Oregon Expands Slayer Statute to Include Abuse

As of January 1, 2006, the Oregon slayer statute will not only disqualify a person from being an heir, will beneficiary, or trust beneficiary if he or she, “with felonious intent, takes or procures the taking of the life” of the decedent.

The statute is being expanded to disqualify an heir, will beneficiary, or trust beneficiary if he or she is an “abuser” which is defined as “a person who is convicted of a felony by reason of conduct that constitutes physical abuse * * * or financial abuse * * *.”

There is, however, a five year limitation on the disqualification for abuse.  If the decedent lives five years or more after the conviction, then the heir or beneficiary may still take from from the decedent.

See 2005 Ore. Legis. Serv. ch. 270.