Oregon Guardianship Annual Report: Requirements, Deadlines, and Filing Steps

Once an Oregon court appoints you as guardian, the job doesn't end at the hearing. ORS Chapter 125 imposes strict annual compliance requirements, and missing them can trigger court sanctions, a Visitor reinvestigation, or removal as guardian.

The annual report is the primary accountability mechanism. Here's what it requires and how to file it correctly.

Filing Deadline and Format

The Annual Guardian's Report is due within 30 days of the anniversary of your appointment. Not the calendar year — your specific appointment date. If the court appointed you on March 15, your report is due by April 14 every year.

The report must be:

• Completed on the standard form published by the Oregon Judicial Department (available through the OJD Forms Center)
• Signed and sworn in front of a notary public before filing
• Filed with the circuit court that issued the guardianship order

This notarization requirement catches people off guard. You can't just mail in a signed form — it needs a notary seal. Many banks, UPS stores, and county libraries offer notary services for a few dollars.

What the Report Must Cover

The form asks for a comprehensive account of the protected person's current status:

• Physical health and medical condition — current diagnoses, medications, hospitalizations during the reporting period
• Living arrangement — where the protected person resides, type of facility or home setting, any changes during the year
• Activities and social engagement — participation in community programs, employment, day services
• Guardian's contact and involvement — how often you visit, how you're fulfilling your duties
• Any incidents or concerns — hospitalizations, injuries, behavioral episodes, interactions with law enforcement

The court uses this report to verify that the guardianship is serving the protected person's interests. Vague or incomplete reports may prompt the court to order a follow-up Visitor investigation.

Service Requirements

Filing the report with the court isn't enough. You must serve copies on:

1. The protected person — they have a right to see the report about their own life
2. The conservator — if a separate conservator manages the person's finances
3. Any interested party who has filed a request for notice with the court

Service means mailing or delivering copies. Keep proof of service — a certificate of mailing or delivery receipt — in case the court asks.

Residential Move Notice: The 15-Day Rule

If you plan to move the protected person from their current residence into a care facility, nursing home, foster home, or mental health treatment facility, the process isn't just "file and go."

You must:

1. File a written notice of the proposed move with the court
2. Mail copies to all interested parties
3. Wait 15 days after service

If no one files a formal objection within those 15 days, the move can proceed. If an objection is filed, the court schedules a hearing before authorizing the change.

This 15-day waiting period exists to protect the person's rights — residential placement is one of the most consequential decisions a guardian makes, and interested parties get a chance to weigh in.

Consequences of Missing the Deadline

Courts track annual report deadlines. If you're late:

• The court may send a reminder notice
• A Court Visitor may be appointed to investigate the situation
• Repeated failures can result in removal as guardian and appointment of a replacement
• In extreme cases, the court may refer the matter to adult protective services

Set a calendar reminder well before your anniversary date to give yourself time to gather medical records, coordinate with care providers, and get the form notarized.

Modification and Termination

The annual report cycle is also the natural checkpoint for evaluating whether the guardianship still serves its purpose. If the protected person has developed greater independence, the report is your opportunity to note that and consider petitioning to modify (narrow the powers) or terminate the guardianship entirely.

Under SB 794, the Oregon Public Guardian and Conservator can assist individuals transitioning from formal guardianships to voluntary alternative supports — a process that restores civil rights while maintaining necessary voluntary advocacy.

The Oregon Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide includes a report preparation checklist and timeline tracker that walks you through gathering the required information well before your filing deadline.

See more Oregon guides →