What to Do When Someone Dies in Jefferson County, Oregon
Probate in Jefferson County runs through the Circuit Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Jefferson County, settling their estate runs through the Circuit Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Circuit Court
Jefferson County · 22nd Judicial District
Address
129 SW E Street, Suite 101Madras, OR 97741
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysSelf-filing allowed
Accepted paymentCash, Check, Credit card. Pay in person at the circuit court by cash, check, or credit card; checks accepted by mail (129 SW E Street, Suite 101); credit card payments taken by phone at 541-475-3317.
Verified July 4, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Jefferson County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Jefferson County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 129 SW E Street, Suite 101, Madras. The court sits in the 22nd Judicial District. The same 22nd Judicial District also serves Crook.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Oregon intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Oregon estates take 6 monthsORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estateVerified Jul 15, 2026View source to 12 monthsORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estateVerified Jul 15, 2026View source to move through this process. The 4 monthsORS 115.005Verified Jul 15, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Jefferson County
What probate costs in Jefferson County, Oregon comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Circuit Court at 129 SW E Street, Suite 101, Madras. The court is part of the 22nd Judicial District.
Oregon charges $278 - $1,176 (based on estate value)ORS 21.170(1)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
E-filing is mandatory for attorneys filing at the Circuit Court (https://www.courts.oregon.gov/services/online/Pages/file-and-serve.aspx). Self-represented filers can request a paper-filing exemption.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Oregon are negotiated, typically 2%ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source to 3.2%ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Oregon, typically 2%ORS 116.173 (7% first $1K, 4% $1K-$10K, 3% $10K-$50K, 2% over $50K; +1% of non-jurisdictional estate-tax-reportable property; + reasonable for extraordinary services)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source to 7%ORS 116.173 (7% first $1K, 4% $1K-$10K, 3% $10K-$50K, 2% over $50K; +1% of non-jurisdictional estate-tax-reportable property; + reasonable for extraordinary services)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source of estate value. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Oregon requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%ORS 113.105Verified Jul 15, 2026View source of estate value annually.
Probate in Oregon typically runs 6 monthsORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estateVerified Jul 15, 2026View source to 12 monthsORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estateVerified Jul 15, 2026View source, and costs accrue throughout. The 4 monthsORS 115.005Verified Jul 15, 2026View source creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the Circuit Court
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
Paper Filing Available
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.
E-Filing Also Available
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
- •Self-represented (pro se) filers are exempt from mandatory e-filing. UTCR 21.140 requires only active Oregon State Bar members to e-file; pro se filers may file conventionally on paper or in person.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Circuit Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Jefferson County Self-Filing Assessment.
Before You Go
Accepted payment
Cash, Check, Credit card. Pay in person at the circuit court by cash, check, or credit card; checks accepted by mail (129 SW E Street, Suite 101); credit card payments taken by phone at 541-475-3317.
What to Bring
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.
Transferring Property in Jefferson County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the County Clerk.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Jefferson County · County Clerk · Katherine Zemke
Address
66 SE D Street, Suite CMadras, OR 97741
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
E-recording
Available via Simplifile
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $116 |
| Each additional page | $5 |
Oregon charges $5 for EVERY page including the first (ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A)) — there is no flat base fee and no "first N pages" threshold. The first page costs more only because flat per-document surcharges are added once per instrument: $76 state minimum ($5 page + $1 OLIS + $10 A&T + $60 affordable housing, per ORS 205.323(1)(a)-(c)), plus this county's local surcharges, for a $116 first-page total. Each additional page is $5. All three state surcharges apply to a TOD deed — it is in none of the ORS 205.323(2)/(3) exemption lists. Effective Jul 1, 2026: recording fees rose $20 for GIS development. Breakdown: $5 record + $10 LCP + $10 A&T + $1 OLIS + $30 GIS + $60 HAT = $116.
ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
Deed fee is $116 first page, $5 each additional page — up $20 effective Jul 1, 2026 for GIS development (Jefferson County Resolution). Breakdown: $5 record + $10 LCP + $10 A&T + $1 OLIS + $30 GIS + $60 HAT. Liens: $76. Office is Suite C (not Suite A). Website domain moved from jeffco.net to jeffersoncountyor.gov.
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Jefferson County
Oregon uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Jefferson County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Oregon are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source to 3.2%ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jul 15, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Jefferson County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Circuit Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Central Oregon Firms
Edmonds Law LLC
Solo PracticeEdmonds Law LLC is the solo practice of attorney Collin T. Edmonds, serving Central Oregon from offices in Prineville, Bend, and Redmond. The firm focuses on estate planning, probate administration, and protective proceedings including guardianships and conservatorships.
Location
250 NW Claypool StPrineville, OR 97754
Phone
(541) 668-9529
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbateGuardianshipConservatorship
Free consultationVisit site
Fitch and Neary PC
FirmFitch and Neary PC is a Redmond-based firm serving Central Oregon (Redmond, Sisters, Prineville, Madras, and Bend) with estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate, alongside real estate, land use, civil litigation, and business law. Four-attorney practice with 70+ combined years of experience.
Location
210 SW 5th Street, Suite 2Redmond, OR 97756
Phone
(541) 316-1588
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationWillsGuardianshipConservatorshipReal EstateBusiness Succession
Visit site
The Law Offices of Bryant Emerson
FirmThe Law Offices of Bryant Emerson is a Redmond firm tracing its roots to 1905, serving Central Oregon with trusts and estate planning, probate, real estate, family law, and corporate law.
