Where do I file for probate in Union County?

File at the Union County Circuit Court, located at 1105 K Ave, La Grande, OR 97850. The court accepts filings in person or via the File & Serve Oregon e-filing system.

How much does probate cost in Union County?

Filing fees depend on estate value: $124 for a Small Estate Affidavit, and typically $298 for full probate estates valued between $50,000 and $1 million. Publication costs add approximately $150-$300.

Can I avoid probate in Union County with a small estate?

Yes. If the estate has no more than $75,000 in personal property and $200,000 in real property (total limit $275,000), you can file a Small Estate Affidavit 30 days after death.

How long does probate take in Union County?

Formal probate takes a minimum of 4 months due to the creditor notice period. Most simple estates conclude in 6-9 months, while complex cases can take a year or more.

Do I need an attorney for probate in Union County?

Oregon law does not strictly require an attorney, but probate is complex. The court staff cannot provide legal advice. For Small Estate Affidavits, many people file without an attorney, but formal probate often requires professional legal guidance.

Union County Probate Guide: Courts, Fees & Process (2026)

Overview

Union County is located in Oregon with a population of approximately 26,058. The Union 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 Probate 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 Small Estate Affidavit procedure for estates valued at $275,000 or less (with specific sub-limits of $75,000 for personal property and $200,000 for real property). This process is faster and less expensive than formal probate.

Oregon does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys; fees are typically based on hourly rates or a reasonable fixed fee approved by the court. Personal representatives are entitled to compensation based on a percentage of the estate value (7% on the first $1,000, 4% on the next $9,000, 3% on the next $40,000, and 2% on the excess over $50,000).

This guide provides an informational overview of the Union 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

Union County Circuit Court

Probate matters in Union County are handled at the Union County Courthouse.

Address: 1105 K Ave, La Grande, OR 97850

Phone: (541) 962-9500 (Probate Department)

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is located in the historic Union County Courthouse in downtown La Grande. The probate department handles estate filings, guardianships, and conservatorships.

Parking and Access

Street parking is generally available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. Some areas may have time limits or meters, so check signage carefully. The building is accessible to the public during court hours.

Filing Process

Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary

Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:

Small Estate Affidavit: If the estate includes no more than $75,000 in personal property and $200,000 in real property (total $275,000), you may file a Small Estate Affidavit 30 days after death.
Survivorship/Beneficiary Designations: Assets with named beneficiaries or held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship often 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 Probate with the Union County Circuit Court. Include:

Petition for Appointment of Personal Representative
Original will (if applicable)
Certified death certificate
Filing fee (based on estate value)
Limited Judgment Appointing Personal Representative

Oregon courts utilize the File & Serve Oregon e-filing system, which is mandatory for attorneys and optional for self-represented litigants.

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 Union County (such as The Observer) for three consecutive weeks.
Notify DHS: You must send a copy of the petition and death certificate to the Oregon Department of Human Services (Estate Administration Unit).

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

Formal probate in Oregon often does not require an initial hearing if the petition is uncontested. The judge typically reviews the documents and signs the Limited Judgment appointing the Personal Representative. Once the bond (if required) is filed, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.

Step 5: Administer the Estate

After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:

Wait for the creditor claim period to expire (4 months from first publication)
Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 to 90 days
Pay valid creditor claims and administrative expenses
File federal and state tax returns
Distribute assets to beneficiaries
File a General Judgment of Distribution to close the estate

Local Requirements

Union County-Specific Procedures

E-filing: Union County uses the statewide File & Serve Oregon system.
Bond: A fiduciary bond is typically required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries waive the requirement and the court approves.
Local Rules: The 10th Judicial District (Union/Wallowa) may have specific supplementary local rules; always check with the court clerk for specific filing preferences.
Publication: Notice is typically published in The Observer, which serves La Grande and Union County.

The court requires a specific form of "Information on Heirs and Devisees" to be filed with the petition.

Timeline & Fees

Filing Fees (Union County)

Filing fees are determined by the value of the estate (ORS 21.170):

Small Estate Affidavit: $124
Estate value < $50,000: $35 (rare for full probate)
Estate value $50,000 – $1,000,000: $298
Estate value $1,000,000 – $10,000,000: $596
Estate value > $10,000,000: $1,176
Certified copies of Letters: $5.00 plus $0.25 per page
Publication costs: approximately $150-$300 depending on the newspaper

Payment Methods

The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard). Credit card payments may incur a convenience fee.

Estimated Timelines

Small Estate: Can be filed 30 days after death; effective immediately upon filing.
Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 4-month creditor period).
Average estates: 9-12 months.
Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years.

The 4-month creditor claim period is a statutory minimum that cannot be shortened.

Local Resources

Union County Court Resources

Court Website: Union County Circuit Court
Probate Self-Help: Oregon Judicial Department Self-Help
State Probate Forms: OJD Forms Center

Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals

Oregon State Bar Referral Service: (503) 684-3763 — osbar.org
Legal Aid Services of Oregon: (541) 276-6685 (Pendleton Regional Office serving Union County)

Publication

The Observer: (541) 963-3161 — lagrandeobserver.com

Probate in Union County, Oregon: 2026 Guide