Overview
Multnomah County is located in Oregon with a population of approximately 795,897. The Multnomah County Circuit Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Oregon probate is governed by ORS Chapter 111 through 118. The process begins with filing a Petition for Administration (or Probate of 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.
Oregon offers a simplified "Small Estate" procedure for estates valued at $275,000 or less (with no more than $200,000 in real property and $75,000 in personal property). This involves filing an Affidavit of Claiming Successor rather than a full probate petition.
Oregon does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or personal representatives based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be reasonable and approved by the court.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Multnomah 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
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Probate matters in Multnomah County are handled at the Multnomah County Courthouse.
Address: 1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 971-274-0605 (Probate Department)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Phone hours: 8:30-10:30 AM & 1:30-4:30 PM)
The Probate Department is part of the Civil Division. While the main courthouse is located downtown, some administrative tasks may be handled electronically or via mail.
Parking and Access
The courthouse does not have a dedicated public parking lot. Visitors must use street parking or nearby public parking garages, such as the SmartPark garages at 1st & Jefferson or 4th & Yamhill. The courthouse is well-served by public transit, including MAX light rail and TriMet bus lines. Security screening is required for entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate is valued at $275,000 or less (max $200,000 real property, $75,000 personal property), you may file an Affidavit of Claiming Successor 30 days after death.
- Non-Probate Transfers: Assets with designated beneficiaries (POD/TOD accounts, life insurance) or held in joint tenancy bypass probate.
- 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 Appointment of Personal Representative with the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Include:
- Petition for Administration (or Probate of Will)
- Original will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $263)
- Limited Judgment Appointing Personal Representative
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys and available for self-represented litigants via OJD eFile (File & Serve).
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs, devisees, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Multnomah County (such as the Daily Journal of Commerce) for three consecutive weeks.
- File proof of publication with the court.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Many probate petitions in Multnomah County are handled administratively without a formal hearing if all documents are in order. If a hearing is required, the court will schedule it. Upon approval, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Search for and notify creditors (claims must be presented within 4 months of publication).
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60-90 days.
- Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses.
- File federal and state tax returns (including Oregon estate tax if applicable).
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries.
- File a General Judgment of Distribution to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Multnomah County-Specific Procedures
- E-filing: Multnomah County utilizes the Odyssey File & Serve system. Attorneys are required to e-file.
- Local Rules: Probate matters are governed by Supplementary Local Rules (SLR) Chapter 9.
- Bond: The court may require a fiduciary bond unless the will waives it or all heirs/devisees sign a waiver.
- Publication: Notice is typically published in the Daily Journal of Commerce or other approved county newspapers.
Always check the current Supplementary Local Rules for Multnomah County before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Multnomah County)
- Petition for Administration: approximately $263
- Small Estate Affidavit: approximately $124
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 + $0.25 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper
- Response/Objection: approximately $263
Oregon does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys; fees are based on "reasonable compensation" for time and effort.
Payment Methods
The court accepts credit/debit cards (via e-filing or in person), checks, and money orders.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period is 4 months from the date of first publication, which sets a minimum timeline for closing the estate.
Local Resources
Multnomah County Court Resources
- Court Website: courts.oregon.gov/courts/multnomah
- Probate Self-Help: courts.oregon.gov/help
- Oregon Probate Forms: courts.oregon.gov/forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Oregon State Bar Referral Service: 503-684-3763 — osbar.org
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon: 503-224-4086 — lasoregon.org
Publication
- Daily Journal of Commerce: 503-226-1311 — djcoregon.com