a support order under subsection (3)(k) of this section:
(a) The person shall state in the petition or motion, to the extent known:
(A) Whether there is pending in this state or any other jurisdiction any type of support proceeding involving the minor, including a proceeding brought under ORS 25.287, 25.501 to 25.556, 107.085, 107.135, 107.431, 108.110, 109.100, 109.103, 109.165 or 419B.400 or ORS chapter 110; and
(B) Whether there exists in this state or any other jurisdiction a support order, as defined in ORS 110.503, involving the minor.
(b) The person shall include with the petition or motion a certificate regarding any pending support proceeding and any existing support order. The person shall use a certificate that is in a form established by court rule and include information required by court rule and paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(5) When the court acts upon its own authority to order support under subsection (3)(k) of this section, at least 21 days before the hearing the court shall notify the Administrator of the Division of Child Support of the Department of Justice, or the branch office providing support services to the county where the hearing will be held, of the hearing. Before the hearing the administrator shall inform the court, to the extent known:
(a) Whether there is pending in this state or any other jurisdiction any type of support proceeding involving the minor, including a proceeding brought under ORS 25.287, 25.501 to 25.556, 107.085, 107.135, 107.431, 108.110, 109.100, 109.103, 109.165 or 419B.400 or ORS chapter 110; and
(b) Whether there exists in this state or any other jurisdiction a support order, as defined in ORS 110.503, involving the minor.
(6) The Judicial Department and the Department of Justice may enter into an agreement regarding how the courts give the notice required under subsection (5) of this section to the Department of Justice and how the Department of Justice gives the information described in subsection (5)(a) and (b) of this section to the courts.
(7) If the court finds that a conservator should be appointed, the court may exercise all the powers over the estate and affairs of the protected person that the protected person could exercise if present and not under disability, except the power to make a will. The court shall exercise those powers for the benefit of the protected person and members of the household of the protected person.
(8) The powers of the court in protective proceedings may be exercised by the court directly or through a fiduciary. [1995 c.664 §5; 1997 c.707 §27; 2003 c.116 §11; 2009 c.179 §24; 2014 c.39 §3; 2015 c.298 §96; 2021 c.399 §2; 2021 c.597 §66]
125.030 Use of limited judgment in protective proceedings. (1) The appointment of a fiduciary in a protective proceeding shall be made by limited judgment.
(2) The court in a protective proceeding may enter a limited judgment only for the following decisions of the court:
(a) A decision on an objection to an accounting.
(b) A decision on placement of a protected person.
(c) A decision on the sale of the residence of a protected person.
(d) A decision on a payment that is authorized or subject to approval under ORS 125.095.
(e) Such decisions of the court as may be specified by rules or orders of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court under ORS 18.028.
(3) A court may enter a limited judgment under subsection (2) of this section only if the court determines that there is no just reason for delay. The judgment document need not reflect the court’s determination that there is no just reason for delay. [2005 c.568 §36; 2009 c.50 §2]
125.035 Reports to Legislative Assembly regarding protective proceedings. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Case subtype” means guardianship, conservatorship or guardianship and conservatorship.
(b) “Case type” means adult protective proceeding or minor protective proceeding.
(2) No later than September 15 of each year, the Judicial Department shall submit, to the interim committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary, a report on county-level data concerning protective proceedings in Multnomah, Lane and Columbia Counties during the two calendar years immediately preceding the year of the report, including:
(a) The number of protective proceedings initiated, broken out by case type and case subtype;
(b) The number of protective proceedings where the respondent was 65 years of age or older at the time the petition was filed;
(c) The number of protective proceedings granted, broken out by case type and case subtype; and
(d) The number of respondents or protected persons for whom the court appointed counsel under ORS 125.080, broken out by case subtype.
(3) The department, in consultation with the Oregon Public Defense Commission, shall also include in the report described in subsection (2) of this section, to the extent the data is available:
(a) The number of cases with court-appointed counsel where payment for court-appointed counsel was from the assets of the respondent or protected person, broken out by case subtype; and
(b) The aggregate number of hours court-appointed counsel spent representing respondents or protected persons and the average number of hours court-appointed counsel spent per case. [2021 c.400 §2; 2023 c.281 §23]
Note: Section 3, chapter 400, Oregon Laws 2021, provides:
Sec. 3. The Judicial Department shall submit the first report required under section 2 of this 2021 Act [125.035] no later than September 15, 2024, and annually thereafter. [2021 c.400 §3]
Note: 125.035 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 125 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
PROCEDURE IN PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS
125.050 Application of ORCP and Oregon Evidence Code. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure and the Oregon Evidence Code apply in protective proceedings. [1995 c.664 §6]
125.055 Petitions in protective proceedings; filing fee. (1)(a) A petition in a protective proceeding that seeks the appointment of a fiduciary must designate the type of fiduciary that the petitioner seeks to have appointed. If the petition does not request the appointment of a fiduciary, or if the petition requests both the appointment of a fiduciary and some other protective order, the petition must contain a statement of the nature of the protective order requested. The caption of the petition must reflect the type of fiduciary whose appointment is requested or, if the appointment of a fiduciary is not requested, the nature of the protective order requested. An original and duplicate copy of the petition must be filed with the court.
(b) A single filing fee shall be collected for a petition described in this section regardless of whether the petition requests multiple fiduciaries or protective orders. Notwithstanding ORS 21.135, 21.145, 21.175, 21.180 and 125.650, the fee shall consist of the highest applicable fee set forth in ORS 21.135, 21.145 (3), 21.175 or 21.180.
(2) A petition in a protective proceeding must contain the following information to the extent that the petitioner is aware of the information or to the extent that the petitioner is able to acquire the information with reasonable effort:
(a) The name, age, residence address and current location of the respondent.
(b) The interest of the petitioner.
(c) The name, age and address of the petitioner and any person nominated as fiduciary in the petition and the relationship of the person nominated to the respondent.
(d) A statement as to whether the person nominated as fiduciary:
(A) Has been convicted of a crime;
(B) Has filed for or received protection under the bankruptcy laws;
(C) Has caused any loss resulting in a surcharge under ORS 125.025 (3)(e) or a similar statute of another jurisdiction;
(D) Has been removed as a fiduciary under ORS 125.225; or
(E) Has had a license revoked or canceled that was required by the laws of any state for the practice of a profession or occupation.
(e) If an event listed in paragraph (d) of this subsection has occurred, a statement of the circumstances surrounding the event.
(f) If the person nominated as fiduciary is not the petitioner, a statement indicating that the person nominated is willing and able to serve.
(g) The name and address of any fiduciary that has been appointed for the respondent by a court of any state, any trustee for a trust established by or for the respondent, any person appointed as a health care representative under the provisions of ORS 127.505 to 127.660 and any person acting as attorney-in-fact for the respondent under a power of attorney.
(h) The name and address of the respondent’s treating physician and any other person who is providing care to the respondent.
(i) The factual information that:
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, supports the request for the appointment of a fiduciary or entry of other protective order, less restrictive alternatives to the appointment of a fiduciary that have been considered and why the alternatives are inadequate and the names and addresses of all persons who have information that would support a finding that an adult respondent is incapacitated or financially incapable.
(B) If the petition seeks appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth, supports a finding that the proposed protected person is a vulnerable youth.
(j) A statement that indicates whether the person nominated as fiduciary intends to place the respondent in a mental health treatment facility, a nursing home or other residential facility.
(k) A general description of the estate of the respondent and the respondent’s sources of income and the amount of that income.
(L) A statement indicating whether the person nominated as fiduciary is a public or private agency or organization that provides services to the respondent or an employee of a public or private agency or organization that provides services to the respondent.
(m) A statement that indicates whether the petitioner is petitioning for plenary authority or specified limited authority for the person nominated as fiduciary.
(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section:
(a) If a petition seeks appointment of a guardian, the petition must contain a statement on whether the guardian will exercise any control over the estate of the respondent. If the guardian will exercise any control over the estate of the respondent, the petition must contain a statement of the monthly income of the respondent, the sources of the respondent’s income, and the amount of any moneys that the guardian will be holding for the respondent at the time of the appointment.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, if the petition seeks the appointment of a guardian for an adult respondent, of a guardian for a minor respondent who is more than 16 years of age, in cases where the court determines there is the likelihood that a petition seeking appointment of a guardian for the respondent as an adult will be filed before the date that the respondent attains majority, in accordance with subsection (6)(a) of this section, or as an adult, or of a temporary fiduciary who will exercise the powers of a guardian for an adult respondent, the petition must contain a statement notifying the court that a visitor must be appointed.
(c) If the petition seeks appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth, the petition must include:
(A) A statement that the court in its discretion may appoint a visitor; and
(B) Except as provided in subsection (6)(b) of this section, a declaration signed by the vulnerable youth consenting to the appointment of the proposed guardian.
(4) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, if a petition seeks appointment of a conservator or a temporary fiduciary who will exercise the powers of a conservator or if a petition seeks a protective order relating to the estate of the respondent, the petition must contain the petitioner’s estimate of the value of the estate.
(5) A petitioner may join parties in a petition in the manner provided by ORCP 28 for the joining of defendants.
(6)(a) A parent or guardian of a minor may file a petition that seeks the appointment of a guardian for the minor as an adult, to become effective on the date that the minor attains majority, at any time within 90 days before the date that the minor attains majority or at any other time determined by the court to be necessary and appropriate to ensure the ongoing protection, safety and welfare of the minor upon attaining majority.
(b) If a petition for the appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth is filed when the respondent is a minor, the declaration of consent to appointment required under subsection (3)(c) of this section must be filed no later than 10 days after the respondent attains the age of majority.
(7) The court shall review a petition seeking appointment of a guardian and shall dismiss the proceeding without prejudice, or require that the petition be amended, if the court determines that the petition does not meet the requirements of this section. [1995 c.664 §7; 1997 c.717 §4; 2003 c.227 §3; 2013 c.71 §1; 2015 c.176 §2; 2017 c.391 §1; 2018 c.59 §2; 2021 c.399 §3; 2022 c.68 §4]
125.060 Who must be given notice. (1) The notices required by this section must be given to all persons whose identities and addresses can be ascertained in the exercise of reasonable diligence by the person required to give the notice.
(2) Notice of the filing of a petition for the appointment of a fiduciary or entry of other protective order must be given by the petitioner to the following persons:
(a) The respondent, if the respondent has attained 14 years of age unless the petition is for the appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth who has attained 18 years of age and the respondent’s declaration consenting to the appointment has been filed with the court.
(b) The spouse, parents and adult children of the respondent.
(c) If the respondent does not have a spouse, parent or adult child, the person or persons most closely related to the respondent.
(d) Any person who is cohabiting with the respondent and who is interested in the affairs or welfare of the respondent.
(e) Any person who has been nominated as fiduciary or appointed to act as fiduciary for the respondent by a court of any state, any trustee for a trust established by or for the respondent, any person appointed as a health care representative under the provisions of ORS 127.505 to 127.660 and any person acting as attorney-in-fact for the respondent under a power of attorney.
(f) If the respondent is a minor, the person who has exercised principal responsibility for the care and custody of the respondent during the 60-day period before the filing of the petition.
(g) If the respondent is a minor and has no living parents, any person nominated to act as fiduciary for the minor in a will or other written instrument prepared by a parent of the minor.
(h) If the respondent is receiving moneys paid or payable by the United States through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs regional office that has responsibility for the payments to the protected person.
(i) If the respondent is receiving moneys paid or payable for public assistance provided under ORS chapter 411 by the State of Oregon through the Department of Human Services, a representative of the department.
(j) If the respondent is receiving moneys paid or payable for medical assistance provided under ORS chapter 414 by the State of Oregon through the Oregon Health Authority, a representative of the authority.
(k) If the respondent is committed to the legal and physical custody of the Department of Corrections, the Attorney General and the superintendent or other officer in charge of the facility in which the respondent is confined.
(L) If the respondent is a foreign national, the consulate for the respondent’s country.
(m) Any other person that the court requires.
(3) Notice of a motion for the termination of the protective proceedings, for removal of a fiduciary, for modification of the powers or authority of a fiduciary, for approval of a fiduciary’s actions or for protective orders in addition to those sought in the petition must be given by the person making the motion to the following persons:
(a) The protected person, if the protected person has attained 14 years of age.
(b) Any person who has filed a request for notice in the proceedings.
(c) Except for a fiduciary who is making a motion, any fiduciary who has been appointed for the protected person.
(d) If the protected person is receiving moneys paid or payable by the United States through the Department of Veterans Affairs, a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs regional office that has responsibility for the payments to the protected person.
(e) If the protected person is committed to the legal and physical custody of the Department of Corrections, the Attorney General and the superintendent or other officer in charge of the facility in which the protected person is confined.
(f) If the protected person is a vulnerable youth, the consulate of the vulnerable youth’s country of nationality or, if unknown, the consulate of the vulnerable youth’s last country of residence prior to the United States of America.
(g) Any other person that the court requires.
(4) A request for notice under subsection (3)(b) of this section must be in writing and include the name, address and phone number of the person requesting notice. A copy of the request must be mailed by the person making the request to the petitioner or to the fiduciary if a fiduciary has been appointed. The original request must be filed with the court. The person filing the request must pay the fee specified by ORS 21.135.
(5) A person who files a request for notice in the proceedings in the manner provided by subsection (4) of this section is entitled to receive notice from the fiduciary of any motion specified in subsection (3) of this section and of any other matter to which a person listed in subsection (2) of this section is entitled to receive notice under a specific provision of this chapter.
(6) If the Department of Human Services is nominated as guardian for the purpose of consenting to the adoption of a minor, the notice provided for in this section must also be given to the minor’s brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
(7) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, notice of the filing of a petition for the appointment of a guardian for a person who is alleged to be incapacitated must be given by the petitioner to the following persons:
(a) Any attorney who is representing the respondent in any capacity.
(b) If the respondent is a resident of a nursing home or residential facility, or if the person nominated to act as fiduciary intends to place the respondent in a nursing home or residential facility, the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
(c) If the respondent is a resident of a mental health treatment facility or a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, or if the person nominated to act as fiduciary intends to place the respondent in such a facility, the system described in ORS 192.517 (1).
(8) In addition to the requirements of subsection (3) of this section, in a protective proceeding in which a guardian has been appointed, notice of the motions specified in subsection (3) of this section, and the address, telephone number and other contact information of the protected person, must be given by the person making the motion to the following persons:
(a) Any attorney who represented the protected person at any time during the protective proceeding.
(b) If the protected person is a resident of a nursing home or residential facility, or if the motion seeks authority to place the protected person in a nursing home or residential facility, the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
(c) If the protected person is a resident of a mental health treatment facility or a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, or if the motion seeks authority to place the protected person in such a facility, the system described in ORS 192.517 (1).
(9) A respondent or protected person may not waive the notice required under this section.
(10) The requirement that notice be served on an attorney for a respondent or protected person under subsection (7)(a) or (8)(a) of this section does not impose any responsibility on the attorney receiving the notice to represent the respondent or protected person in the protective proceeding. [1995 c.664 §8; 1997 c.717 §5; 1999 c.122 §3; 1999 c.775 §2; 2001 c.900 §22; 2003 c.143 §3; 2005 c.22 §98; 2005 c.381 §22; 2005 c.498 §2; 2009 c.595 §85; 2011 c.595 §127; 2017 c.391 §2; 2021 c.399 §4]
125.065 Manner of giving notice. (1) Except as provided in ORS 125.060, notice of the filing of a petition must be personally served on any respondent who has attained 14 years of age. Notice of a petition must be personally served on the parents of a respondent if the petition is based on the fact that the respondent is a minor. The notice may not be served on the respondent by the visitor appointed by the court. The notice shall be written in language reasonably understandable by the respondent. The notice must be printed in type size equal to at least 12-point type.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, the notices required under ORS 125.060 may be mailed to the last-known address of the person. If the address or identity of any person is not known and cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence, notice of the filing of a petition may be given by publishing at least once a week for three consecutive weeks a copy of the notice in a newspaper having general circulation in the county where the hearing is to be held. The last publication of the notice must be at least 15 days before the final date for the filing of objections.
(3) The date of personal service or mailing under this section must be at least 15 days before the final date for the filing of objections to the petition or motion. If the proceedings are subject to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act provided for in ORS 109.701 to 109.834, the date of service or mailing must be at least 21 days before the final date for the filing of objections to the petition or motion.
(4) The court for good cause shown may provide for a different method or time of giving notice under this section.
(5) Proof of the giving of notice must be filed in the proceeding before the court enters any order on a petition or motion. [1995 c.664 §9; 1999 c.649 §53; 2021 c.399 §5]
125.070 Contents of notice. (1) The notice required by ORS 125.060 must contain the following:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the petitioner or the person making the motion, and the relationship of the petitioner or person making the motion to the respondent.
(b) A copy of the petition or motion.
(c) A statement on where objections may be made or filed and the deadline for making or filing those objections.
(d) If a hearing has been set, the date, time and place of the hearing.
(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a notice of a petition for the appointment of a conservator for a respondent who is alleged to be financially incapable or a notice of a petition for the appointment of a guardian or conservator for a respondent who is a minor that is served on the respondent must contain the following:
(a) An explanation of the purpose and possible consequences of the petition.
(b) A statement that financial resources of the respondent may be used to pay court-approved expenditures of the proceeding.
(c) Information regarding any free or low-cost legal services and other relevant services available in the area.
(d) Information on any appointment of a visitor and the role of the visitor.
(e) A statement of the rights of the respondent as follows:
(A) The right to be represented by an attorney.
(B) The right to file a written or oral objection.
(C) The right to request a hearing.
(D) The right to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses at any hearing.
(E) The right to request at any time that the power of the fiduciary be limited by the court.
(F) The right to request at any time the removal of the fiduciary or a modification of the protective order.
(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a notice of a petition for the appointment of a guardian for a respondent who is alleged to be incapacitated must contain a notice, printed in 14-point type, in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE TO RESPONDENT
To: Respondent ______________:
______________, Petitioner, who is your ______________ (relationship to respondent), or that is an agency or business that provides guardianship services, has asked a judge for the power to make decisions for you. The judge has been asked to give this person, agency or business the authority to make the following decisions for you (mark the appropriate spaces):
__ Medical and health care decisions, including decisions on which doctors you will see and what medications and treatments you will receive.