Location
888 SW Evergreen AveRedmond, OR 97756
Phone
(541) 548-2151
Established
1905
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationWillsReal EstateBusiness Law
Visit site
Albertazzi Law Firm
FirmAlbertazzi Law Firm specializes in estate planning, trusts, probate, and guardianship solutions, helping clients navigate Oregon probate court with personalized attention.
Location
400 SW Bond St, Ste 200Bend, OR 97702
Phone
(541) 317-0231
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationGuardianshipConservatorship
Visit site
Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis, P.C.
FirmBryant, Lovlien & Jarvis offers comprehensive estate planning services including wills, trusts, and probate. Their attorneys regularly update estate plans and assist clients moving to Oregon in updating documents to comply with Oregon law.
Location
591 SW Mill View WayBend, OR 97702
Phone
(541) 382-4331
Established
1915
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationBusiness Succession
Visit site
Gorge Legacy Law LLC
FirmGorge Legacy Law has provided trusted legal services in the Mid-Columbia region since 1917, focusing on transferring wealth and assets to the next generation. The firm serves Wasco, Hood River, and Klickitat Counties with estate planning, elder law, real estate, and business succession services.
Location
112 W 4th StThe Dalles, OR 97058
Phone
(541) 296-5424
Established
1917
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationElder LawBusiness SuccessionReal Estate
Visit site
Hurley Re Law Group, LLC
FirmHurley Re Law Group has been representing Oregonians in estate planning, probate, civil disputes, and family law since 1995. They provide advice on wills and trusts, VA long-term care planning, guardianships, conservatorships, and business and tax planning.
Location
404 SW Columbia St, Ste 200Bend, OR 97702
Phone
(541) 933-4688
Established
1995
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationGuardianshipConservatorshipVa PlanningElder Law
Visit site
Law Office of Jonathan D. Mishkin, P.C.
FirmThe Law Office of Jonathan D. Mishkin, P.C. provides estate planning, probate, and tax services from its Bend office in the Powder Mountain Suites complex on the city's westside. The firm structures revocable and irrevocable trusts, partnerships, LLCs, and charitable entities for estate tax planning, probate avoidance, blended-family planning, business succession, and digital-asset estate planning.
Location
750 NW Charbonneau St, Suite 203Bend, OR 97703
Phone
(541) 550-1444
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationWillsTax PlanningBusiness Law
Visit site
Law Office of Paul Heatherman PC
Solo PracticeThe Law Office of Paul Heatherman PC is the solo practice of attorney Paul Heatherman, focused on estate planning, real estate, and business law for Bend-area clients. Since 1995, Paul Heatherman has helped Central Oregon families implement effective estate plans including trusts, wills, financial powers of attorney, medical directives, and transfer-on-death deeds.
Location
250 NW Franklin Ave, Suite 402Bend, OR 97701
Phone
(541) 389-1010
Established
1995
Estate PlanningTrust Administration
Visit site
NW Heritage Law PC
FirmNW Heritage Law PC (formerly Campbell Phillips PC) is a specialized law firm in The Dalles serving clients throughout the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and Washington. The firm focuses on estate planning, Medicaid planning, probate and trust administration, elder law, and family asset preservation.
Location
919 Cherry Heights RdThe Dalles, OR 97058
Phone
(541) 371-5585
Estate PlanningProbateElder LawMedicaid PlanningTrust AdministrationReal Estate
Visit site
Statewide Practices
Ballard Spahr LLP (formerly Lane Powell)
FirmAs of January 2025, Lane Powell combined with Ballard Spahr to form a nationally recognized firm of more than 750 lawyers across 18 U.S. offices. The Private Client Services Team counsels clients on estate and gift planning, estate administration, family business governance, transition planning, and dispute resolution.
Location
601 SW Second Avenue, Suite 2100Portland, OR 97204
Phone
(503) 778-2100
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationFiduciary LitigationBusiness SuccessionTax Planning
Visit site
Miller Nash LLP
FirmMiller Nash is a nationally recognized, industry-focused law firm with over 150 attorneys. Their estate-related practice is focused on trusts and estates litigation, including will contests, fiduciary disputes, and contested probate matters. They no longer offer transactional estate planning or probate administration.
Location
1140 SW Washington St, Suite 700Portland, OR 97205
Phone
(503) 224-5858
Service Area
Statewide
Trust LitigationEstate Litigation
Visit site
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
FirmSchwabe, Williamson & Wyatt has over 170 attorneys and provides goal-oriented tax, trust, and estate planning services. The firm assists clients in Oregon and Washington with wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, and business succession strategies.
Location
1211 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1800Portland, OR 97204
Phone
(503) 222-9981
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionCharitable Planning
Visit site
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Legal Sources
- ORS 113.105
- ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate
- ORS 115.005
- ORS 116.173 (7% first $1K, 4% $1K-$10K, 3% $10K-$50K, 2% over $50K; +1% of non-jurisdictional estate-tax-reportable property; + reasonable for extraordinary services)
- ORS 116.183 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- ORS 21.170(1)
Data sourced from Oregon statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Total probate costs on a $500,000 estate run about $26,416 statewide in Oregon. For Jefferson County, that means filing fees (about $591 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
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.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Oregon self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Oregon probate typically closes in 4–6 months; average estates run 6–12 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Jefferson County probate.
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
