Is money inherited while you are married community property in a divorce according to Oregon law.?
I inherited some money and stocks about a year ago and now my life is thinking about leaving me because I have chronic pain and it is making her life difficult. I am trying to find out if she will get half of my inherited assets. We live in Oregon and I wanted to know what the law is here. Could anyone please help me?
One Response
An Oregon Nut
14 Nov 2009
Oregon is not a joint property state like Washington or California, but they do try to keep things even. You’re best bet would be to consult with an attorney.
That said, one of the things I have learned is that if the money is in a joint bank account, either of you can spend it and the other can’t legally do anything about it. If the stocks are in your name and not your spous’s, this prevents them from being sold unexpectedly, but they will probably be considered in the value of your household should you divorce. Agreements that you both sign are legally binding – so you might discuss it with an attorney and see if you can’t get something in writing protecting your assets before either party files for divorce.