__ Residential decisions, including decisions on whether you can stay where you are currently living or be moved to another place.
__ Financial decisions, including decisions on paying your bills and decisions about how your money is spent.
__ Other decisions: ___________
______________________.
YOUR MONEY MAY BE USED IF THE JUDGE APPOINTS A GUARDIAN FOR YOU. YOU MAY BE ASKED TO PAY FOR THE TIME AND EXPENSES OF THE GUARDIAN, THE TIME AND EXPENSES OF THE PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY, THE TIME AND EXPENSES OF YOUR ATTORNEY, FILING FEES AND OTHER COSTS.
YOU MUST TELL SOMEONE AT THE COURTHOUSE BEFORE ___________ (DATE) IF YOU OPPOSE HAVING SOMEONE ELSE MAKE THESE DECISIONS FOR YOU.
OBJECTIONS:
You can write to the judge if you do not want someone else making decisions for you. The judge’s address is: _________.
You have the right to object to the appointment of a guardian by saying you want to continue to make your own decisions. If you do not want another person, agency or business making decisions for you, you can object. If you do not want ________ (Proposed Guardian) to make these decisions for you, you can object. If you do not want your money to be used to pay for these expenses, you can object.
You can object any time after the judge has appointed a guardian. You can ask the judge at any time to limit the kinds of decisions that the guardian makes for you so that you can make more decisions for yourself. You can also ask the judge at any time to end the guardianship.
THE HEARING:
The judge will hold a hearing if you do not want a guardian, do not want this particular person to act as your guardian or do not want your money used this way. At the hearing, the judge will listen to what you and others have to say about whether you need someone else to make decisions for you, who that person should be and whether your money should be spent on these things. You can have your witnesses tell the judge why you do not need a guardian and you can bring in records and other information about why you think that you do not need a guardian. You can ask your witnesses questions and other witnesses questions.
THE COURT VISITOR:
The judge will appoint someone to investigate whether you need a guardian to make decisions for you. This person is called a “visitor.” The visitor works for the judge and does not work for the person who filed the petition asking the judge to appoint a guardian for you, for you or for any other party. The visitor will come and talk to you about the guardianship process, about whether you think that you need a guardian and about who you would want to be your guardian if the judge decides that you need a guardian. The visitor will talk to other people who have information about whether you need a guardian. The visitor will make a report to the judge about whether what the petition says is true, whether the visitor thinks that you need a guardian, whether the person proposed as your guardian is able and willing to be your guardian, who would be the best guardian for you and what decisions the guardian should make for you. If there is a hearing about whether to appoint a guardian for you, the visitor will be in court to testify.
You can tell the visitor if you don’t want someone else making decisions for you when the visitor comes to talk with you about this matter.
LEGAL SERVICES:
You can call a lawyer if you don’t want someone else making decisions for you. If you don’t have a lawyer, you can ask the judge whether a lawyer can be appointed for you.
There may be free or low-cost legal services or other relevant services in your local area that may be helpful to you in the guardianship proceeding. For information about these services, you can call the following telephone numbers ___________ and ask to talk to people who can help you find legal services or other types of services.
OBJECTION FORM:
You can mark the blue sheet (Respondent’s Objection) that is attached to this form if you do not want someone else to make your decisions for you. You can give the blue sheet to the visitor when the visitor comes to talk with you about this, you can show it to your attorney or you can mail it to the judge.
______________________________________________________________________________
(4) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a notice of a petition that is served on a respondent who is alleged to be incapacitated must contain an objection form, printed on blue paper in 14-point type, in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
IN THE ________ COURT
OF THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR THE COUNTY OF ________
) Case No. _____
(Case Title) )
) RESPONDENT’S
) OBJECTION
)
)
)
I object to the petition for the following reasons:
__ I do not want anyone else making any of my decisions for me.
__ I do not want ___________ making any decisions for me.
__ I do not want ___________ to make the following decisions for me:
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
(Signature of Respondent)
_____________________
(Date)
GIVE TO THE VISITOR OR MAIL TO:
_____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(5) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, a notice of a petition provided to a person other than the respondent must contain a statement as follows:
______________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE: If you wish to receive copies of future filings in this case, you must inform the judge and the person named as petitioner in this notice. You must inform the judge by filing a request for notice and paying any applicable fee. The request for notice must be in writing, must clearly indicate that you wish to receive future filings in the proceedings and must contain your name, address and phone number. You must notify the person named as petitioner by mailing a copy of the request to the petitioner. Unless you take these steps, you will receive no further copies of the filings in the case.
______________________________________________________________________________ [1995 c.664 §10; 1999 c.775 §3; 2001 c.416 §1]
125.075 Presentation of objections. (1) Any person who is interested in the affairs or welfare of a respondent or protected person may present objections to a petition or to a motion in a protective proceeding, including but not limited to:
(a) Any person entitled to receive notice under ORS 125.060.
(b) Any stepparent or stepchild of the respondent or protected person.
(c) Any other person the court may allow.
(2) Objections to a petition may be either written or oral. Objections to a motion must be in writing, except that a protected person may object orally in person or by other means that are intended to convey the protected person’s objections to the court. Objections to a petition or to a motion must be made or filed with the court within 15 days after notice of the petition or motion is served or mailed in the manner prescribed by ORS 125.065. The court shall designate the manner in which oral objections may be made that ensures that a protected person will have the protected person’s objection presented to the court. The clerk of the court shall provide a means of reducing the oral objections to a signed writing for the purpose of filing the objection.
(3) If objections are presented by any of the persons listed in subsection (1) of this section, the court shall schedule a hearing on the objections. The petitioner or person making the motion shall give notice to all persons entitled to notice under ORS 125.060 (3) of the date, time and place of the scheduled hearing at least 15 days before the date set for hearing. Notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by ORS 125.065.
(4) Notwithstanding ORS 21.170, the court may not charge or collect any fee for the filing of objections under the provisions of this section or for the filing of any motion from any of the following:
(a) The respondent or the protected person;
(b) The office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman; or
(c) The system described in ORS 192.517 (1).
(5) The court for good cause shown may provide for a different method or time of giving notice under subsection (3) of this section. [1995 c.664 §11; 2011 c.595 §129; 2015 c.365 §1; 2017 c.391 §3]
125.080 Hearing; appointment of counsel. (1) The court may require that a hearing be held on any petition or motion in a protective proceeding.
(2) A hearing must be held on a petition or motion if the respondent or protected person makes or files an objection to the petition or motion and the objection is not withdrawn before the time scheduled for the hearing.
(3) A hearing must be held on a motion to modify a guardian’s powers under ORS 125.323.
(4) The respondent or protected person may appear at a hearing in person or by counsel.
(5) If the hearing is regarding a petition for appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth or a petition involving a vulnerable youth guardianship, the court:
(a) May allow the respondent or protected person, proposed guardian, guardian or any other witness to appear by telephone, video or other remote technology;
(b)(A) May take testimony from or confer with the respondent or protected person and may exclude from the conference others if the court finds that doing so would be in the best interests of the respondent or protected person; and
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, shall permit any attorney for the respondent or protected person to attend the conference and the conference must be reported;
(c) May not inquire into the nationality or current immigration status of the proposed guardian, guardian or any other witness; and
(d) May not inquire about any prior immigration status of the respondent or protected person or about the manner or place in which the respondent or protected person entered the United States of America.
(6)(a) If the court requires that a hearing be held or a hearing is otherwise required under this section, the court shall appoint counsel for the respondent or protected person when:
(A) The respondent or protected person requests that counsel be appointed;
(B) An objection is made or filed to the petition or motion by any person;
(C) The court has appointed a visitor under ORS 125.150, 125.160 or 125.605, and the visitor recommends appointment of counsel for the respondent or protected person; or
(D) The court determines that the respondent or protected person is in need of legal counsel.
(b) The court is not required to appoint counsel under this subsection if the respondent or protected person is already represented by counsel or otherwise objects to appointment of counsel.
(7) If the court appoints counsel under subsection (6) of this section:
(a) The court shall order payment of attorney fees and costs from the guardianship or conservatorship estate of the respondent or protected person if sufficient funds exist to pay all or a portion of the attorney fees and costs due; or
(b) The court may determine that a respondent or protected person is financially eligible for appointed counsel at state expense and, if so, the compensation for legal counsel and costs and expenses necessary for representation of the respondent or protected person shall be determined and paid by the executive director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission as provided under ORS 135.055. [1995 c.664 §12; 1999 c.775 §1; 2003 c.227 §4; 2019 c.198 §3; 2021 c.399 §6; 2021 c.400 §1; 2023 c.281 §24]
125.082 Notice of appointment. (1)(a) Upon appointment, a guardian shall deliver written notice of the order of appointment to the persons described in ORS 125.060 (3).
(b)(A) The notice provided to the protected person under this subsection must be delivered in person in a manner reasonably calculated to be understood by the protected person.
(B) When delivering the notice to the protected person under this subsection, the guardian shall offer to also provide the notice to the protected person orally. If the protected person requests oral notice in response to the offer or otherwise, the guardian shall provide oral notice.
(C) In providing notice to the protected person under this paragraph, the guardian shall provide reasonable accommodations for effective communication as necessary.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this subsection, if the guardian determines that personal delivery of the notice to the protected person is unduly burdensome, the guardian may deliver the notice by first class mail and certified, registered or express mail, return receipt requested.
(2) A notice under this section must include:
(a) The title of the court in which the protective proceeding is pending and the clerk’s file number;
(b) The name and address of the protected person and the attorney for the protected person, if any;
(c) The name and address of the guardian and the attorney for the guardian, if any;
(d) The date of the appointment of the guardian;
(e) A statement describing the authority awarded to the guardian and any limitations placed on the guardian’s authority;
(f) A statement advising the protected person or other interested person of the right of the protected person to seek removal of the guardian or termination of the guardianship; and
(g) If the notice is delivered to the protected person as provided in subsection (1)(c) of this section, a statement describing why personal delivery of the notice was unduly burdensome.
(3) No later than 30 days following the date of the guardian’s appointment, the guardian shall file in the proceeding before the court proof of the giving of notice under this section, including:
(a) The date, time and place where written notice was provided;
(b) A description of the manner the notice was provided, whether notice was provided orally and whether any reasonable accommodation was provided;
(c) If the guardian delivered notice as provided in subsection (1)(c) of this section, a brief description of why personal delivery of the notice was unduly burdensome together with return of receipt of the mailing; and
(d) If the protected person is a resident of a mental health treatment facility or a residential facility for individuals with developmental disabilities, or if the guardian intends to place the protected person in such a facility, the guardian shall provide notice under this section to the system described in ORS 192.517 (1):
(A) If the guardian is represented by counsel, electronically in a manner described by the system; or
(B) If the guardian is not represented by counsel, by mail or electronically in a manner described by the system. [2019 c.77 §2; 2021 c.327 §1]
125.085 Motions after appointment of a fiduciary; disclosure of protected information. (1) The court may remove a fiduciary on the motion of any person who is entitled to file an objection to a petition under the provisions of ORS 125.075, on a motion of the Long Term Care Ombudsman or upon the court’s own motion.
(2) On motion of the fiduciary, the court may accept the resignation of the fiduciary and make any other order that may be appropriate, including appointment of a successor fiduciary.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, upon motion by any person who is entitled to file an objection to a petition under the provisions of ORS 125.075, on a motion of the Long Term Care Ombudsman or upon the court’s own motion, the court may order a modification of the powers or authority of the fiduciary or termination of the protective proceedings.
(4)(a) When the Long Term Care Ombudsman files a motion under this section, the ombudsman shall disclose to the court only:
(A) Such information as is allowed under ORS 441.407; and
(B) The minimum amount of protected information about the resident who is the subject of the motion that the ombudsman believes in good faith is reasonably necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of a resident of a long term care facility, residential facility or adult foster home.
(b) Any protected information disclosed by the ombudsman under this subsection shall remain confidential and must be identified and marked by the ombudsman as confidential and protected information that is subject to the requirements of this subsection.
(c) Protected information disclosed under this subsection is subject to inspection only by the parties to the proceeding and their attorneys as provided in paragraph (d) of this subsection. Protected information disclosed under this subsection is not subject to inspection by members of the public except pursuant to a court order entered after a showing of good cause.
(d) The court may enter an order allowing inspection of protected information subject to disclosure under this subsection upon the filing of a written request for inspection and the payment of any fees or costs charged to copy the protected information.
(e) Notwithstanding ORS 125.155 (4), to the extent that the report of a visitor appointed by the court under ORS 125.150 contains protected information that is subject to the requirements of this subsection, the report in its entirety shall be considered subject to the requirements of this subsection and may be disclosed only as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this subsection.
(5) If the guardianship is for a vulnerable youth:
(a) The court may modify the guardianship upon motion of the protected person or upon the court’s own motion. The motion seeking to modify the guardianship must be supported by a declaration setting forth the facts. The motion and supporting declaration must be served on the guardian and, if appropriate, any proposed guardian.
(b) A guardian may seek to have the guardianship modified at any time by filing a motion with the court that is supported by a declaration establishing that a substantial change has occurred in the circumstances of the protected person or the guardian and that the requested modification would serve the best interests of the protected person. [1995 c.664 §13; 2017 c.633 §1; 2021 c.399 §7]
125.090 Termination of proceedings. (1) A protected person is entitled to the same rights and procedures provided in the original proceedings when a motion to terminate the protective proceeding is filed and a fiduciary opposes the motion. The fiduciary has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that a protected person continues to be incapacitated or financially incapable if a motion to terminate a protective proceeding is filed and the fiduciary opposes the motion. A visitor must be appointed if a motion for termination of a guardianship is filed and objections are filed to the motion. A visitor may be appointed if a motion for termination of a conservatorship is filed.
(2) The court may terminate protective proceedings upon motion after determining any of the following:
(a) The appointment of a fiduciary or other protective order was made because the protected person was a minor, and the protected person has attained the age of majority.
(b) The appointment of a fiduciary or other protective order was made because the protected person was incapacitated, and the protected person is no longer incapacitated.
(c) The appointment of a fiduciary or other protective order was made because the protected person was financially incapable, and the protected person is no longer financially incapable or the conditions of ORS 125.535 have been met.
(d) The protected person has died.
(e) The best interests of the protected person would be served by termination of the proceedings.
(f) If the appointment of a guardian was made because the protected person was a vulnerable youth:
(A) The protected person has attained 21 years of age;
(B) The protected person moved the court to terminate the guardianship; or
(C)(i) The guardian or other person moved the court to terminate the guardianship;
(ii) The motion is supported by a declaration establishing that a substantial change has occurred in the circumstances of the protected person or of the guardian; and
(iii) The best interests of the protected person would be served by termination of the guardianship.
(3) The court shall terminate a protective proceeding by entry of a general judgment. [1995 c.664 §14; 2005 c.568 §37; 2021 c.399 §8]
125.095 Fees, costs and disbursements payable in protective proceedings. (1) Funds of a person subject to a protective proceeding may be used to pay reasonable fees, costs and disbursements to any visitor, attorney, physician, fiduciary or temporary fiduciary for services related to the protective proceeding or for services provided on behalf of a fiduciary, respondent, petitioner, cross-petitioner, objector or protected person.
(2) Prior court approval is required before the payment of fees from the funds of a person subject to a protective proceeding when the payment is to:
(a) A physician if the fees are incurred for services relating to proceedings arising out of the filing of an objection to a petition, cross-petition or motion.
(b) An appointed fiduciary, except that prior court approval is not required before payment of fees to a conservator if the conservator is a trust company that has complied with ORS 709.030, or if the conservator is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
(c) Any attorney who has provided services relating to a protective proceeding, including services provided in preparation or anticipation of the filing of a petition in a protective proceeding.
(3) Subject to ORS 125.495 to 125.520, prior court approval is not required before:
(a) Payment of attorney fees incurred prior to the filing of a petition in a protective proceeding for services unrelated to the protective proceeding; or
(b) Payment for services provided by an attorney who is hired as a mediator for mediation services related to a protective proceeding.
(4) A pleading that alleges a basis for payment of attorney fees is not required before payment of attorney fees is approved or made under this section.
(5) ORCP 68 does not apply to requests for approval and payment of attorney fees made under this chapter. [1995 c.664 §15; 1997 c.631 §409; 2005 c.625 §65; 2013 c.99 §1]
125.098 Factors in determining award of attorney fees; appeal. (1) As used in this section, “party” means a person represented by an attorney when a request for court approval and payment of attorney fees has been made relating to a protective proceeding under ORS 125.095.
(2) A court shall consider the following factors in determining whether to award attorney fees under ORS 125.095:
(a) The benefit to the person subject to the protective proceeding by the party’s actions in the proceeding, which factor shall be given the greatest weight in the court’s consideration under this section.
(b) The objective reasonableness of the position asserted by the party.
(c) The party’s self-interest in the outcome of the proceeding.
(d) Whether the relief sought by the party was granted in whole or in part, subject to the respondent’s right to contest the proceeding.
(e) The conduct of the party in the transactions or occurrences that gave rise to the need for a protective proceeding, including any conduct of the party that was reckless, willful, malicious, in bad faith or illegal.
(f) The extent to which an award of attorney fees in the proceeding would deter others from asserting good faith positions in similar proceedings.
(g) The extent to which an award of attorney fees in the proceeding would deter others from asserting meritless positions in similar proceedings.
(h) The objective reasonableness of the party and the diligence of the party and the attorney during the proceeding.
(i) The objective reasonableness of the party and the diligence of the party in pursuing settlement of the dispute.
(j) Any other factor the court may consider appropriate under the circumstances of the proceeding.
(3) A court shall consider the factors specified in subsection (2) of this section in determining the amount of an award of attorney fees under ORS 125.095. In addition, the court shall consider the following factors in determining the amount of an award of attorney fees:
(a) The time and labor required in the proceeding, the novelty and difficulty of the issues involved and the skill needed to provide the legal services.
(b) The likelihood that the acceptance of the employment on behalf of the party by the attorney would preclude the attorney from other employment, when the likelihood should be apparent or was made apparent to the party.
(c) The fee customarily charged by an attorney in the locality for similar legal services.
