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A step-by-step guide to filing at the Circuit Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
If you're handling probate yourself in Jefferson County, Oregon, you can file at the Circuit Court in person or by mail. E-filing is mandatory for attorneys but families filing without one are exempt and can use paper forms. The court sits in the 22nd Judicial District.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person or by mail. While attorneys are required to e-file in Jefferson County, families handling probate themselves are exempt and can file on paper.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationPaper Filing Required For
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court is realistic for your situation.
Self-represented filers may file probate. The Oregon Judicial Department statewide estate/probate forms (including the Simple Estate Affidavit) are accepted in all circuit courts. A Simple Estate Affidavit may be used when the estate is $275,000 or less (real property $200,000 or less, personal property $75,000 or less) and is filed no sooner than 30 days after death.
Get the Jefferson County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Jefferson County Self-Filing Assessment.
The Circuit Court is located at 129 SW E Street, Suite 101, Madras, OR 97741. Phone: 541-475-3317. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
To file at the Circuit Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Circuit Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
You open probate by filing a petition with the Circuit Court in Jefferson County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee (about $591). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Jefferson County uses the standard Oregon probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
Oregon allows informal (unsupervised) probate, which many families handle themselves for simple estates. The Circuit Court in Jefferson County does not require attorney representation. Use the Oregon self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Circuit Court in Jefferson County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Jefferson County
129 SW E Street, Suite 101
Madras, OR 97741
Phone:
541-475-3317Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.