State probate guide · Oregon
How probate works in Oregon.
Oregon uses the term personal representative for the person appointed to administer an estate. A full probate generally moves from appointment and notice through asset administration, creditor resolution, accounting, distribution, and discharge.
The administration process
From appointment to distribution.
- 01
Open the estate
A petition asks the circuit court to admit the will, if any, and appoint a personal representative.
- 02
Give notice
Required notices are sent and published so heirs, interested people, and creditors can respond.
- 03
Inventory and protect assets
The representative identifies, values, secures, and manages estate property.
- 04
Resolve claims and taxes
Valid expenses, creditor claims, and tax obligations are addressed before final distribution.
- 05
Account, distribute, and close
The representative reports the administration, seeks authority to distribute, and requests discharge.
How payment works
Heirs do not pay Probate Ops out of pocket.
When Probate Ops is appointed as estate representative, its compensation is paid from estate assets—not from an heir’s personal funds. Compensation remains subject to applicable law and any required court approval.
Probate Ops does not charge heirs an upfront or personal fee for serving as the estate representative.
- This applies specifically to Probate Ops’s compensation for serving as estate representative.
- Other estate expenses may still reduce the amount ultimately available for distribution.
- Appointment and compensation depend on the estate, applicable law, and court approval.
Official references
Read the source material.
This page is a general educational overview, not legal advice or a fee quote. Court procedure, deadlines, compensation, and available options depend on the estate, governing documents, applicable law, and court approval. Other estate costs may include court, legal, tax, property, and creditor expenses.