(d) The time limitations imposed by the party or the circumstances of the proceeding.
(e) The experience, reputation and ability of the attorney providing the legal services.
(f) The amount of the attorney fees requested relative to the estate of the person subject to the protective proceeding, whether or not the estate of the person subject to the protective proceeding is subject to the direct or indirect control of a conservator.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (2)(a) of this section, no single factor listed in subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall be controlling in the court’s determination regarding attorney fees under this section.
(5) In an appeal from the award of or denial of a request for attorney fees under ORS 125.095 and this section, the court reviewing the award may not modify the decision of the court below in making or denying an award, or the decision of that court as to the amount of the award, except upon a finding of an abuse of discretion. [2013 c.99 §3; 2015 c.127 §1]
PROTECTED PERSON SPECIAL ADVOCATE
125.120 Protected person special advocate; appointment; duties; immunity; access to records and information; qualifications, standards and procedures. (1) At any time after a presiding judge issues a court order described in subsection (5) of this section and after the appointment of a fiduciary that is not a financial institution or trust company as defined in ORS 706.008, the court, on its own motion or on the motion of any person who is interested in the affairs or welfare of the protected person, may appoint a volunteer to serve as a protected person special advocate.
(2) The protected person special advocate shall:
(a) Investigate and evaluate the protected person’s circumstances to establish whether the fiduciary is fulfilling the fiduciary duties and obligations with which the fiduciary has been charged;
(b) Inform the fiduciary of support services and resources available in the community to assist in the care and welfare of the protected person;
(c) Provide a written report to the court of the findings of the protected person special advocate, in a form approved by the court, and provide copies of the report to all persons entitled to notice under ORS 125.060; and
(d) Perform any other duties, responsibilities or functions as ordered by the court.
(3)(a) A person appointed as a protected person special advocate shall perform the duties, responsibilities and functions of a protected person special advocate as a volunteer and is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for expenses from the court, the protected person or the protected person’s estate.
(b) A person appointed as a protected person special advocate is immune from any liability for acts or omissions or errors in judgment made in good faith in the course or scope of the person’s duties, responsibilities and functions as a protected person special advocate.
(4) Subject to any law relating to confidentiality and as specified in the court’s order appointing the protected person special advocate, the special advocate may inspect and copy records and information related to the health, mental health, finances, education and welfare of the protected person as is necessary to perform the duties, responsibilities and functions of the special advocate. Records and information inspected and copied by the special advocate under this subsection may be disclosed only for the purpose of performing the duties, responsibilities and functions specified in the court’s order appointing the special advocate.
(5)(a) Before a court may appoint protected person special advocates, the presiding judge shall by court order establish:
(A) Qualifications for persons serving as protected person special advocates; and
(B) Standards and procedures to be used by protected person special advocates in the performance of their duties, responsibilities and functions.
(b) Protected person special advocates may be employees of the court but may not have any personal interest in the protected person or any pecuniary or financial interest in the proceedings. [2014 c.39 §2]
VISITORS
125.150 Appointment of visitors. (1)(a) The court shall appoint a visitor upon the filing of a petition in a protective proceeding that seeks the appointment of:
(A) A guardian for an adult respondent;
(B) A guardian for a minor respondent who is more than 16 years of age, in cases where the court determines there is the likelihood that a petition seeking appointment of a guardian for the respondent as an adult will be filed before the date that the respondent attains majority, in accordance with ORS 125.055 (6)(a), or as an adult; or
(C) A temporary fiduciary who will exercise the powers of a guardian for an adult respondent.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, if a petition in a protective proceeding seeks the appointment of a guardian for a respondent because the respondent is, or, if the respondent is a minor, will be a vulnerable youth, the court in its discretion may appoint a visitor.
(c) The court may appoint a visitor in any other protective proceeding or in a proceeding under ORS 109.329.
(2) A visitor may be an officer, employee or special appointee of the court. The person appointed may not have any personal interest in the proceedings. The person appointed must have training or expertise adequate to allow the person to appropriately evaluate the functional capacity and needs of a respondent or protected person, or each petitioner and the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329. The court shall provide a copy of the petition and other filings in the proceedings that may be of assistance to the visitor.
(3) A visitor appointed by the court under this section shall interview a person nominated or appointed as fiduciary and the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner and the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, personally at the place where the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, is located.
(4) Subject to any law relating to confidentiality, the visitor may interview any physician, naturopathic physician or psychologist who has examined the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner under ORS 109.329, the person or officer of the institution having the care, custody or control of the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner under ORS 109.329, and any other person who may have relevant information.
(5) If requested by a visitor under subsection (4) of this section, a physician, naturopathic physician or psychologist who has examined the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner under ORS 109.329, may, with patient authorization or, in the case of a minor respondent, with the authorization of the minor’s parent or the person having custody of the minor, or in response to a court order in accordance with ORCP 44 or a subpoena under ORCP 55, provide any relevant information the physician, naturopathic physician or psychologist has regarding the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner under ORS 109.329.
(6) A visitor shall determine whether it appears that the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, is able to attend the hearing and, if able to attend, whether the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, is willing to attend the hearing.
(7) If a petition is filed seeking the appointment of a guardian for an adult respondent, a visitor shall investigate the following matters:
(a) The inability of the respondent to provide for the needs of the respondent with respect to physical health, food, clothing and shelter;
(b) The location of the respondent’s residence and the ability of the respondent to live in the residence while under guardianship;
(c) Alternatives to guardianship considered by the petitioner and reasons why those alternatives are not available;
(d) Health or social services provided to the respondent during the year preceding the filing of the petition, when the petitioner has information as to those services;
(e) The inability of the respondent to resist fraud or undue influence; and
(f) Whether the respondent’s inability to provide for the needs of the respondent is an isolated incident of negligence or improvidence, or whether a pattern exists.
(8) If a petition is filed seeking the appointment of a fiduciary, a visitor shall determine whether the respondent objects to:
(a) The appointment of a fiduciary; and
(b) The nominated fiduciary or prefers another person to act as fiduciary.
(9) If a petition is filed seeking the appointment of a conservator in addition to the appointment of a guardian, a visitor shall investigate whether the respondent is financially incapable. The visitor shall interview the person nominated to act as conservator and shall interview the respondent personally at the place where the respondent is located.
(10) A visitor shall determine whether the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, wishes to be represented by counsel and, if so, whether the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, has retained counsel and, if not, the name of an attorney the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, wishes to retain.
(11) If the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, has not retained counsel, a visitor shall determine whether the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, desires the court to appoint counsel.
(12) If the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329, does not plan to retain counsel and has not requested the appointment of counsel by the court, a visitor shall determine whether the appointment of counsel would help to resolve the matter and whether appointment of counsel is necessary to protect the interests of the respondent or protected person, or each petitioner or the person to be adopted under ORS 109.329. [1995 c.664 §16; 2003 c.89 §1; 2003 c.227 §5; 2003 c.579 §§3,4; 2015 c.176 §1; 2017 c.356 §10; 2021 c.399 §9]
125.155 Visitor’s report. (1) A visitor shall file a report in writing with the court within 15 days after the visitor is appointed. The court may grant additional time for filing the visitor’s report upon a showing of necessity and good cause.
(2) The report of the visitor appointed at the time a petition is filed requesting the appointment of a fiduciary must include the following:
(a) A statement of information gathered by the visitor relating to the correctness of the allegations contained in the petition, whether the appointment of a fiduciary is necessary and whether the nominated fiduciary is qualified and willing to serve.
(b) The name, address and telephone number of each person interviewed for the report, the date of the interview and the relationship of the person interviewed to the respondent.
(c) The recommendations of the visitor with regard to the suitability of the nominated fiduciary, any limitations that should be imposed on the fiduciary and the need for further evaluation.
(d) The recommendation of the visitor on any issue the court specifically asks the visitor to investigate regarding the propriety of appointing a fiduciary for the respondent.
(e) The visitor’s determinations required by ORS 125.150.
(f) Any express communication made by the respondent relating to the desires of the respondent regarding representation by counsel.
(g) Any express communication made by the respondent with respect to whether the respondent is willing to attend a hearing, wishes to contest the appointment of a fiduciary, objects to the nominated fiduciary or prefers another person act as fiduciary.
(3) The State Court Administrator may prescribe one or more forms to be used by visitors for filing their reports.
(4) As soon as possible after a report is filed with the court under the provisions of this section, the clerk of the court shall mail copies of the report to any person who has filed with the court a specific request for a copy of the report. A request made under ORS 125.060 (3)(b) does not meet the requirements of this subsection unless the request specifically requests a copy of the visitor’s report.
(5) The visitor must be present at the hearing on any objections to the appointment of a fiduciary. A visitor is entitled to reasonable compensation for attendance at the hearing. The court shall notify the visitor of the time and place of any hearing on objections to the appointment. [1995 c.664 §17; 2003 c.227 §6]
125.160 Subsequent appointment of visitor. At any time after the appointment of a fiduciary, the court may appoint a visitor. The court may require the visitor to perform any duty the visitor could have performed if appointed at the time the fiduciary was appointed, including interviewing relevant persons, examining relevant records, reporting in writing to the court and being present at any hearing. [1995 c.664 §18]
125.165 Qualifications and standards for visitors. (1) A presiding judge shall by court order establish:
(a) Qualifications for persons serving as visitors for the court, in addition to those qualifications established by this section; and
(b) Standards and procedures to be used by visitors in the performance of their duties.
(2) A visitor may be an employee of the court. The visitor may not have any personal interest in the respondent or protected person, or any pecuniary or financial interest in the proceedings, if those interests could compromise or otherwise affect the decisions of the visitor. A visitor may not receive compensation for services rendered as a fiduciary for two or more protected persons at the same time who are not related to the fiduciary.
(3) A visitor must:
(a) Have the training and expertise adequate to allow the person to conduct the interviews and make the recommendations required under ORS 125.150 and 125.155, to communicate with, assess and interact with respondents and protected persons, and to perform the other duties required of a visitor; and
(b) Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the law so as to be able to inform a respondent or protected person of the nature and effect of a protective proceeding, to inform a respondent or protected person of the rights of the respondent or protected person in the protective proceeding, to answer the questions of a respondent or protected person and to inform fiduciaries concerning their powers and duties. [1999 c.775 §10; 2003 c.227 §2]
125.170 Payment and reimbursement for visitor services. (1) Not more than once each calendar year, the court may charge a respondent or protected person for any visitor services provided during the year. The court may order reimbursement to the state from the assets of the respondent or protected person for the cost of any interview or report unless the court finds that the assessment would impose a hardship on the respondent or protected person. If the respondent or protected person is receiving public assistance or medical assistance, as defined in ORS 414.025, there is a rebuttable presumption that charging a respondent or protected person for the services of a visitor would impose a hardship.
(2) The presiding judge by court order shall establish fees for visitors conducting interviews and preparing reports.
(3) All amounts collected under this section in reimbursement for visitor services shall be forwarded to the State Court Administrator and are continuously appropriated to the State Court Administrator. Funds appropriated to the State Court Administrator under this section may be used by the State Court Administrator for the purpose of funding visitor services provided under ORS 125.150 and 125.155. [1999 c.775 §9; 2003 c.227 §1; 2013 c.688 §21]
FIDUCIARIES GENERALLY
125.200 Preferences in appointing fiduciary. The court shall appoint the most suitable person who is willing to serve as fiduciary after giving consideration to the specific circumstances of the respondent, any stated desire of the respondent, the relationship by blood or marriage of the person nominated to be fiduciary to the respondent, any preference expressed by a parent of the respondent, the estate of the respondent and any impact on ease of administration that may result from the appointment. [1995 c.664 §19]
125.205 Persons not qualified to act as fiduciary. (1) A person is not qualified to serve as a fiduciary if the person:
(a) Is incapacitated, financially incapable or a minor;
(b) Is acting as a health care provider, as defined in ORS 127.505, for the protected person; or
(c) Is the protected person’s parent or former guardian and:
(A) At any time while the protected person was under the care, custody or control of the person, a court entered an order:
(i) Taking the protected person into protective custody under ORS 419B.150; or
(ii) Committing the protected person to the legal custody of the Department of Human Services for care, placement and supervision under ORS 419B.337; and
(B) The court entered a subsequent order that:
(i) The protected person should be permanently removed from the person’s home, or continued in substitute care, because it was not safe for the protected person to be returned to the person’s home, and no subsequent order of the court was entered that permitted the protected person to return to the person’s home before the protected person’s wardship was terminated under ORS 419B.328; or
(ii) Terminated the person’s parental rights under ORS 419B.500 and 419B.502 to 419B.524.
(2) A protected person, while not incapacitated, may petition the court to remove a prohibition contained in subsection (1)(c) of this section. [1995 c.664 §20; 2011 c.194 §1]
125.210 Circumstances requiring notice to court. (1)(a) A person nominated as a fiduciary shall inform the court of the circumstances of an event before the person is appointed if the person:
(A) Has been convicted of a crime;
(B) Has filed for or received protection under the bankruptcy laws;
(C) Has caused any loss resulting in a surcharge under ORS 125.025 (3)(e) or a similar statute of another jurisdiction;
(D) Has been removed as a fiduciary under ORS 125.225; or
(E) Has had a license revoked or canceled that was required by the laws of any state for the practice of a profession or occupation.
(b) If the person nominated as a fiduciary is also the petitioner, the information required by this subsection may be provided in the petition for appointment of a fiduciary in the manner specified by ORS 125.055.
(2) A person who is appointed as a fiduciary shall inform the court of the circumstances of an event immediately if the person:
(a) Is convicted of a crime;
(b) Files for or receives protection under the bankruptcy laws;
(c) Causes any loss resulting in a surcharge under ORS 125.025 (3)(e) or a similar statute of another jurisdiction;
(d) Is removed as a fiduciary under ORS 125.225; or
(e) Has a license revoked or canceled that is required by the laws of any state for the practice of a profession or occupation.
(3) A person who is required to give notice to the court under subsection (2) of this section shall also give notice to those persons listed in ORS 125.060 (3).
(4) The court may decline to appoint a person as a fiduciary, or may remove a person as a fiduciary, if the person fails to comply with the provisions of this section. [1995 c.664 §21; 2018 c.59 §3]
125.215 Acceptance of appointment as fiduciary; notice of proceedings to fiduciary. (1) If the person filing a petition in a protective proceeding is also nominated in the petition as fiduciary for the respondent, the signature of the petitioner on the petition acts as acceptance of appointment upon entry of an order appointing the petitioner as fiduciary. If the person nominated as a fiduciary is not the petitioner, the person nominated must file an acceptance of the appointment before the entry of the order appointing the fiduciary.
(2) A fiduciary must promptly file with the court any change in the name, residence or post-office address of the fiduciary.
(3) Subject to ORS 125.800 to 125.852 for adults as defined in ORS 125.802, the court has personal jurisdiction over any person who accepts appointment as a fiduciary for the purpose of any matter relating to the protective proceeding, whether the person is a resident or nonresident of this state.
(4) Notice of an objection, motion or other matter in a protective proceeding may be personally served on the fiduciary or mailed to the fiduciary or the fiduciary’s attorney by ordinary mail at the address listed in the court records and to any address for the fiduciary or the fiduciary’s attorney known to the person giving notice. [1995 c.664 §22; 2009 c.179 §25]
125.220 [1995 c.664 §23; repealed by 1999 c.774 §1 (125.221 enacted in lieu of 125.220)]
125.221 Conflicts of interest. (1) A fiduciary may employ a person in which the fiduciary has a pecuniary or financial interest only after disclosing the nature of the interest to the court if the person is employed for the purpose of providing direct services to the protected person or for the purpose of providing services to the fiduciary that directly affect the protected person. Before the person is employed, the fiduciary must provide the court with the following:
(a) A full and accurate disclosure of the pecuniary or financial interest of the fiduciary in the person.
(b) A full and accurate disclosure of the services to be performed by the person.
(c) A full and accurate disclosure of the anticipated costs to the estate in using the person to provide the services.
(2) In addition to the disclosures required by subsection (1) of this section, after making such inquiry as the court deems appropriate, the court may require additional disclosures for the purpose of assessing whether the pecuniary or financial interest of the fiduciary could compromise or otherwise affect decisions made by the fiduciary in carrying out the duties of the fiduciary.
(3) The continuing authority of a court over protective proceedings under ORS 125.025 includes the authority to supervise and inquire into:
(a) Whether the fiduciary by employing a person in which the fiduciary has a pecuniary or financial interest is acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes for which the fiduciary was appointed.
(b) Whether the employment of the person by the fiduciary is necessary to provide the services efficiently and effectively.
(c) The extent that the pecuniary or financial interest of the person employed by the fiduciary could compromise or otherwise affect the decisions made by the fiduciary in carrying out the duties of the fiduciary.
(4) In addition to the disclosures required by subsections (1) and (2) of this section, prior court approval is required for payment of compensation to a person who is the spouse, parent or child of the fiduciary or to a business entity in which the spouse, parent or child of the fiduciary has an ownership interest and that is employed by the fiduciary to provide direct services to a protected person or to provide services to the fiduciary that directly affect the protected person. The fiduciary must provide the court with the following information:
(a) The specific services to be provided;
(b) The qualifications of the person providing the services;
(c) The rate of compensation charged by the person; and
(d) Any other information relevant to either the person providing the services or the services being provided to the protected person, including, but not limited to, loss of a professional license or a criminal conviction.
(5) The court may not approve any fees or expenses requested by the fiduciary to the extent that the combined fees of the fiduciary and the person employed by the fiduciary under this section exceed the amount the court finds would have been appropriate for payment to the fiduciary if the fiduciary had provided the services alone.
(6) A fiduciary has a pecuniary or financial interest in another person for the purposes of this section if the fiduciary, or any person related to, employed by or affiliated with the fiduciary has:
(a) Any direct or indirect ownership interest in the person;
(b) A business association with the person; or
(c) Any financial involvement with the person.
(7) A fiduciary has a pecuniary or financial interest in another person for the purposes of this section if the fiduciary, or any person related to, employed by or affiliated with the fiduciary, receives remuneration or any other financial benefit from the person, without regard to whether that remuneration or benefit is directly tied to the services provided to the fiduciary or protected person.
