Opinion ID: 1162080
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Independent advice.

Text: Lack of independent advice is another factor of importance listed in Reddaway (at 422, 329 P.2d 886). This factor is of particular importance when the donee or beneficiary is the donor's attorney. [1] When, however, as in this case, the donee or beneficiary is a lay person, even though in a confidential relationship with the donor, independent advice is not indispensable, although lack of independent advice is a suspicious circumstance. [2] In Atkeson v. Holly, 258 Or. 276, 281, 482 P.2d 737, 739 (1971), we considered the validity of a deed of a farm to a friend who had taken care of the decedent while in poor health and said: We think it is unrealistic to expect ordinary lay people, such as the Hollys, to insist that a donor, such as Anthony, seek independent advice before deeding this property to them. Independent advice is not an absolute condition precedent to a valid gift between ordinary people. In Atkeson no confidential relationship was involved. Nevertheless, and assuming that a confidential relationship existed here and that the lack of independent advice was a suspicious circumstance, we do not think that it was of controlling significance under the facts of this case.