Overview
Beaver County is located in Oklahoma with a population of approximately 5,025. The Beaver County District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Oklahoma probate is governed by Title 58 of the Oklahoma Statutes. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (if there is a will) or Petition for Letters of Administration (if there is no will) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Oklahoma offers a Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $50,000 or less, which allows heirs to collect personal property without formal court administration. Additionally, a Summary Administration process is available for estates valued at $200,000 or less, or where the decedent has been dead for more than five years.
Oklahoma law sets statutory fees for personal representatives: 5% on the first $1,000, 4% on the next $5,000, and 2.5% on amounts over $6,000. Attorneys' fees are not set by statute but must be reasonable and approved by the court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Beaver County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Beaver County District Court
Probate matters in Beaver County are handled at the Beaver County Courthouse.
Address: 111 W 2nd St, Beaver, OK 73932 (Mailing: PO Box 237)
Phone: (580) 625-3191 (Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Court Clerk's office is located within the courthouse and accepts all probate filings.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square. The building is accessible to the public during business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate's probate assets are valued at $50,000 or less, you may be able to use an affidavit to collect assets without court filing.
- Summary Administration: For estates valued at $200,000 or less, a streamlined court process is available.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate with the Beaver County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $204.14)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
E-filing may be available; check with the Court Clerk for current protocols.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 10 days before the hearing.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Beaver County, such as The Herald-Democrat, typically for two consecutive weeks.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors by publication and mail; creditors generally have 2 months from the date of publication to file claims.
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 2 months of appointment.
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes.
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Account and Petition for Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Beaver County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Methods: Contact the Court Clerk at (580) 625-3191 to confirm if e-filing is mandatory or if paper filing is accepted.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Beaver County, such as The Herald-Democrat.
- Bond: A bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by all heirs.
Always check with the Court Clerk for the most up-to-date local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Beaver County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $204.14
- Small Estate Affidavit: No court filing fee (affidavit is presented to asset holders); recording fees may apply if filed with land records.
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper.
- Certified copies: approximately $1-$2 per page plus certification fee.
Statutory Executor Fees:
- 5% on the first $1,000
- 4% on the next $5,000
- 2.5% on amounts over $6,000
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, cashier's checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-12 months
- Summary Administration: 2-4 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
Factors affecting the timeline include the 2-month creditor claim period and court scheduling availability.
Local Resources
Beaver County Court Resources
- Court Clerk: (580) 625-3191
- Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN): oscn.net
- Oklahoma Legal Aid: oklaw.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Oklahoma Bar Association: (405) 416-7000 — okbar.org
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma: 1-888-534-5243
Publication
- The Herald-Democrat: (580) 625-3241 — Newspaper of general circulation in Beaver County.