(8) In addition to the grounds specified in subsections (6) and (7) of this section, a fiduciary has a pecuniary or financial interest in another person for the purposes of this section if the relationship between the fiduciary and other person is such that the relationship could compromise or otherwise affect decisions made by the fiduciary in carrying out the duties of the fiduciary.
(9) A fiduciary employs a person for the purposes of this section whether the person is engaged as an employee or as an independent contractor. [1999 c.774 §2 (enacted in lieu of 125.220); 2003 c.392 §1]
125.225 Removal of fiduciary. (1) A court shall remove a fiduciary whenever that removal is in the best interests of the protected person.
(2) In addition to any other grounds, the court may remove a conservator if the conservator fails to use good business judgment and diligence in the management of the estate under the control of the conservator. The court may apply a higher standard of care to a conservator who claims to have greater than ordinary skill or expertise.
(3) In addition to any other grounds, the court may remove a guardian if the court determines the guardian:
(a) Unreasonably limits the protected person’s associations under ORS 125.323;
(b) Fails to perform the guardian’s duties required under ORS 125.315 (1)(g) to (i); or
(c) Changes the abode of the adult protected person or places the protected person in a mental health treatment facility, a nursing home or other residential facility and:
(A) Failed to disclose in the petition for appointment that the guardian intended to make the placement; or
(B) Failed to comply with ORS 125.320 (3) before making the placement.
(4) On termination of the authority of a fiduciary, an interim fiduciary may be appointed by the court to serve for a period not to exceed 60 days. An interim fiduciary under this subsection may be appointed by the court without the appointment of a visitor, additional notices or any other additional procedure, except as may be determined necessary by the court.
(5) Upon termination of the authority of a fiduciary, the court may appoint a successor fiduciary. A petition for appointment as successor fiduciary must be filed in the same manner as provided for an original petition, and is subject to all provisions applicable to an original petition for the appointment of a fiduciary. No filing fee shall be charged or collected for the filing of a petition for the appointment of a successor fiduciary. [1995 c.664 §24; 2017 c.391 §4; 2019 c.198 §4]
125.230 Termination of fiduciary’s authority; discharge of fiduciary. (1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a fiduciary’s authority terminates upon the death, resignation or removal of the fiduciary or upon the protected person’s death. If the fiduciary is a guardian appointed solely by reason of the minority of the protected person, the fiduciary’s authority terminates upon the protected person attaining 18 years of age.
(2) Resignation or removal of a fiduciary does not discharge the fiduciary until a final report or accounting has been approved by the court, any surety exonerated and the fiduciary discharged by order of the court.
(3) A guardian retains the authority to direct disposition of the remains of a deceased protected person if the guardian is unaware of any contact during the 12-month period immediately preceding the death of the protected person between the protected person and any person with priority over the fiduciary to control disposition of the remains under ORS 97.130 or to make an anatomical gift under ORS 97.965. [1995 c.664 §25; 1997 c.472 §11; 2007 c.681 §26]
125.235 Liability of fiduciary. A fiduciary is not personally liable to third persons for acts of the protected person solely by reason of being appointed fiduciary. [1995 c.664 §26]
125.240 Professional fiduciaries. (1) If a petition seeks the appointment of a professional fiduciary, the petition must contain the following information in addition to that information required under ORS 125.055:
(a) Proof that the professional fiduciary, or an individual responsible for making decisions for clients or for managing client assets for the professional fiduciary, is certified by the Center for Guardianship Certification or its successor organization as a National Certified Guardian or a National Master Guardian.
(b) A description of the events that led to the involvement of the professional fiduciary in the case.
(c) The educational background, professional experience, investment credentials and licensing under ORS chapter 59 of the individual responsible as, or acting on behalf of, the professional fiduciary.
(d)(A) The fees charged by the professional fiduciary and whether the fees are on an hourly basis or are based on charges for individual services rendered, including whether there is any revenue sharing arrangement between the professional fiduciary and any other person.
(B) The method by which the fees described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph will be assessed or charged, whether by commissions, monthly charges or any other method.
(e) The names of providers of direct services to protected persons that are repeatedly used by the professional fiduciary under contract.
(f) The disclosures required under ORS 125.221 if the person nominated to act as a professional fiduciary will employ a person in which the nominated person has a pecuniary or financial interest.
(g) The number of protected persons for whom the person performs fiduciary services at the time of the petition.
(h) Whether the professional fiduciary has ever had a claim against the bond of the professional fiduciary and a description of the circumstances causing the claim.
(i) Whether the professional fiduciary or any staff with responsibility for making decisions for clients or for management of client assets has ever filed for bankruptcy and the date of filing.
(j)(A) Whether the professional fiduciary or any staff with responsibility for making decisions for clients or for management of client assets has ever been denied a professional license that is directly related to responsibilities of the professional fiduciary, or has ever held a professional license that is directly related to responsibilities of the professional fiduciary that was revoked or canceled. If such a license has been denied, revoked or canceled, the petition must reflect the date of the denial, revocation or cancellation and the name of the regulatory body that denied, revoked or canceled the license.
(B) A professional license under this paragraph includes a certificate described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(k) A statement that the criminal records check required under subsection (2) of this section does not disqualify the person from acting as a professional fiduciary.
(L) Whether the professional fiduciary and any staff responsible for making decisions for clients or for management of client assets is or has been certified by a national or state association of professional fiduciaries, the name of any such association and whether the professional fiduciary or other staff person has ever been disciplined by any such association and the result of the disciplinary action.
(m) The name, address and telephone number of the individual who is to act as primary decision maker for the protected person and the name of the person with whom the protected person will have personal contact if that person is not the person who will act as primary decision maker for the protected person.
(n) An acknowledgment by the professional fiduciary that the professional fiduciary will make all investments of client assets in accordance with the standards set forth in ORS 130.750 to 130.775.
(2)(a) If a petition seeks the appointment of a professional fiduciary as described in subsection (5) of this section, the professional fiduciary and all staff with responsibility for making decisions for clients or for management of client assets must undergo a criminal records check before the court may appoint the professional fiduciary. The results of the criminal records check shall be provided by the petitioner to the court. Results of criminal records checks submitted to the court are confidential, shall be subject to inspection only by the parties to the proceedings and their attorneys, and shall not be subject to inspection by members of the public except pursuant to a court order entered after a showing of good cause. A professional fiduciary must disclose to the court any criminal conviction of the professional fiduciary that occurs after the criminal records check was performed. The criminal records check under this subsection shall consist of a check for a criminal record in the State of Oregon and a national criminal records check if:
(A) The person has resided in another state within five years before the date that the criminal records check is performed;
(B) The person has disclosed the existence of a criminal conviction; or
(C) A criminal records check in Oregon discloses the existence of a criminal record in another jurisdiction.
(b) The requirements of this subsection do not apply to any person who serves as a public guardian or conservator, or any staff of a public guardian or conservator, who is operating under ORS 125.700 to 125.730 or 406.050 and who is otherwise required to acquire a criminal records check for other purposes.
(3)(a) If a petition seeks the appointment of a county public guardian and conservator operating under the provisions of ORS 125.700 to 125.730, or the appointment of a conservator under ORS 406.050 (10), the petition need not contain the information described in subsection (1)(e) or (m) of this section.
(b) If a county public guardian and conservator operating under the provisions of ORS 125.700 to 125.730 is appointed to act as a professional fiduciary, or a conservator operating under the authority of ORS 406.050 (10) is appointed, the public guardian or conservator must file with the court within three days after receipt of written notice of the appointment a statement containing the name, address and telephone number of the individual who will act as primary decision maker for the protected person and the name of the person with whom the protected person will have personal contact if the person named as primary decision maker will not have personal contact with the protected person.
(4) If the court appoints a professional fiduciary as described in subsection (5) of this section, the professional fiduciary must update all information required to be disclosed by subsection (1) of this section and provide a copy of the updated statement upon the request of the protected person or upon the request of any person entitled to notice under ORS 125.060 (3). The professional fiduciary must provide an updated statement without demand to the court, the protected person and persons entitled to notice under ORS 125.060 (3) at any time that there is a change in the information provided under subsection (1)(m) or (3)(b) of this section.
(5) As used in this section, “professional fiduciary” means a person nominated as a fiduciary or serving as a fiduciary who is acting at the same time as a fiduciary for three or more protected persons who are not related to the fiduciary. [1999 c.774 §4; 2001 c.102 §4; 2001 c.104 §37; 2009 c.602 §3; 2013 c.690 §1; 2014 c.117 §20; 2015 c.364 §1; 2015 c.381 §6]
125.242 Exemptions for financial institutions and trust companies. ORS 125.221 and 125.240 do not apply to a financial institution, as defined in ORS 706.008, a trust company, as defined in ORS 706.008, or the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator in proceedings under ORS 125.675 to 125.691. [1999 c.774 §5; 2017 c.310 §9]
Note: 125.242 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 125 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
GUARDIANS
125.300 In general. (1)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, a guardian may be appointed for an adult person only as is necessary to promote and protect the well-being of the protected person. A guardianship for an adult person must be designed to encourage the development of maximum self-reliance and independence of the protected person and may be ordered only to the extent necessitated by the person’s actual mental and physical limitations.
(b) A guardian may be appointed for an adult person if there is clear and convincing evidence that the person is a vulnerable youth. A guardianship for a vulnerable youth must be designed to encourage the development of maximum self-reliance and independence of the vulnerable youth and may be ordered only to the extent that the vulnerable youth consents and that is necessitated by the circumstances justifying the appointment of a guardian for the vulnerable youth.
(2) An adult protected person for whom a guardian has been appointed is not presumed to be incompetent.
(3) A protected person retains all legal and civil rights provided by law except those that have been expressly limited by court order or specifically granted to the guardian by the court. Rights retained by the person include but are not limited to the right to contact and retain counsel and to have access to personal records. [1995 c.664 §27; 2021 c.399 §10]
125.305 Order of appointment. (1) After determining that conditions for the appointment of a guardian have been established, the court may appoint a guardian as requested if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that:
(a) The respondent is a minor in need of a guardian, the respondent is incapacitated or the respondent is a vulnerable youth;
(b) The appointment is necessary as a means of providing continuing care and supervision of the respondent; and
(c) The nominated person is both qualified and suitable, and is willing to serve.
(2) The court shall make a guardianship order that is no more restrictive upon the liberty of the protected person than is reasonably necessary to protect the person. In making the order the court shall consider the information in the petition, the report of the visitor, the report of any physician, naturopathic physician or psychologist who has examined the respondent, if there was an examination, and the evidence presented at any hearing.
(3) The court may require that a guardian post bond.
(4) The Department of Human Services may be appointed guardian of a minor if the minor has no living parents and if no willing, qualified and suitable relative or other person has petitioned the court for appointment as a guardian. [1995 c.664 §28; 2017 c.356 §11; 2021 c.399 §11]
125.310 Letters of guardianship. The court shall issue letters of guardianship to the guardian after the filing of any acceptance of the appointment and bond that may be required. A copy of the order appointing the guardian must be attached to the letters of guardianship. Letters of guardianship must be in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
State of Oregon, )
) LETTERS OF
County of ___ ) GUARDIANSHIP
BY THESE LETTERS OF GUARDIANSHIP be informed:
That on ___ (month) ___ (day), 2___, the _____ Court, ___ County, State of Oregon, appointed _____ (name of guardian) guardian for _____ (name of protected person) and that the named guardian has qualified and has the authority and duties of guardian for the named protected person as provided in the order appointing the guardian, a copy of which is attached to these letters.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the court at my office on ___ (month) ___ (day), 2___.
(Seal)
________, Clerk of the Court
By ________, Deputy
______________________________________________________________________________ [1995 c.664 §29]
125.315 General powers and duties of guardian. (1) A guardian has the following powers and duties:
(a) Except to the extent of any limitation under the order of appointment, the guardian has custody of the protected person and may establish the protected person’s place of abode within or without this state.
(b) The guardian shall provide for the care, comfort and maintenance of the protected person and, whenever appropriate, shall arrange for training and education of the protected person. Without regard to custodial rights of the protected person, the guardian shall take reasonable care of the person’s clothing, furniture and other personal effects unless a conservator has been appointed for the protected person.
(c) Subject to the provisions of ORS 127.505 to 127.660 and subsection (3) of this section, the guardian may consent, refuse consent or withhold or withdraw consent to health care, as defined in ORS 127.505, for the protected person. A guardian is not liable solely by reason of consent under this paragraph for any injury to the protected person resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons.
(d) The guardian may:
(A) Make advance funeral and burial arrangements;
(B) Subject to the provisions of ORS 97.130, control the disposition of the remains of the protected person; and
(C) Subject to the provisions of ORS 97.965, make an anatomical gift of all or any part of the body of the protected person.
(e) The guardian of a minor has the powers and responsibilities of a parent who has legal custody of a child, except that the guardian has no obligation to support the minor beyond the support that can be provided from the estate of the minor, and the guardian is not liable for the torts of the minor. The guardian may consent to the marriage or adoption of a protected person who is a minor.
(f) Subject to the provisions of ORS 125.320 (2), the guardian may receive money and personal property deliverable to the protected person and apply the money and property for support, care and education of the protected person. The guardian shall exercise care to conserve any excess for the protected person’s needs.
(g) The guardian shall promote the self-determination of the protected person and, to the extent practicable, encourage the protected person to participate in decisions, act on the protected person’s own behalf and develop or regain the capacity to manage the protected person’s personal affairs. To accomplish the duties under this paragraph, the guardian shall:
(A) Become or remain personally acquainted with the protected person and maintain sufficient contact with the protected person, including through regular visitation, to know the protected person’s abilities, limitations, needs, opportunities and physical and mental health;
(B) To the extent practicable, identify the values and preferences of the protected person and involve the protected person in decisions affecting the protected person, including decisions about the protected person’s care, dwelling, activities or social interactions; and
(C) Make reasonable efforts to identify and facilitate supportive relationships and services for the protected person.
(h) In making decisions for the protected person, the guardian shall make the decisions the guardian reasonably believes the protected person would make if the protected person were able, unless doing so would unreasonably harm or endanger the welfare or personal or financial interests of the protected person. To determine the decision the protected person would make if able, the guardian shall consider the protected person’s previous or current instructions, preferences, opinions, values and actions, to the extent actually known or reasonably ascertainable by the guardian.
(i) If the guardian cannot make a decision under paragraph (h) of this subsection because the guardian does not know and cannot reasonably determine the decision the protected person would make if able, or the guardian reasonably believes the decision the protected person would make would unreasonably harm or endanger the welfare or personal or financial interests of the protected person, the guardian shall act in accordance with the best interest of the protected person. In determining the best interest of the protected person, the guardian shall consider:
(A) Information received from professionals and persons that demonstrate sufficient interest in the welfare of the protected person;
(B) Other information the guardian believes the protected person would consider if the protected person were able; and
(C) Other factors a reasonable person in the circumstances of the protected person would consider, including consequences for others.
(2) If a conservator has been appointed for the protected person, the guardian may file a motion with the court seeking an order of the court on the duties of the conservator relating to payment of support for the protected person.
(3) A guardian may consent to the withholding or withdrawing of artificially administered nutrition and hydration for a protected person only under the circumstances described in ORS 127.580 (1)(a), (b), (d), (e) or (f) and, if the protected person has a medical condition specified in ORS 127.580 (1)(b), (d), (e) or (f), the condition has been medically confirmed. [1995 c.664 §30; 1997 c.472 §12; 2007 c.230 §1; 2007 c.681 §27; 2019 c.198 §5]
125.320 Limitations on guardian. (1) A guardian may not authorize the sterilization of the protected person.
(2) A guardian may not use funds from the protected person’s estate for room and board that the guardian or guardian’s spouse, parent or child have furnished the protected person unless the charge for the service is approved by order of the court before the payment is made.
(3)(a) Before a guardian may change the abode of an adult protected person or place an adult protected person in a mental health treatment facility, a nursing home or other residential facility, the guardian must file with the court and serve a statement declaring that the guardian intends to make the change of abode or placement in the manner set forth in paragraph (b) of this subsection.
(b)(A) The statement must be filed and served in the manner provided for serving a motion under ORS 125.065 to the persons specified in ORS 125.060 (3) and (8) at least 15 days prior to each change of abode or placement of the protected person.
(B) When the guardian determines that the change of abode or placement must occur in less than 15 days to protect the immediate health, welfare or safety of the protected person or others, the statement shall declare that the change of abode or placement must occur in less than 15 days to protect the immediate health, welfare or safety of the protected person or others. The statement must be filed and served with as much advance notice as possible, in no event later than two judicial days after the change of abode or placement occurs. The guardian may make the change of abode or placement prior to a hearing on any objection.
(c) In addition to the requirements of ORS 125.070 (1), the notice given to the protected person must clearly indicate the manner in which the protected person may object to the proposed placement.
(d) The court shall schedule a hearing on any objection to a statement filed under this subsection made in the manner provided by ORS 125.075 for presenting objections to a petition or motion in a protective proceeding. If no objection is made, the guardian may change the abode of the adult protected person or place the adult protected person in a mental health treatment facility, a nursing home or other residential facility without further court order.
(e) The requirement that notice be served on an attorney for a protected person under ORS 125.060 (8) does not impose any responsibility on the attorney receiving the notice to represent the protected person in the protective proceeding.
(4) A guardian for a protected person who is a vulnerable youth may not possess or control the vulnerable youth’s identity documents. [1995 c.664 §31; 2001 c.473 §1; 2005 c.498 §3; 2017 c.391 §5; 2021 c.399 §12]
125.323 Limits on association. (1) As used in this section:
(a) “Association” means communication, visitation or other social interaction with third parties; and
(b) “Interested person” means a protected person, a person with whom association is being limited, any fiduciary for the protected person or any person who has filed a request for notice in the proceedings.
(2) A guardian may not limit a protected person’s preferred associations, except:
(a) As specifically allowed by the court; or
(b) To the extent the guardian determines necessary to avoid unreasonable harm to the protected person’s health, safety or well-being.
(3) If a protected person is unable to communicate, the protected person’s preferred association shall be presumed based on the prior relationship between the protected person and the person with whom the association is contemplated.
