The Salem Probate Court issued a public notice on August 26, 2026 regarding the administration of the Paul Everett Smith Revocable Living Trust. Paul Everett Smith, the settlor of the trust, is deceased, and the trust is now being managed by co‑trustees Edward William Smith and Lisa Lee Smith.
How to File a Claim
Anyone who believes they have a legal claim against the trust estate must submit that claim, along with any supporting vouchers, to the co‑trustees’ attorney, Cassie N. Hutton‑Ross of Howard Law Group, LLC. The attorney’s office is located at 1114 12th Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97302. Claims must be filed within four months of the first publication of this notice, which sets the deadline for filing in early December 2026. Failure to file within this window may result in the claim being barred.
Where to Obtain More Information
Interested parties may obtain additional details from the court’s public records, directly from the co‑trustees, or by contacting the co‑trustees’ attorney. The notice provides the same address and phone number (503‑363‑9264) for further inquiries.
What This Means for the Community
Public notices like this ensure transparency in the administration of estates and protect the rights of potential creditors, heirs, and other claimants. By publishing the notice, the Salem Probate Department gives all interested persons a fair opportunity to present their interests before the trust is settled.
Background on Revocable Living Trusts
A revocable living trust is a legal arrangement that allows the settlor to retain control of assets during their lifetime while designating how those assets will be distributed after death. Because the trust is revocable, the settlor could have altered its terms at any time before passing. Upon the settlor’s death, the co‑trustees assume responsibility for managing and distributing the trust assets according to the trust document, subject to any valid claims.
Contact Information
For anyone who believes they have a claim, the contact details are:
- Cassie N. Hutton‑Ross, OSB No. 191678
- Howard Law Group, LLC
- 1114 12th Street SE, Salem, OR 97302
- Phone: (503) 363‑9264
All claims must be filed by the December deadline to avoid dismissal. The court encourages anyone with questions to reach out promptly.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
