Intestate Succession in Oregon
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Oregon gives the surviving spouse the entire estate if no children exist; otherwise the spouse and children share equally.
How Oregon treats Intestate Succession
Oregon's intestate law prioritizes the surviving spouse heavily. If the deceased leaves a spouse but no children, grandchildren, or parents, the spouse inherits everything. When children exist, the spouse typically receives one-third to one-half of the estate depending on whether parents also survive. Oregon treats adopted children the same as biological children and recognizes nonmarital children under Oregon law.
The general definition of Intestate Succession
The legal process of distributing a deceased person's property when they leave no valid will.
If someone dies without a will (or with an invalid will), state law determines who inherits their property. Each state has a set order of priority—usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings. The court appoints an administrator to manage the estate and follow these statutory rules, even if the deceased person's wishes were different.
Read the full Intestate Succession entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Oregon.