(4)(a) If a guardian limits a protected person’s association as provided in subsection (2)(b) of this section, an interested person may move the court to modify the guardian’s powers with respect to limiting the association.
(b) Motions under this subsection must be in writing, except that a protected person may move the court orally in person or by other means that are intended to convey the protected person’s motion to the court. The court shall designate the manner in which an oral motion may be made that ensures that a protected person will have the protected person’s motion presented to the court. The clerk of the court shall provide a means of reducing the oral motion to a signed writing for the purpose of filing the motion.
(c) Any limits on a protected person’s associations in effect on the date a motion is filed under this subsection remain in effect pending the court’s action under paragraph (e) of this subsection.
(d) The court shall schedule the hearing required under ORS 125.080 (3) on a motion under this subsection no later than 60 days following the date the motion is filed with the court. The person making the motion shall give notice to all persons entitled to notice under ORS 125.060 (3) of the date, time and place of the scheduled hearing at least 15 days before the date set for the hearing. Notice shall be given in the manner prescribed by ORS 125.065. The court for good cause shown may provide for a different method or time of giving notice under this subsection.
(e) If the court determines that the guardian unreasonably limited association under this section, the court may:
(A) Permit the association, with or without limitations;
(B) Modify the guardian’s powers to limit the protected person’s associations;
(C) Remove the guardian; or
(D) Award reasonable attorney fees and court costs associated with the motion. [2019 c.198 §2]
125.325 Guardian’s report. (1) Not later than 30 days following each anniversary of appointment, a guardian for an adult protected person shall file with the court a written report. The report must include a declaration under penalty of perjury in the form required by ORCP 1 E, or an unsworn declaration under ORS 194.800 to 194.835, if the declarant is physically outside the boundaries of the United States. Copies of the guardian’s report must be given to those persons specified in ORS 125.060 (3). Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the report must be in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
IN THE _________ COURT ____________ COUNTY,
STATE OF OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF PROBATE
In the Matter of the ) No. ______
Guardianship of )
____________, )
(Name of protected )
person) )
A Protected )
Person. )
GUARDIAN’S REPORT
I am the guardian for the person named above, and I make the following report to the court as required by law:
1. My name is ____________.
2. My address and telephone number are:
______________________
______________________
Phone ____________
3. The name, if applicable, and address of the place where the person now resides are:
______________________
______________________
4. The person is currently residing at the following type of facility or residence:
______________________
5. The person is currently engaged in the following programs and activities and receiving the following services (brief description):
______________________
6. I was paid for providing the following items of lodging, food or other services to the person:
______________________
______________________
7. The name of the person primarily responsible for the care of the person at the person’s place of residence is:
______________________
8. The name and address of any hospital or other institution where the person is now admitted on a temporary or permanent basis are:
______________________
______________________
9. The person’s physical condition is as follows (brief description):
______________________
______________________
10. The person’s mental condition is as follows (brief description):
______________________
______________________
11. Facts that support the conclusion that the person is incapacitated include the following:
______________________
12. I made the following contacts with the person during the past year (brief description):
______________________
13. I limited the person’s association with _____ (Please specifically name any limitations and briefly describe the limitation):
______________________
14. I made the following major decisions on behalf of the person during the past year (brief description):
______________________
15. I believe the guardianship should or should not continue because:
______________________
16. At the time of my last report, I held the following amount of money on behalf of the person: $______. Since my last report, I received the following amount of money on behalf of the person: $______. I spent the following amount of money on behalf of the person: $______. I now hold the following amount of money on behalf of the person: $______.
17. A true copy of this report will be given to the person, any conservator for the person and any other person who has requested notice.
18. Since my last report:
(a) I have been convicted of the following crimes (not including traffic violations):
______________________
(b) I have filed for or received protection from creditors under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (yes or no): _____.
(c) I have had a professional or occupational license revoked or suspended (yes or no): _____.
(d) I have had my driver license revoked or suspended (yes or no): _____.
19. Since my last report, I have delegated the following powers over the protected person for the following periods of time (provide name of person powers delegated to):
______________________
I hereby declare that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand it is made for use as evidence in court and is subject to penalty for perjury.
Dated this ___ day of ________, 2___.
______________________
Guardian
NOTICE: ANY PERSON INTERESTED IN THE AFFAIRS OR WELFARE OF THE PROTECTED PERSON WHO IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS REPORT WHO HAS CONCERNS ABOUT THIS REPORT OR THE GUARDIAN’S PERFORMANCE MAY CONTACT THE COURT AS FOLLOWS:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(2) If the guardian indicates in the report under subsection (1) of this section that the guardianship should not continue or fails to provide adequate information in the report supporting the continuing need for the guardianship, the court shall order the guardian to supplement the report or to file a motion to terminate the protective proceeding under ORS 125.090.
(3) Failure of the guardian to comply with an order under subsection (2) of this section before the 30th day following the date of the order is grounds for removal under ORS 125.225 (1).
(4) If the guardian fails to comply with an order issued under subsection (2) of this section, the court, on its own motion or on the petition of any other person, shall order the guardian to appear and show cause why the guardian should not be removed.
(5) The court shall serve a copy of any order issued under subsection (2) or (4) of this section and a copy of the report filed under subsection (1) of this section and supplemental materials, if any, upon those persons entitled to notice under ORS 125.060 (3).
(6) If a guardian was appointed because the protected person is a vulnerable youth, the court may in its discretion:
(a) Require a guardian for a vulnerable youth to file written reports with the court more frequently than required under subsection (1) of this section; or
(b) Permit the report to be in an alternate form approved in advance by the court. [1995 c.664 §32; 1997 c.717 §6; 2007 c.284 §4; 2013 c.218 §16; 2017 c.391 §6; 2019 c.77 §3; 2019 c.198 §6; 2021 c.399 §13]
125.330 Limitations on guardian appointed for person committed to custody of Department of Corrections. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a guardian appointed for a person committed to the legal and physical custody of the Department of Corrections may not exercise those powers specified in ORS 125.315 (1)(a) or (b) while the person remains confined.
(2) A guardian appointed for a person committed to the legal and physical custody of the Department of Corrections may take reasonable care of the person’s clothing, furniture and other personal effects that are not located at the person’s place of confinement.
(3) A guardian appointed for an incarcerated person may exercise those powers specified in ORS 125.315 (1)(c) only to the extent that the exercise of those powers is consistent with the protected person’s status as a confined person and with the powers and duties of the superintendent or other officials of the facility. In no event may a guardian appointed for a person committed to the legal and physical custody of the Department of Corrections exercise more authority over health care decisions than the protected person could exercise given the person’s status as a confined person. [1999 c.122 §2]
CONSERVATORS
(Appointment)
125.400 Order of appointment. Upon the filing of a petition seeking the appointment of a conservator, the court may appoint a conservator and make other appropriate protective orders if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is a minor or financially incapable, and that the respondent has money or property that requires management or protection. [1995 c.664 §33]
125.405 Letters of conservatorship. The court shall issue letters of conservatorship to the conservator after the filing of any acceptance of the appointment and bond that may be required. Letters of conservatorship must be in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
State of Oregon, )
) LETTERS OF
County of ___ ) CONSERVATORSHIP
BY THESE LETTERS OF CONSERVATORSHIP be informed:
That on ___ (month) ___ (day), 2___, the _____ Court, ___ County, State of Oregon, appointed _____ (name of conservator) conservator of the estate of _____ (name of protected person) and that the named conservator has qualified and has the authority and duties of conservator of the estate of the named protected person as provided by law.
LIMITATIONS: _______________
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the court at my office on ___ (month) ___ (day), 2___.
(Seal)
________, Clerk of the Court
By ________, Deputy
______________________________________________________________________________ [1995 c.664 §34]
(Bond)
125.410 Conservator’s bond. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the court shall require a conservator to furnish a bond conditioned upon faithful discharge of all duties of the conservator according to law, with sureties as specified by the court. Unless otherwise directed, the bond must be in the amount of the aggregate capital value of the property of the estate in the control of the conservator plus one year’s estimated income minus the value of securities and money deposited under arrangements requiring an order of the court for their removal and the value of any real property that the conservator, by express limitation of power, lacks power to sell or convey without court authorization.
(2)(a) The court may waive a bond for good cause shown.
(b) Subsection (1) of this section does not affect the provisions of ORS 709.240, relating to a trust company acting as fiduciary, ORS 125.715, relating to a county public guardian and conservator acting as fiduciary, ORS 125.687, relating to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator or a deputy public guardian and conservator acting as fiduciary under ORS 125.675 to 125.691, or ORS 406.050 (10), relating to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs acting as fiduciary.
(3) Sureties for a bond required under this section are jointly and severally liable with the conservator and with each other.
(4) Letters of conservatorship may not be issued until the bond required by this section is approved by the court.
(5) The bond of the conservator continues in effect until the sureties on the bond are released by order of the court.
(6) The court may at any time increase or reduce the amount of the bond required of a conservator for the protection of the protected person and the estate of the protected person.
(7) If a surety on a bond required by this section gives notice of intent to cancel the bond, the conservator shall execute and file in the protective proceeding a new bond before the cancellation date specified by the surety. The new bond shall be in the amount and subject to those conditions that may be required by the court. If the conservator fails to file a new bond, the authority of the conservator ends on the date specified by the surety for cancellation of the bond. The letters of conservatorship issued to the conservator are void from that date, and the conservator must make and file the final accounting of the conservator. [1995 c.664 §36; 2001 c.102 §5; 2005 c.625 §66; 2009 c.602 §4; 2014 c.117 §21; 2015 c.381 §7]
125.415 Termination of bond by surety. (1) A surety may cancel the obligation of the surety upon notice in writing to the conservator and the court. The notice shall specify an effective date for the cancellation that is not less than 30 days after the date of the notice.
(2) A surety’s obligation under a bond shall continue until court approval of an accounting covering the period during which the bond was effective and an order is entered releasing the sureties. [1995 c.664 §37]
(Conservator’s Powers and Duties)
125.420 Power of conservator over property of protected person. A conservator shall take possession of all the property of substantial value of the protected person, and of rents, income, issues and profits from those properties whether accruing before or after the appointment of the conservator. The conservator shall also take possession of all proceeds from the sale, mortgage, lease or other disposition of property of the protected person. The conservator may permit the protected person to retain possession and control of property and funds for living requirements as appropriate to the needs and capacities of the protected person. The title to all property of the protected person is in the protected person and not in the conservator. [1995 c.664 §38]
125.425 Powers of conservator to pay expenses of protected person and dependents. (1) A conservator may expend or distribute income or principal of the estate without prior court authorization or confirmation for the support, education, care or benefit of the protected person and the dependents of the protected person after the conservator considers recommendations relating to the appropriate standard of support, education, care and benefit for the protected person made by any parent or guardian of the protected person. The conservator is not personally responsible for sums paid to persons or organizations furnishing support, education, care or benefit to the protected person pursuant to the recommendations of a parent or guardian of the protected person unless:
(a) The conservator knows that the parent or guardian is deriving personal financial benefit from those payments; or
(b) The recommendations made by the parent or guardian clearly are not in the best interests of the protected person.
(2) A conservator may expend or distribute income or principal of the estate without prior court authorization or confirmation for the support, education, care or benefit of the protected person and the dependents of the protected person if those amounts are reasonably necessary for the support, education, care or benefit of the protected person with due regard to:
(a) The size of the estate, the probable duration of the conservatorship and the likelihood that the protected person, at some future time, may be fully able to manage the affairs of the protected person and the estate that has been conserved for the protected person;
(b) The accustomed standard of living of the protected person and members of the household of the protected person; and
(c) Other funds or sources used for the support of the protected person.
(3) A conservator may expend or distribute income or principal of the estate without prior court authorization or confirmation for the support, education, care or benefit of the dependents of the protected person, other persons who are members of the protected person’s household who are unable to support themselves and who are in need of support, and any other persons who were receiving support from the protected person before the appointment of the conservator.
(4) The conservator may reimburse any person, including the protected person, who has expended funds for the purposes specified in this section. The conservator may pay any person in advance for those purposes if the conservator reasonably believes that the services will be performed and where advance payments are customary or reasonably necessary under the circumstances. [1995 c.664 §39]
125.430 Sale of protected person’s residence. (1) A protected person’s principal residence may be sold by a conservator only with the prior approval of the court. A motion seeking prior approval must be filed with the court and notice given to the persons specified in ORS 125.060 (3).
(2) For purposes of this section, “principal residence” means a residence that is owned by the protected person and in which the protected person resides or last resided, whether or not the protected person resides in the residence at the time approval to sell is sought from the court. [1995 c.664 §40]
125.435 Power of conservator to make gifts. If the estate has adequate funds to provide for the purposes specified in ORS 125.425, a conservator may make gifts on behalf of the protected person for such purposes as the protected person might have been expected to make. The conservator may make gifts without prior court approval of up to $250 to a person in a calendar year, not to exceed an aggregate amount of $1,000 for all gifts in a calendar year. The conservator must have prior court approval for any other gifts. [1995 c.664 §41]
125.440 Acts conservator may perform only with court approval. A conservator may perform the following acts only with prior court approval:
(1) Convey or release contingent or expectant interests of the protected person in property, including marital property rights and any right of survivorship incident to joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety.
(2) Create revocable or irrevocable trusts of property of the estate. A trust created by the conservator may extend beyond the period of disability of the protected person or beyond the life of the protected person. A trust created by the conservator must be consistent with the will of the protected person or any other written or oral expression of testamentary intent made by the protected person before the person became incapacitated. The court may not approve a trust that has the effect of terminating the conservatorship unless:
(a) The trust is created for the purpose of qualifying the protected person for needs-based government benefits or maintaining the eligibility of the protected person for needs-based government benefits;
(b) The value of the conservatorship estate, including the amount to be transferred to the trust, does not exceed $50,000;
(c) The purpose of establishing the conservatorship was to create the trust; or
(d) The conservator shows other good cause to the court.
(3) Exercise rights of the protected person to elect options and change beneficiaries under insurance and annuity policies and to surrender the policies for their cash value.
(4) Disclaim any interest the protected person may have by testate or intestate succession, by inter vivos transfer or by transfer on death deed.
(5) Authorize, direct or ratify any annuity contract or contract for life care.
(6) Revoke a transfer on death deed. [1995 c.664 §42; 2007 c.62 §1; 2011 c.212 §28]
125.445 Acts authorized to be performed without prior court approval. A conservator may perform the following acts without prior court authorization or confirmation if the conservator is acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes for which the conservator was appointed:
(1) Collect, hold and retain assets of the estate including land wherever situated, until, in the judgment of the conservator, disposition of the assets should be made. Assets of the estate may be retained even though those assets include property in which the conservator is personally interested.
(2) Receive additions to the estate.
(3) Continue or participate in the operation of any business or other enterprise.
(4) Acquire an undivided interest in an estate asset in which the conservator, in any fiduciary capacity, holds an undivided interest.
(5) Invest and reinvest estate assets and funds in the same manner as a trustee may invest and reinvest.
(6) Deposit estate funds in a bank including a bank operated by the conservator.
(7) Except as limited in ORS 125.430, acquire or dispose of an estate asset including real property wherever situated for cash or on credit, at public or private sale.
(8) Manage, develop, improve, exchange, partition, change the character of or abandon an estate asset in connection with the exercise of any power vested in the conservator.
(9) Make ordinary or extraordinary repairs or alterations in buildings or other structures, demolish any improvements, or raze existing or erect new party walls or buildings.
(10) Subdivide, develop or dedicate land to public use, make or obtain the vacation of plats and adjust boundaries, adjust differences in valuation on exchange or partition by giving or receiving considerations, and dedicate easements to public use without consideration.
(11) Enter for any purpose into a lease as lessor or lessee with or without option to purchase or renew for a term within or extending beyond the term of the conservatorship.
(12) Enter into a lease or arrangement for exploration and removal of minerals or other natural resources or enter into a pooling or unitization agreement.
(13) Grant an option involving disposition of an estate asset or take an option for acquisition of any asset.
(14) Vote a security, in person or by general or limited proxy.
(15) Pay calls, assessments and any other sums chargeable or accruing against or on account of securities.
(16) Sell or exercise stock subscription or conversion rights, or consent, directly or through a committee or other agent, to the reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution or liquidation of a corporation or other business enterprise.
(17) Hold a security in the name of a nominee or in other form without disclosure of the conservatorship so that title to the security may pass by delivery. The conservator is liable for any act of the nominee in connection with the stock so held.
(18) Insure the assets of the estate against damage or loss, and the conservator against liability with respect to third persons.
(19) Borrow money to be repaid from estate assets or otherwise and mortgage or pledge property of the protected person as security therefor.
(20) Advance money for the protection of the estate or the protected person, and for all expenses, losses and liability sustained in the administration of the estate or because of the holding or ownership of any estate assets. The conservator has a lien on the estate as against the protected person for advances so made.
(21) Pay or contest any claim, settle a claim by or against the estate or the protected person by compromise, arbitration or otherwise, and release, in whole or in part, any claim belonging to the estate to the extent that the claim is uncollectible.
(22) Pay taxes, assessments, compensation of the conservator and other expenses incurred in the collection, care, administration and protection of the estate.
(23) Allocate items of income or expense to either income or principal, including creation of reserves out of income for depreciation, obsolescence or amortization, or for depletion in mineral or timber properties.
(24) Pay any sum distributable to a protected person or a dependent of a protected person by paying the sum to the protected person or the dependent, or by paying the sum either to a guardian, custodian under ORS 126.700, or conservator of the protected person or, if none, to a relative or other person with custody of the protected person.
(25) Employ persons, including attorneys, auditors, investment advisers or agents, even though they are associated with the conservator, to advise or assist the conservator in the performance of administrative duties, acting upon their recommendation without independent investigation, and instead of acting personally, employing one or more agents to perform any act of administration, whether or not discretionary, except that payment to the conservator’s attorney of record is subject to the provisions of ORS 125.095.
(26) Prosecute or defend actions, claims or proceedings in any jurisdiction for the protection of estate assets and of the conservator in the performance of duties.
(27) Prosecute claims of the protected person including those for the personal injury of the protected person.
