Probate cost · Oregon
Probate cost in Oregon
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Oregon costs about $23,674 to $37,044 for a $500,000 estate. The Circuit Court charges $594 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under ORS 114.515. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $580-$3,950.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Oregon, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $594 | Circuit Court filing fee scales with estate value, $124 up to $1,178. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $80 - $250 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,500 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $300 - $1,200 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $12,500 on $500k | ORS 116.173: reasonable compensation set by the court. Typical range is 2-4% of the probate estate. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reasonable and court-approved, typically 2-4% of the estate. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Oregon across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Oregon has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $10,174 - $17,544 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $23,674 - $37,044 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $46,174 - $69,544 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Oregon
- If the estate is under $75,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Circuit Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,500 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Oregon?
Total probate cost in Oregon for a $500,000 estate typically runs $23,674 to $37,044. A $200,000 estate costs about $10,174-$17,544, a $1M estate $46,174-$69,544. Court filing alone is $594.
Who pays probate fees in Oregon?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Circuit Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under ORS 114.515.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($75,000 in Oregon). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Oregon?
ORS 116.173: reasonable compensation set by the court. Typical range is 2-4% of the probate estate.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Circuit Court at the end, typically 12 months after opening the estate.
Where in Oregon
In Oregon, probate fees are paid at the Circuit Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Multnomah County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Portland
- County seat
Washington County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Hillsboro
- County seat
Clackamas County
Circuit Court - courthouse in Oregon City
Every Oregon county has its own Circuit Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Oregon
Related: Probate in Oregon · Cost calculator · Probate timeline