Complex property work starts with a complete map
Business interests, trusts, real estate, equity compensation, retirement benefits, separate-property claims, and debt guarantees require records from different sources. The first task is to identify each interest, its ownership history, restrictions, cash flow, tax basis, and likely valuation method. Experts may be needed for business value, real property, tax, or tracing questions.
Oregon courts divide property as is just and proper in all the circumstances. Property acquired during marriage carries a rebuttable presumption of equal contribution, whether held jointly or separately. ORS 107.105 (opens in a new tab) states the governing framework. Settlement comparisons should account for taxes, liquidity, transaction cost, and the time required to complete each transfer.