(28) Execute and deliver all instruments that will accomplish or facilitate the exercise of the powers vested in the conservator. [1995 c.664 §43]
125.450 Voidable transactions. Any sale or encumbrance to a conservator, the spouse, agent or attorney of the conservator, or any corporation or trust in which the conservator has a substantial beneficial interest, or any transaction that is otherwise affected by a substantial conflict of interest is voidable unless the transaction is approved by the court after the filing of a motion with the court seeking approval of the transaction. [1995 c.664 §44]
(Desires of Protected Person)
125.455 Power of competent protected person over estate. (1) A protected person, if mentally competent, may make wills, change beneficiaries of life insurance and annuity policies and exercise any power of appointment or any elective right to share in the estate of a deceased spouse.
(2) Except as provided in this section and ORS 125.420, a protected person for whom a conservator has been appointed cannot convey or encumber the estate of the protected person or make any contract or election affecting the estate of the protected person. [1995 c.664 §45]
125.460 Consideration of estate plan of protected person. In investing the estate, selecting assets of the estate for distribution and utilizing powers of revocation or withdrawal available for the support of the protected person and exercisable by the conservator or the court, the conservator and the court shall take into account any known estate plan of the protected person, including the will of the protected person, any revocable trust of which the protected person is settlor, and any contract, transfer or joint ownership arrangement with provisions for payment or transfer of benefits or interests at the death of the protected person to another or others that the protected person may have originated. The conservator may examine the will of the protected person. [1995 c.664 §46]
(Inventory of Property)
125.465 Discovery of property; examination by conservator. (1) The court may order any person to appear and give testimony by deposition if it appears probable that the person:
(a) Has concealed, secreted or disposed of any property of the protected person;
(b) Has been entrusted with property of the protected person and fails to account for that property to the conservator;
(c) Has concealed, secreted or disposed of any writing, instrument or document relating to the affairs of the protected person;
(d) Has knowledge or information that is necessary to the administration of the affairs of the protected person; or
(e) As an officer or agent of a corporation, has refused to allow examination of the books and records of the corporation that the protected person has a right to examine.
(2) If a person is cited to appear under this section and fails to appear or to answer questions asked as authorized by the order of the court, the person may be held in contempt of court. [1995 c.664 §47]
125.470 Filing of inventory required; supplemental inventory. (1) Within 90 days after the date of appointment, unless a longer time is granted by the court, a conservator must file in the protective proceeding an inventory of all the property of the estate of the protected person that has come into the possession or knowledge of the conservator. The inventory must show the estimates by the conservator of the respective true cash values as of the date of the protective order. If the protected person has attained 14 years of age, a copy of the inventory must be served on the protected person personally or by mail.
(2) Whenever any property of the estate of the protected person not included in the inventory or any subsequent accounting and not derived from any asset included in a prior inventory or any subsequent accounting comes into the possession or knowledge of the conservator, the conservator must file a supplemental inventory in the protective proceeding. The supplemental inventory must be filed within 30 days after the date of receiving possession or knowledge of the property.
(3) If the estate of the protected person includes real property, the conservator must record in the deed records of the clerk of the county in which the real property is situated a certified copy of the inventory required by this section or an abstract in substantially the following form:
______________________________________________________________________________
The protected person’s name is ______
___________________________
Conservatorship Case # ____________
County where proceedings are pending ______________________
Conservator is ____________
Conservator’s address is ____________
Attorney’s name is ____________
Attorney’s address is ____________
The following real property is subject to proceedings: ________
Signature ______________________
Dated ______________________
STATE OF OREGON )
) ss.
County of ________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of ______, 2___, by ____________.
______________________
Notary Public for Oregon
My commission expires: ____________
______________________________________________________________________________ [1995 c.664 §48]
(Accountings)
125.475 Conservator’s accounting to court; contents. (1) Unless the court by order provides otherwise, a conservator shall account to the court for the administration of the protected estate within 60 days after each anniversary of appointment. In addition, a conservator shall account to the court for the administration of the protected estate:
(a) Within 60 days after the death of the protected person, a minor protected person attains majority or an adult protected person becomes able to manage the protected person’s financial resources; and
(b) Within 30 days after the removal of the conservator, the resignation of the conservator or the termination of the conservator’s authority under ORS 125.410 (7).
(2) Each accounting must include the following information:
(a) The period of time covered by the accounting.
(b) The total value of the property with which the conservator is chargeable according to the inventory, or, if there was a prior accounting, the amount of the balance of the prior accounting.
(c) All money and property received during the period covered by the accounting.
(d) All disbursements made during the period covered by the accounting.
(e) The amount of bond posted by the conservator during the period covered by the accounting.
(f) With respect to conservators who are professional fiduciaries, the total amount of compensation that investment advisers or brokers other than the professional fiduciary charged or received in charges for investments managed or transacted by the investment advisers or brokers.
(g) Such other information as the conservator considers necessary, or that the court might require, for the purpose of disclosing the condition of the estate.
(3) Vouchers for disbursements must accompany the accounting unless otherwise provided by order or rule of the court or unless the conservator is a trust company that has complied with ORS 709.030 or is the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. If vouchers are not required, the conservator shall:
(a) Maintain the vouchers for a period of not less than one year following the date on which the order approving the final accounting is entered;
(b) Permit interested persons to inspect the vouchers and receive copies of the vouchers at their own expense at the place of business of the conservator during the conservator’s normal business hours at any time before the end of one year following the date on which the order approving the final accounting is entered; and
(c) Include in each annual accounting and the final accounting a statement that the vouchers are not filed with the accounting but are maintained by the conservator and may be inspected and copied as provided in this subsection.
(4) The court may waive a final accounting if:
(a) The conservator was appointed because the protected person was a minor, and the protected person has attained the age of majority, or the conservator was appointed because the protected person was financially incapable, and the protected person is no longer financially incapable;
(b) The protected person gives a receipt to the conservator for the property delivered to the protected person; and
(c) The conservator files with the court a copy of the receipt issued by the protected person to the conservator.
(5) Copies of accountings must be served on all persons listed in ORS 125.060 (3). The court may waive service on the protected person if service of the copy would not assist the protected person in understanding the proceedings.
(6) The court may require a conservator to submit to a physical check of the estate in the control of the conservator at any time and in any manner the court may specify.
(7) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court may by rule specify the form and contents of accounts that must be filed by a conservator. [1995 c.664 §49; 1997 c.631 §411; 1999 c.592 §4; 2005 c.123 §2; 2015 c.364 §2; 2019 c.539 §1]
125.480 Approval of accounting. Subject to appeal or vacation within the time allowed by law, an order, made upon notice and hearing, allowing an intermediate accounting of a conservator, is final as to the liabilities of the conservator concerning the matters considered in connection with the intermediate accounting. An order, made upon notice and hearing, allowing a final accounting is final as to all previously unsettled liabilities of the conservator to the protected person or successors relating to the conservatorship. [1995 c.664 §50]
(Liabilities)
125.485 Liability of conservator. (1) A conservator is not personally liable on a contract entered into in the fiduciary capacity of the conservator in the course of administering the estate unless:
(a) The contract specifically makes the conservator liable in a personal capacity; or
(b) The conservator fails to reveal the representative capacity of the conservator and identity of the estate in the contract.
(2) The conservator is personally liable for obligations arising from ownership, obligations arising out of control of property of the estate and torts committed in the course of administration of the estate only if the conservator is personally at fault.
(3) Claims based on contracts entered into by a conservator in the fiduciary capacity of the conservator, on obligations arising from ownership or control of the estate or on torts committed in the course of administration of the estate may be asserted against the estate by proceeding against the conservator in the fiduciary capacity of the conservator, whether or not the conservator is personally liable.
(4) Any question of liability between the estate and the conservator personally may be determined in a proceeding for accounting or for indemnification, or in any other appropriate proceeding or action. [1995 c.664 §51]
125.490 Status of persons dealing with conservator. (1) A person who in good faith either assists a conservator or deals with the conservator for value in any transaction other than those requiring a court order under the provisions of this chapter is protected as if the conservator properly exercised the power. The fact that a person knowingly deals with a conservator does not require the person to inquire into existence of a power or the propriety of its exercise, except that restrictions on powers of conservators that are indorsed on letters are effective as to third persons. A person is not required to see to the proper application of estate assets paid or delivered to a conservator.
(2) The protection provided under subsection (1) of this section:
(a) Is not affected by any procedural irregularity or jurisdictional defect in the proceedings that resulted in the issuance of letters; and
(b) Is in addition to the protection provided by comparable provisions of the laws relating to commercial transactions and laws simplifying transfers of securities by fiduciaries.
(3) A person who holds property in which the protected person has an interest, or who is indebted either to the protected person or to the protected person and others, may enter into transactions with the conservator with respect to the property or debt to the same extent that the person could deal with the protected person if the protected person were not under protection. [1995 c.664 §52]
(Claims and Expenses)
125.495 Payment of claims against estate or protected person. (1) A conservator shall pay from the estate claims against the estate and against the protected person arising before or after the conservatorship upon their presentation, allowance and maturity. Claims that become absolute at an uncertain event may not be allowed. The conservator may allow claims against the estate of a protected person in part and disallow them in part.
(2) A claim may be presented by either of the following methods:
(a) The claimant may deliver or mail to the conservator or the attorney for the conservator a written statement of the claim stating the basis of the claim, the name and address of the claimant and of the claimant’s attorney if the claimant is represented by an attorney in respect to the claim, and the amount claimed.
(b) The claimant may file the claim with the clerk of the court in which the proceeding is pending, captioned in a manner that will identify the protected person and the clerk’s number of the proceeding, and deliver or mail a copy of the statement to the conservator or the attorney of the conservator.
(3) If the conservator disallows the claim in whole or in part, or if the conservator finds that the claim is valid but not due, the conservator shall notify the claimant or the attorney of the claimant in writing of the disallowance or finding of the conservator.
(4) The presentation of a claim and any defect in form or substance may be waived by the conservator or by the court if the claim, properly stated, is a valid and absolute obligation of the estate.
(5) The conservator may reconsider any claim previously rejected or allowed, or may compromise any claim against the estate of a protected person, including contingent, unliquidated and unmatured claims. [1995 c.664 §53]
125.500 Enforcement of claim against estate or protected person. (1) An action upon a claim may not be brought until the claim is disallowed or until 60 days have elapsed from the date of its presentment without allowance of payment.
(2) A creditor of the protected person or the estate of the protected person whose claim is secured may not exercise remedies against the security until at least 30 days after the claim is presented and after notice to the conservator or the attorney of the conservator that the creditor intends to exercise remedies against the security. The court may shorten the period for cause.
(3) The conservator may convey the security to the secured creditor in full or partial satisfaction of the claim if the secured creditor agrees to accept the conveyance as full satisfaction or partial satisfaction of the debt. [1995 c.664 §54]
125.505 Notice of claim to conservator. If a proceeding is pending against a protected person at the time of appointment of a conservator or is commenced against the protected person after appointment of a conservator, the plaintiff must give notice of the proceeding to the conservator or the attorney of the conservator if any judgment or order arising out of the proceeding will constitute a claim against the estate. [1995 c.664 §55]
125.510 Procedure where claim disallowed. (1) If the conservator disallows a claim in whole or in part, or if the conservator does not allow or disallow a claim within 60 days after it is presented, the claimant may:
(a) File in the conservatorship proceeding a request for a summary determination of the claim by the court, with proof of service of a copy upon the conservator or the attorney of the conservator; or
(b) Commence a separate action against the conservator on the claim in a court of competent jurisdiction. The action shall proceed and be tried as any other action.
(2) If the claimant requests a summary hearing, the conservator may, within 30 days after service of the request, notify the claimant in writing that if the claimant desires to prove the claim the claimant must commence a separate action against the conservator within 60 days after service of the notice. If the claimant fails to commence an action against the conservator within that time, the claim is barred.
(3) An order allowing or disallowing in whole or in part a claim that has been considered upon a summary hearing may not be appealed. [1995 c.664 §56]
125.515 Effect of presentation of claim on statute of limitations. (1) The following periods of time shall not be part of the time limited for the commencement of an action under any statute of limitation:
(a) The period of time beginning at the presentation of a claim and ending 30 days after the claim is disallowed.
(b) If the claim is not allowed or disallowed within 60 days after it is presented, the period of time beginning with the presentation of the claim and ending 90 days after the claim is presented.
(2) For the purpose of any statute of limitation, an action is considered commenced upon the filing of a request for a summary determination of a claim that has been disallowed in whole or in part. [1995 c.664 §57]
125.520 Order of payment of expenses and claims. If it is likely that the estate of the protected person will be exhausted before all claims against the estate are paid, the conservator shall give preference in the payment of claims in the following order of priority:
(1) Funds needed for the current care, maintenance and support of the protected person and the dependents of the protected person and claims for the expenses of administration.
(2) Expenses and claims for the care, maintenance and support of the protected person and the dependents of the protected person that are not paid under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) Debts and taxes with preference under federal law.
(4) Taxes with preference under the laws of this state that are due and payable while possession of the estate of the protected person is retained by the conservator.
(5) All other claims against the conservatorship estate. [1995 c.664 §58; 1997 c.717 §7]
(Termination of Proceedings)
125.525 Termination of conservatorship. An order terminating the conservatorship of a living person shall direct the conservator to deliver the assets in the possession of the conservator to the protected person:
(1) Immediately, to the extent that the assets are not required for payment of expenses of administration and debts incurred by the conservator for the account of the estate of the protected person; and
(2) Upon entry of an order approving the final accounting or surcharging the conservator, to the extent of any balance remaining. [1995 c.664 §59; 2017 c.169 §59]
125.530 Powers and duties of conservator on death of protected person. If a protected person dies and the conservator has possession of a will of the protected person, the conservator shall either deliver the will to the personal representative named in the will or deliver the will to the court for safekeeping. If the conservator delivers the will to the court for safekeeping, the conservator must inform any personal representative named in the will that the conservator has made that delivery. If it is not possible to inform the named personal representative, the conservator shall inform the beneficiaries named in the will of the delivery. The conservator shall retain and administer the estate for delivery to the personal representative of the decedent or other persons entitled to the estate. [1995 c.664 §60; 1997 c.717 §8]
125.535 Disposition of small estate. If at any time the estate of a protected person consists of personal property having a value not exceeding by more than $10,000 the aggregate amount of unpaid expenses of administration of the protected estate and claims against the estate, the conservator, with prior accounting and approval of the court by order, may pay the expenses and claims from the estate and deliver all the remaining personal property to the person designated by the court in the order, to be held, invested or used as ordered by the court. The recipient of the property shall give a receipt to the conservator. The receipt is a release of and acquittance to the conservator as to the property delivered. The conservator shall file in the protective proceeding proper receipts or other evidence satisfactory to the court showing the delivery. Upon the court receiving the evidence, the court shall enter an order terminating the protective proceeding. [1995 c.664 §61]
(Payment to Foreign Conservator)
125.540 Payment of debt and delivery of property to foreign conservator. (1) A person indebted to a protected person, or having possession of property or of an instrument evidencing a debt, stock or chose in action belonging to a protected person, may make payment or delivery to a conservator, guardian or other fiduciary appointed by a court of the state where the protected person resides, upon being presented with proof of appointment and an affidavit made by the fiduciary stating that:
(a) A protective proceeding relating to the protected person is not pending in this state; and
(b) The fiduciary is entitled to payment or to receive delivery.
(2) If the person to whom the affidavit is presented is not aware of any protective proceeding pending in this state, payment or delivery in response to the demand and affidavit discharges the debtor or possessor. [1995 c.664 §62]
TEMPORARY FIDUCIARIES
125.600 In general. (1) A temporary fiduciary who will exercise the powers of a guardian may be appointed by the court if the court makes a specific finding by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is incapacitated or a minor, that there is an immediate and serious danger to the life or health of the respondent, and that the welfare of the respondent requires immediate action.
(2) A temporary fiduciary who will exercise the powers of a conservator may be appointed by the court if the court makes a specific finding by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent is financially incapable or a minor, that there is an immediate and serious danger to the estate of the respondent, and that the welfare of the respondent requires immediate action.
(3) A temporary fiduciary may be appointed only for a specific purpose and only for a specific period of time. The period of time may not exceed 30 days. The court may extend the period of the temporary fiduciary’s authority for an additional period not to exceed 30 days upon motion and good cause shown. The court may terminate the authority of a temporary fiduciary at any time.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this section and ORS 125.605 and 125.610, a temporary fiduciary is subject to all provisions of this chapter. [1995 c.664 §63]
125.605 Procedure for appointment of temporary fiduciary. (1) In addition to the requirements of ORS 125.055, a petition for the appointment of a temporary fiduciary must contain allegations of the conditions required under ORS 125.600.
(2) Notice of a petition for the appointment of a temporary fiduciary must be given to the persons specified in ORS 125.060 (2) in the manner provided by ORS 125.065 at least two days before the appointment of a temporary fiduciary. The court may waive the requirement that notice be given before appointment if the court finds that the immediate and serious danger requires an immediate appointment. In no event may the notice required by ORS 125.060 be given more than two days after the appointment is made.
(3) Notice of a motion for the extension of a temporary fiduciary’s authority beyond 30 days under ORS 125.600 (3) must be given to the persons specified in ORS 125.060 (2) in the manner provided by ORS 125.065 at least two days before the entry of an order granting the extension.
(4) The court shall appoint a visitor if the petition seeks appointment of a temporary guardian. A visitor may be appointed by the court if a petition seeks appointment of a temporary conservator. Within three days after the appointment of the temporary fiduciary, the visitor shall conduct an interview of the respondent. The visitor shall report to the court within five days after the appointment of a temporary fiduciary is made. The report of the visitor shall be limited to the conditions alleged to support the appointment of a temporary fiduciary.
(5) If objections are made to the appointment of a temporary fiduciary or to the extension of a temporary fiduciary’s authority under ORS 125.600 (3), the court shall hear the objections within two judicial days after the date on which the objections are filed. Notwithstanding ORS 21.170, no fee shall be charged to any person filing an objection to the appointment of a temporary fiduciary or to the extension of a temporary fiduciary’s authority under ORS 125.600 (3). [1995 c.664 §64; 1997 c.717 §9; 2011 c.595 §130]
125.610 Report of temporary fiduciary. (1) A temporary fiduciary shall file a report with the court setting out all activities of the temporary fiduciary under the authority of the appointment. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the report must be filed:
(a) When the temporary fiduciary completes the duties of the fiduciary;
(b) When the temporary appointment expires; or
(c) When the court orders the termination of the temporary fiduciary’s authority.
(2) If the person appointed as temporary fiduciary is appointed to act as a permanent fiduciary for the protected person, the report of the activities of the temporary fiduciary may be included in the first annual report of the guardian or in the first accounting of the conservator. [1995 c.664 §65]
OTHER PROTECTIVE ORDERS
125.650 Other protective orders; filing fee. (1) The court may enter protective orders without the appointment of a fiduciary or in addition to appointment of a fiduciary. A petition for a protective order that does not seek the appointment of a fiduciary is subject to all requirements prescribed for petitions for appointment of a fiduciary. A single filing fee shall be collected pursuant to ORS 21.135 (1) for a petition for a protective order regardless of whether the petition requests multiple protective orders. A court may enter a protective order other than appointment of a fiduciary only upon a determination that grounds exist for the appointment of a fiduciary.
(2) In issuing protective orders under this section, the court may exercise any power that could be exercised by a guardian or conservator in a protective proceeding, or any power that could be exercised by the court in a protective proceeding in which a fiduciary is appointed.
(3) Before entering a protective order under this section, the court shall consider the interests of creditors and dependents of the protected person and whether the protected person needs the continuing protection of a fiduciary.
(4) The court may appoint a fiduciary whose authority is limited to a specified time and whose power is limited to certain acts needed to implement the protective order. A fiduciary appointed under this subsection need only make such report to the court as the court may require.
(5) In addition to any other protective order that may be entered under this section, the court may authorize, direct or ratify:
(a) Any transaction necessary or desirable to achieve any security, service or care arrangement meeting the foreseeable needs of the protected person, including but not limited to payment, delivery, deposit or retention of funds or property, sale, mortgage, lease or other transfer of property, entry into an annuity contract, a contract for life care, a deposit contract, a contract for training and education, or addition to or establishment of a suitable trust.
(b) Any contract, trust or other transaction relating to the protected person’s financial affairs or involving the estate of the person if the court determines that the transaction is in the best interests of the protected person. [1995 c.664 §66; 2022 c.68 §5]
OREGON PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND CONSERVATOR
125.675 Definitions. For purposes of ORS 125.675 to 125.691:
(1) “Client” means a person who receives public guardian and conservator services from the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator.
(2) “Deputy public guardian and conservator” means a person who is employed by or under contract with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, who is certified by the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator and who provides services as a fiduciary under ORS 125.675 to 125.691.
(3) “Public guardian and conservator services” means services, including but not limited to information, assistance and services as a court-appointed fiduciary in guardianship or conservatorship proceedings that are provided by deputy public guardians and conservators, volunteers and staff under the supervision and control of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator. [2014 c.117 §2; 2017 c.310 §12]
125.678 Appointment; term; responsibilities; delegation of duties; rules. (1) The Long Term Care Ombudsman appointed under ORS 441.403, in consultation with the Residential Ombudsman and Public Guardianship Advisory Board, shall appoint the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator in the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman for a four-year term. The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator serves at the pleasure of the Long Term Care Ombudsman and may be removed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman for good cause. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Long Term Care Ombudsman shall make an appointment within 60 days. The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall receive a salary as fixed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman and be reimbursed for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.
(2) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall be responsible for carrying out the powers, duties and functions of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator pursuant to ORS 125.675 to 125.691, within the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman.
(3) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may:
(a) Hire or contract with volunteers, staff, deputy public guardians and conservators and other qualified individuals, as necessary, to carry out the powers, duties and functions of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator;
(b) Prescribe the duties and assignments of persons hired or under contract with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator;
(c) Fix the compensation, including reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties, of persons hired by or under contract with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator subject to the State Personnel Relations Law; and
(d) Adopt rules to carry out the provisions of ORS 125.675 to 125.691.
(4) The Long Term Care Ombudsman may hire or contract with staff to serve in the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman as necessary to advise and support the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator.
(5)(a) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may delegate the exercise or discharge of any power, duty or function that is vested in or imposed by law upon the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator to a deputy public guardian and conservator, staff person or volunteer hired by or under contract with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator as appropriate for the purpose of conducting an official act in the name of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator. The official act of any person acting in the name of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator by the authority of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator is an official act of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, a court may not appoint a deputy public guardian and conservator as a fiduciary in a proceeding under ORS 125.675 to 125.691 but shall appoint the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator as the fiduciary in the proceeding.
(6) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may solicit and accept gifts, grants and donations from public and private sources for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of ORS 125.675 to 125.691, which moneys shall be deposited in the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund established under ORS 125.689. [2014 c.117 §3; 2017 c.310 §1; 2017 c.441 §25]
125.680 Duties of Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator. The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall:
(1) Educate the public about the role and function of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator and about public guardian and conservator services.
(2) Provide public guardian and conservator services for persons who do not have relatives or friends willing or able to assume the duties of guardianship or conservatorship and who lack the financial resources to obtain a private guardian or conservator.
(3) Certify deputy public guardians and conservators.
(4) Develop model standards of eligibility and professional conduct for deputy public guardians and conservators and of practice and procedure in public guardianship and conservatorship proceedings.
(5) Develop and implement training and educational materials for deputy public guardians and conservators.
(6) Establish and operate a program to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to provide assistance to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, deputy public guardians and conservators and clients.
(7) Establish a process, including criteria and standards, to determine the eligibility of persons to receive public guardian and conservator services and for the needs assessment required under ORS 125.683.
(8) Cooperate with offices of county public guardian and conservator operating under ORS 125.700.
(9) Work with existing local and county programs and with other organizations and entities to develop and expand public guardian and conservator services in this state.
(10) Make recommendations to the Legislative Assembly for policy and legislation regarding implementation, improvement and expansion of public guardian and conservator services in this state. [2014 c.117 §4]
125.681 Authority to require fingerprints of employees, volunteers or contractors. For the purpose of requesting a state or nationwide criminal records check under ORS 181A.195, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may require the fingerprints of an employee of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, an applicant for employment with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator or a volunteer or party under contract with the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator. [2017 c.310 §6]
125.683 Needs assessment; access to records; written plan for services. (1) In providing public guardian and conservator services, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall conduct a needs assessment for a person who claims or is claimed not to have relatives or friends willing or able to assume the duties of guardianship or conservatorship and who claims or is claimed to lack the financial resources to obtain a private guardian or conservator. The purpose of the needs assessment is to determine the person’s eligibility to receive public guardian and conservator services and to determine the appropriateness of filing a petition for the appointment of a fiduciary or other pleading on behalf of the person in a court having probate jurisdiction. The needs assessment shall, at a minimum:
(a) Assess the person’s capacity to:
(A) Care for the person’s own safety;
(B) Manage the person’s own financial affairs; and
(C) Attend to and provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care;
(b) Assess the person’s financial resources;
(c) Determine whether information that is available about the person is sufficient to support a finding that the person is incapacitated or financially incapable and the entry of a court order for the appointment of a fiduciary under ORS 125.010;
(d) Determine whether any other person may be willing and able to serve as the person’s guardian or conservator and, if appropriate, locate and contact that other person;
(e) Determine the type of fiduciary, if any, to request in a petition filed under ORS 125.055, giving preference to the least intrusive form of fiduciary relationship consistent with the best interests of the person; and
(f) Determine how best to provide public guardian and conservator services to the person that are least restrictive to the person’s liberty, that are least intrusive to the person and that provide for the greatest degree of independence that the person is capable of exercising.
(2)(a) If the person is a resident of a nursing home as defined in ORS 678.710 or a residential facility as defined in ORS 441.402, the nursing home or residential facility shall provide the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator access to the person’s records as is necessary to conduct the needs assessment required under this section.
(b) Any other public agency that has provided or is providing care or services to the person shall disclose to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, upon request, a minimum amount of information about the person for whom the needs assessment is being conducted, including protected health information as defined in ORS 192.556 and financial information, as is reasonably necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person who is the subject of the needs assessment. For purposes of this paragraph, a request from the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator for the purpose of conducting a needs assessment is presumed to be a situation that will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person.
(c) Any health care provider not identified in either paragraph (a) or (b) of this subsection may disclose protected health information to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator in accordance with 45 C.F.R. 164.512 (j) to prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to the health or safety of a person if the health care provider, in good faith, believes the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen the threat. For purposes of this paragraph, a request from the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator for disclosure under this paragraph for the purposes of conducting a needs assessment, or the good faith belief and disclosure of the health care provider under this paragraph, are presumed to be situations that will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person.
(3) For each person determined to be eligible for public guardian and conservator services under this section, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall develop a written plan setting forth the type and duration of services to be provided by the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator. The plan shall be included in any nonemergency petition or pleading filed with the court. [2014 c.117 §5; 2017 c.310 §2]
125.685 Deputy public guardian and conservator; volunteer requirements and responsibilities. (1) A deputy public guardian and conservator providing public guardian and conservator services under ORS 125.675 to 125.691 must be certified as a deputy public guardian and conservator by the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator.
(2) A volunteer of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator must provide, in writing, the volunteer’s criminal history and must submit or consent to a criminal records check, including fingerprint identification.
(3) Volunteers:
(a) May not conduct the needs assessments required under ORS 125.683;
(b) May not engage in conduct that constitutes the unlicensed practice of law;
(c) Shall be under the supervision and control of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator or of a deputy public guardian and conservator;
(d) Shall be instructed in confidentiality and shall maintain the confidentiality of clients and of written information and materials relating to clients;
(e) May not receive compensation or any other benefit but may be reimbursed for reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their duties on behalf of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator; and
(f) Except for intentional misconduct or conduct that is grossly negligent, are immune from civil liability for any acts or omissions occurring, or errors in judgment made in good faith, in the course of providing authorized public guardian and conservator services. [2014 c.117 §6; 2017 c.310 §3]
125.687 Limitations of court on appointment of Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator; bond; fees and compensation. (1) A court may not appoint the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator as a fiduciary for a person unless the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has petitioned for or consented to the appointment. If appointed as a fiduciary by the court, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, and any deputy public guardian and conservator designated to act on behalf of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, shall serve as provided in this chapter and ORS 127.005 and 127.015, except as expressly stated otherwise in ORS 125.675 to 125.691 or by order of the court.
(2) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall file an official bond in an amount determined in consultation with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. The bond shall inure to the joint benefit of the several public guardianship and conservatorship estates in which the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator is providing services, but a bond is not required to be filed in individual estates.
(3) The court may not charge the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator a fee for the filing of a petition or any other pleading under this chapter when the filing is made in connection with the provision of public guardian and conservator services under ORS 125.675 to 125.691.
(4)(a) The court shall order the client or the client’s estate to pay for reasonable expenses incurred, including compensation for services rendered, in the provision of public guardian and conservator services to the client, including but not limited to court costs and attorney fees.
(b) If a client is indigent, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall have a claim against the client or the client’s estate for the portion of any payment ordered under paragraph (a) of this subsection that remains unpaid.
(5) The court may not order the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator, a deputy public guardian and conservator or the office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman to pay court costs or attorney fees in a proceeding brought on behalf of a client under ORS 125.675 to 125.691. [2014 c.117 §7; 2017 c.310 §4]
125.689 Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund. (1) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund is established in the State Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund shall be credited to the fund. The fund consists of:
(a) Moneys appropriated or otherwise transferred to the fund by the Legislative Assembly;
(b) Moneys received from federal, state or local sources;
(c) Amounts donated to the fund;
(d) Investment earnings received on moneys in the fund; and
(e) Other amounts deposited in the fund from any source.
(2) Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator for the purposes of ORS 125.675 to 125.691.
(3) Moneys in the fund may be invested and reinvested as provided in ORS 293.701 to 293.857.
(4) Moneys in the fund may be used by the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator for administrative costs and expenses of the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator in performing the duties and functions under ORS 125.675 to 125.691. [2017 c.310 §7]
125.691 Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Protected Person Trust Account. (1) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Protected Person Trust Account is established in the State Treasury separate and distinct from the General Fund and the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Fund. Moneys in the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Protected Person Trust Account consists of moneys received on behalf of persons for whom the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has been appointed as a guardian or conservator. All moneys in the account are continuously appropriated to the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator to be used for the benefit of a person for whom the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has been appointed as a guardian or conservator and on whose behalf the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has received moneys.
(2) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator shall administer the trust account:
(a) For the benefit of persons for whom the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has been appointed a guardian or conservator and on whose behalf the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator has received moneys; and
(b) In accordance with the provisions of this chapter or as ordered by the court.
(3) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may establish subaccounts within the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator Protected Person Trust Account when the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator determines that subaccounts are necessary or desirable. Interest earned by the account or subaccounts, if any, shall accrue to the benefit of the account or subaccounts. [2017 c.310 §8]
125.693 High-risk teams; appointment; membership; duties. (1) As used in this section and ORS 125.694, “highly vulnerable adult” means a person with a disability who is:
(a) At least 18 years of age;
(b) At imminent risk of serious harm; and
(c) Unable to independently protect the person from the harm due to the effects of the person’s disability.
(2) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator appointed under ORS 125.678 may establish county or regional high-risk teams that may consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator.
(b) The Department of Human Services or a designee of the Department of Human Services.
(c) The Oregon Health Authority or a designee of the Oregon Health Authority.
(d) Representatives of:
(A) Local hospitals.
(B) Local crisis response teams.
(C) Homeless services programs.
(D) Veterans’ services programs.
(E) Organizations designated by the Department of Human Services as area agencies on aging.
(F) Any other agency or nonprofit organization that provides services to highly vulnerable adults.
(3) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may establish a statewide high-risk team that may consist of, but not be limited to, representatives of the following:
(a) The Department of Human Services, including developmental disabilities programs and adult abuse prevention programs within the department.
(b) The Oregon Health Authority.
(c) The Oregon State Hospital.
(d) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
(e) Any other statewide agency or program that has direct contact with highly vulnerable adults or that provides services addressing serious safety concerns of highly vulnerable adults.
(4) The Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator may delegate the responsibility to develop a high-risk team under this section to a designee or administrator who is or will be a member of the high-risk team pursuant to a written agreement.
(5) A high-risk team shall discuss situations where highly vulnerable adults are at risk of harm, or are currently experiencing harm, and identify the available options for addressing the safety risk, focusing on the least restrictive alternatives.
(6) Each high-risk team shall develop a written protocol establishing the purpose of the team, potential membership within each community and confidentiality procedures consistent with ORS 125.694. [2019 c.96 §1]
Note: 125.693 and 125.694 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 125 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
125.694 Confidentiality. (1) As used in this section, “personal representative” and “protected health information” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 192.556.
(2) All information and records acquired by a high-risk team established under ORS 125.693 in the exercise of its duties are confidential and may be disclosed only when necessary to carry out the purposes of the high-risk team.
(3) A member agency of a high-risk team or a member of a high-risk team may use or disclose protected health information without obtaining an authorization from a highly vulnerable adult or a personal representative of the highly vulnerable adult if the member agency believes in good faith that the use or disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious threat to the health or safety of any person or the public. A member agency may only disclose personal health information under this subsection to a person who is reasonably able to prevent or lessen the threat, including the target of the threat. [2019 c.96 §2]
Note: See note under 125.693.
OFFICES OF COUNTY PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND CONSERVATOR
125.700 Office of county public guardian and conservator; expenses; termination. The county court or board of county commissioners of any county:
(1) After making a determination that there exists a need within the county for a guardian or conservator for persons who do not have relatives or friends willing to serve as a guardian or conservator and capable of assuming the duties of guardianship or conservatorship, may create the office of county public guardian and conservator and such subordinate positions as may be necessary to operate effectively the office of county public guardian and conservator.
(2) May expend county funds for the purpose of operating the office of county public guardian and conservator.
(3) After establishment of the office of county public guardian and conservator, upon the finding that the county does not need the service of a county public guardian and conservator, may terminate the office. [Formerly 126.905; 2014 c.117 §13]
Note: 125.700 to 125.730 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 125 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
125.705 Effect of vacancy in office of county public guardian and conservator. (1) The person appointed to the office of county public guardian and conservator shall serve in the office at the pleasure of the appointing authority. If the person holding the office of county public guardian and conservator is removed from office, dies, becomes incapacitated or resigns, the removal, death, incapacity or resignation shall operate to remove the county public guardian and conservator as guardian and conservator of all estates then under the guardianship and conservatorship of the person.
(2) As used in ORS 125.700 to 125.730, “county public guardian and conservator” means the person appointed to the office of county public guardian and conservator created under ORS 125.700. [Formerly 126.915; 2014 c.117 §14]
Note: See note under 125.700.
125.710 Powers and duties of county public guardian and conservator. (1) The county public guardian and conservator may serve as the guardian or conservator, or both, of any person of whom the court having probate jurisdiction in the county may have jurisdiction. The county public guardian and conservator may serve as guardian or conservator upon the petition of any person or upon the petition of the county public guardian and conservator.
(2) When appointed as guardian or conservator by the court having probate jurisdiction, the county public guardian and conservator shall serve as provided in ORS chapter 125, ORS 127.005 and 127.015 except as specifically stated to the contrary in ORS 125.700 to 125.730.
(3) The county public guardian and conservator in the discretion of the county public guardian and conservator may employ private attorneys if the fees for the attorneys can be defrayed out of funds of the guardianship or conservatorship estate. [Formerly 126.925; 2014 c.117 §15]
Note: See note under 125.700.
125.715 Bond; exoneration of surety. (1) Before entering into office as county public guardian and conservator, the person appointed to the office shall file an official bond in such amount as may be fixed from time to time by the board of county commissioners or the court having probate jurisdiction, which bond shall inure to the joint benefit of the several guardianship and conservatorship estates in which the person is acting as guardian or conservator and the county. The county public guardian and conservator shall not be required to file bonds in individual estates.
(2) Upon removal of the county public guardian and conservator in accordance with the provisions of ORS 125.705, the surety on the county public guardian and conservator bond shall be exonerated upon order to that effect of the court having probate jurisdiction in the county. [Formerly 126.935; 2014 c.117 §16]
Note: See note under 125.700.
125.720 Deposit of funds. All funds coming into the custody of the county public guardian and conservator shall be deposited in the county treasury and disbursed by proper warrant, or shall be deposited in one or more banks or invested in one or more insured savings and loan associations authorized to do business within the county, or as provided by ORS 125.445 (5). [Formerly 126.945; 2014 c.117 §17]
Note: See note under 125.700.
125.725 Reimbursement of county public guardian and conservator’s expenses from estate of ward or protected person. The county public guardian and conservator shall have a claim against the ward’s or protected person’s estate for reasonable expenses incurred in the execution of the guardianship or conservatorship and such compensation for services and those of the attorney of the county public guardian and conservator as the court having probate jurisdiction in the county deems just and reasonable. If the county public guardian and conservator is compensated by the county for services, any reimbursement of expenses or compensation shall be paid to the county. [Formerly 126.955; 2014 c.117 §18]
Note: See note under 125.700.
125.730 Fees prohibited. (1) No fee shall be charged or received by any court having probate jurisdiction for the filing of any petition asking for the appointment of the county public guardian and conservator as the guardian or conservator or for any official service performed by that court in the course of the guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.
(2) No fee shall be charged or received by any court having probate jurisdiction for the filing of any petition asking for the appointment of a guardian for a vulnerable youth or for any official service performed by that court in the course of the guardianship. [Formerly 126.965; 2014 c.117 §19; 2021 c.399 §14]
Note: See note under 125.700.
UNIFORM ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS JURISDICTION ACT
(Article 1 - General Provisions)
125.800 Short title. ORS 125.800 to 125.852 may be cited as the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act. [2009 c.179 §1]
Note: 125.800 to 125.852 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 125 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.
125.802 Definitions. As used in ORS 125.800 to 125.852:
(1) “Adult” means an individual who has attained 18 years of age.
(2) “Conservator” means a person appointed by the court to administer the property of an adult, including a person appointed under ORS chapter 125.
(3) “Conservatorship order” means an order appointing a conservator or other order related to management of an adult’s property.
(4) “Conservatorship proceeding” means a judicial proceeding in which a conservatorship order is sought or has been issued.
(5) “Guardian” means a person appointed by the court to make decisions regarding the person of an adult, including a person appointed under ORS chapter 125.
(6) “Guardianship order” means an order appointing a guardian.
(7) “Guardianship proceeding” means a judicial proceeding in which an order for the appointment of a guardian is sought or has been issued.
(8) “Incapacitated person” means an adult for whom a guardian has been appointed.
(9) “Party” means the respondent, petitioner, guardian, conservator or any other person allowed by the court to participate in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding.
(10)(a) “Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity.
(b) “Person” as defined in paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply in the terms “incapacitated person” or “protected person.”
(11) “Protected person” means an adult for whom a conservatorship order has been issued.
(12) “Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(13) “Respondent” means an adult for whom a conservatorship order or the appointment of a guardian is sought.
(14) “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, a federally recognized Indian tribe or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. [2009 c.179 §2]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.805 International application. A court of this state may treat a foreign country as if it were a state for the purpose of applying ORS 125.800 to 125.840, 125.850 and 125.852. [2009 c.179 §3]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.807 Communication between courts. (1) A court of this state may communicate with a court in another state concerning a proceeding arising under ORS 125.800 to 125.852. The court may allow the parties to participate in the communication. Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the court shall make a record of the communication. The record may be limited to the fact that the communication occurred.
(2) Courts may communicate concerning schedules, calendars, court records and other administrative matters without making a record. [2009 c.179 §4]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.810 Cooperation between courts. (1) In a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding in this state, a court of this state may request the appropriate court of another state to do any of the following:
(a) Hold an evidentiary hearing;
(b) Order a person in that state to produce evidence or give testimony pursuant to procedures of that state;
(c) Order that an evaluation or assessment be made of the respondent;
(d) Order any appropriate investigation of a person involved in a proceeding;
(e) Forward to the court of this state a certified copy of the transcript or other record of a hearing under paragraph (a) of this subsection or any other proceeding, any evidence otherwise produced under paragraph (b) of this subsection and any evaluation or assessment prepared in compliance with an order under paragraph (c) or (d) of this subsection;
(f) Issue any order necessary to assure the appearance in the proceeding of a person whose presence is necessary for the court to make a determination, including the respondent or the incapacitated or protected person; or
(g) Issue an order authorizing the release of medical, financial, criminal or other relevant information in that state, including protected health information as defined in 45 C.F.R. 164.504.
(2) If a court of another state in which a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding is pending requests assistance of the kind provided in subsection (1) of this section, a court of this state has jurisdiction for the limited purpose of granting the request or making reasonable efforts to comply with the request. [2009 c.179 §5]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.812 Taking testimony in another state. (1) In a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, in addition to other procedures that may be available, testimony of a witness who is located in another state may be offered by deposition or other means allowable in this state for testimony taken in another state. The court on its own motion may order that the testimony of a witness be taken in another state and may prescribe the manner in which and the terms upon which the testimony is to be taken.
(2) In a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding, a court in this state may permit a witness located in another state to be deposed or to testify by telephone or audiovisual or other electronic means. A court of this state shall cooperate with the court of the other state in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony. [2009 c.179 §6]
Note: See note under 125.800.
(Article 2 - Jurisdiction)
125.815 Definitions; significant-connection factors. (1) As used in ORS 125.815 to 125.835:
(a) “Emergency” means a circumstance described in ORS 125.600 (1), and for which the appointment of a guardian is necessary because no other person has authority and is willing to act on the respondent’s behalf.
(b) “Home state” means the state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months immediately before the filing of a petition for a conservatorship order or the appointment of a guardian, or if none, the state in which the respondent was physically present, including any period of temporary absence, for at least six consecutive months ending within the six months prior to the filing of the petition.
(c) “Significant-connection state” means a state, other than the home state, with which a respondent has a significant connection other than mere physical presence and in which substantial evidence concerning the respondent is available.
(2) In determining under ORS 125.820 and 125.837 (5) whether a respondent has a significant connection with a particular state, the court shall consider:
(a) The location of the respondent’s family and other persons required to be notified of the guardianship or conservatorship proceeding;
(b) The length of time the respondent at any time was physically present in the state and the duration of any absence;
(c) The location of the respondent’s property; and
(d) The extent to which the respondent has ties to the state such as voting registration, state or local tax return filing, vehicle registration, driver license, social relationship and receipt of services. [2009 c.179 §7]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.817 Exclusive basis. ORS 125.815 to 125.835 provide the exclusive jurisdictional basis for a court of this state to appoint a guardian or issue a conservatorship order for an adult under ORS 125.800 to 125.852. [2009 c.179 §8]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.820 Jurisdiction. A court of this state has jurisdiction to appoint a guardian or issue a conservatorship order for a respondent if:
(1) This state is the respondent’s home state;
(2) On the date the petition is filed, this state is a significant-connection state and:
(a) The respondent does not have a home state or a court of the respondent’s home state has declined to exercise jurisdiction because this state is a more appropriate forum; or
(b) The respondent has a home state, a petition for an appointment or order is not pending in a court of that state or another significant-connection state and, before the court makes the appointment or issues the order:
(A) A petition for an appointment or order is not filed in the respondent’s home state;
(B) An objection to the court’s jurisdiction is not filed by a person required to be notified of the proceeding; and
(C) The court in this state concludes that it is an appropriate forum under the factors set forth in ORS 125.827;
(3) This state does not have jurisdiction under either subsection (1) or (2) of this section, the respondent’s home state and all significant-connection states have declined to exercise jurisdiction because this state is the more appropriate forum and jurisdiction in this state is consistent with the Oregon and United States Constitutions; or
(4) The requirements for special jurisdiction under ORS 125.822 are met. [2009 c.179 §9]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.822 Special jurisdiction. (1) A court of this state lacking jurisdiction under ORS 125.820 has special jurisdiction to do any of the following:
(a) Appoint a guardian in an emergency as provided for the appointment of a temporary fiduciary under ORS 125.600 for a respondent who is physically present in this state;
(b) Issue a conservatorship order with respect to real or tangible personal property located in this state; or
(c) Appoint a guardian or conservator for an incapacitated or protected person for whom a provisional order to transfer the proceeding from another state has been issued under procedures similar to ORS 125.837.
(2) If a petition was filed for the appointment of a temporary fiduciary under ORS 125.600 and this state was not the respondent’s home state on the date the petition was filed, the court shall dismiss the proceeding at the request of the court of the home state, if any, whether the dismissal is requested before or after the emergency appointment. [2009 c.179 §10]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.825 Exclusive and continuing jurisdiction. Except as provided in ORS 125.822, a court that has appointed a guardian or issued a conservatorship order consistent with ORS 125.800 to 125.852 has exclusive and continuing jurisdiction over the proceeding until the proceeding is terminated by the court or the appointment or order expires by its own terms. [2009 c.179 §11]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.827 Appropriate forum. (1) A court of this state having jurisdiction under ORS 125.820 to appoint a guardian or issue a conservatorship order may decline to exercise its jurisdiction if it determines at any time that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum.
(2) If a court of this state declines to exercise its jurisdiction under subsection (1) of this section, the court shall either dismiss or stay the proceeding. The court may impose any condition the court considers just and proper, including the condition that a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a conservatorship order be filed promptly in another state.
(3) In determining whether it is an appropriate forum, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:
(a) Any expressed preference of the respondent;
(b) Whether abuse, neglect or exploitation of the respondent has occurred or is likely to occur and which state could best protect the respondent from the abuse, neglect or exploitation;
(c) The length of time the respondent was physically present in or was a legal resident of this or another state;
(d) The distance of the respondent from the court in each state;
(e) The financial circumstances of the respondent’s estate;
(f) The nature and location of the evidence;
(g) The ability of the court in each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present evidence;
(h) The familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the proceeding; and
(i) If an appointment were made, the court’s ability to monitor the conduct of the guardian or conservator. [2009 c.179 §12]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.830 Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct. (1) If at any time a court of this state determines that it acquired jurisdiction to appoint a guardian or issue a conservatorship order because of unjustifiable conduct, the court may:
(a) Decline to exercise jurisdiction;
(b) Exercise jurisdiction for the limited purpose of fashioning an appropriate remedy to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the respondent or the protection of the respondent’s property or prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable conduct, including staying the proceeding until a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a conservatorship order is filed in a court of another state having jurisdiction; or
(c) Continue to exercise jurisdiction after considering:
(A) The extent to which the respondent and all persons required to be notified of the proceedings have acquiesced in the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction;
(B) Whether the court is a more appropriate forum than the court of any other state under the factors set forth in ORS 125.827 (3); and
(C) Whether the court of any other state would have jurisdiction under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of ORS 125.820.
(2) If a court of this state determines that it acquired jurisdiction to appoint a guardian or issue a conservatorship order because a party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction engaged in unjustifiable conduct, it may assess against that party necessary and reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, investigative fees, court costs, communication expenses, witness fees and expenses and travel expenses. The court may not assess fees, costs or expenses of any kind against this state or a governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality of this state unless authorized by law other than ORS 125.800 to 125.852. [2009 c.179 §13]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.832 Notice of proceeding. If a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a conservatorship order is brought in this state and this state was not the respondent’s home state on the date the petition was filed, in addition to complying with the notice requirements of this state, notice of the petition must be given to those persons who would be entitled to notice of the petition if a proceeding were brought in the respondent’s home state. The notice must be given in the same manner as notice is required to be given in this state. [2009 c.179 §14]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.835 Proceedings in more than one state. Except for a petition for the appointment of a temporary fiduciary under ORS 125.600 or issuance of a conservatorship order limited to property located in this state under ORS 125.822 (1)(a) or (b), if a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a conservatorship order is filed in this state and in another state and neither petition has been dismissed or withdrawn, the following rules apply:
(1) If the court in this state has jurisdiction under ORS 125.820, it may proceed with the case unless a court in another state acquires jurisdiction under provisions similar to ORS 125.820 before the appointment or issuance of the order.
(2) If the court in this state does not have jurisdiction under ORS 125.820, whether at the time the petition is filed or at any time before the appointment or issuance of the order, the court shall stay the proceeding and communicate with the court in the other state. If the court in the other state has jurisdiction, the court in this state shall dismiss the petition unless the court in the other state determines that the court in this state is a more appropriate forum. [2009 c.179 §15]
Note: See note under 125.800.
(Article 3 - Transfer)
125.837 Transfer of guardianship or conservatorship to another state. (1) A guardian or conservator appointed in this state may petition the court to transfer the guardianship or conservatorship to another state.
(2) Notice of a petition under subsection (1) of this section must be given to the persons that would be entitled to notice of a petition in this state for the appointment of a guardian or conservator.
(3) On the court’s own motion or on request of the guardian or conservator, the incapacitated or protected person, or other person required to be notified of the petition, the court shall hold a hearing on a petition filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The court shall issue an order provisionally granting a petition to transfer a guardianship and shall direct the guardian to petition for guardianship in the other state if the court is satisfied that the guardianship will be accepted by the court in the other state and the court finds that:
(a) The incapacitated person is physically present in or is reasonably expected to move permanently to the other state;
(b) An objection to the transfer has not been made or, if an objection has been made, the objector has not established that the transfer would be contrary to the interests of the incapacitated person; and
(c) Plans for care and services for the incapacitated person in the other state are reasonable and sufficient.
(5) The court shall issue a provisional order granting a petition to transfer a conservatorship and shall direct the conservator to petition for conservatorship in the other state if the court is satisfied that the conservatorship will be accepted by the court of the other state and the court finds that:
(a) The protected person is physically present in or is reasonably expected to move permanently to the other state, or the protected person has a significant connection to the other state considering the factors in ORS 125.815 (2);
(b) An objection to the transfer has not been made or, if an objection has been made, the objector has not established that the transfer would be contrary to the interests of the protected person; and
(c) Adequate arrangements will be made for management of the protected person’s property.
(6) The court shall issue a final order confirming the transfer and terminating the guardianship or conservatorship upon its receipt of:
(a) A provisional order accepting the proceeding from the court to which the proceeding is to be transferred which is issued under provisions similar to ORS 125.840; and
(b) The documents required to terminate a guardianship or conservatorship in this state. [2009 c.179 §16]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.840 Accepting guardianship or conservatorship transferred from another state. (1) To confirm transfer of a guardianship or conservatorship transferred to this state under provisions similar to ORS 125.837, the guardian or conservator must petition the court in this state to accept the guardianship or conservatorship. The petition must include a certified copy of the other state’s provisional order of transfer.
(2) Notice of a petition under subsection (1) of this section must be given to those persons that would be entitled to notice if the petition were a petition for the appointment of a guardian or issuance of a conservatorship order in both the transferring state and this state. The notice must be given in the same manner as notice is required to be given in this state.
(3) On the court’s own motion or on request of the guardian or conservator, the incapacitated or protected person, or other person required to be notified of the proceeding, the court shall hold a hearing on a petition filed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.
(4) The court shall issue an order provisionally granting a petition filed under subsection (1) of this section unless:
(a) The court determines that transfer of the proceeding would be contrary to the interests of the incapacitated or protected person; or
(b) The guardian or conservator is ineligible for appointment in this state.
(5) The court shall issue a final order accepting the proceeding and appointing the guardian or conservator as guardian or conservator in this state upon its receipt from the court from which the proceeding is being transferred of a final order issued under provisions similar to ORS 125.837 transferring the proceeding to this state.
(6) Not later than 90 days after issuance of a final order accepting transfer of a guardianship or conservatorship, the court shall determine whether the guardianship or conservatorship needs to be modified to conform to the law of this state.
(7) In granting a petition under this section, the court shall recognize a guardianship or conservatorship order from the other state, including the determination of the incapacitated or protected person’s incapacity and the appointment of the guardian or conservator.
(8) The denial by a court of this state of a petition to accept a guardianship or conservatorship transferred from another state does not affect the ability of the guardian or conservator to seek appointment as guardian or conservator in this state under ORS chapter 125 if the court has jurisdiction to make an appointment other than by reason of the provisional order of transfer. [2009 c.179 §17]
Note: See note under 125.800.
(Article 4 - Registration and Recognition of Orders from Other States)
125.842 Registration of guardianship orders; fee. If a guardian has been appointed in another state and a petition for the appointment of a guardian is not pending in this state, the guardian appointed in the other state, after giving notice to the appointing court of an intent to register, may register the guardianship order in this state by filing as a foreign judgment in a court, in any appropriate county of this state, certified copies of the order and letters of office. The person registering the order, and any other person making an appearance in the proceeding, must pay the filing fee established under ORS 21.145. [2009 c.179 §18; 2011 c.595 §36]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.845 Registration of conservatorship orders; fee. If a conservator has been appointed in another state and a petition for a conservatorship order is not pending in this state, the conservator appointed in the other state, after giving notice to the appointing court of an intent to register, may register the conservatorship order in this state by filing as a foreign judgment in a court of this state, in any county in which property belonging to the protected person is located, certified copies of the order and letters of office and of any bond. The person registering the order, and any other person making an appearance in the proceeding, must pay the filing fee established under ORS 21.145. [2009 c.179 §19; 2011 c.595 §37]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.847 Effect of registration. (1) Upon registration of a guardianship or conservatorship order from another state, the guardian or conservator may exercise in this state all powers authorized in the order of appointment except as prohibited under the laws of this state, including maintaining actions and proceedings in this state and, if the guardian or conservator is not a resident of this state, subject to any conditions imposed upon nonresident parties.
(2) A court of this state may grant any relief available under ORS 125.800 to 125.852 and other law of this state to enforce a registered order. [2009 c.179 §20]
Note: See note under 125.800.
(Article 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions)
125.850 Uniformity of application and construction. In applying and construing ORS 125.800 to 125.852, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it. [2009 c.179 §21]
Note: See note under 125.800.
125.852 Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. ORS 125.800 to 125.852 modify, limit and supersede the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001 et seq., but do not modify, limit or supersede section 1(c) of that Act, 15 U.S.C. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in section 3(b) of that Act, 15 U.S.C. 7003(b). [2009 c.179 §22]
Note: See note under 125.800.
_______________