What to Do When Someone Dies in Morrow County, Oregon
Probate in Morrow 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 Morrow 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
Morrow County · 6th Judicial District
Address
100 Court StreetHeppner, OR 97836
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing required for attorneysWalk-ins acceptedSelf-filing allowed
Accepted paymentCash, Check, Money order, Credit card. In person by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover); checks or money orders accepted by mail (PO Box 609, Heppner); debit or credit card payments taken by phone.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 609, Heppner, OR 97836. Part of the 6th Judicial District with Umatilla County.
Verified July 4, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Morrow 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 Morrow County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 100 Court Street, Heppner. The court sits in the 6th Judicial District. The same 6th Judicial District also serves Umatilla.
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 Morrow County
What probate costs in Morrow 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 100 Court Street, Heppner. The court is part of the 6th 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 Morrow 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 6th 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 Morrow 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 Morrow County Self-Filing Assessment.
Before You Go
Walk-ins accepted
You can file in person without an appointment. Public service windows open during normal business hours; all Morrow County Circuit Court documents can be filed at the Heppner courthouse. A drop box in the back covered entrance of the courthouse accepts filings and payments at any time; items received by 5:00 PM are date-stamped the same business day.
Accepted payment
Cash, Check, Money order, Credit card. In person by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover); checks or money orders accepted by mail (PO Box 609, Heppner); debit or credit card payments taken by phone.
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 Morrow 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
Morrow County
Address
100 South Court Street, Suite 102Heppner, OR 97836Mailing: PO Box 338, Heppner, OR 97836
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
E-recording
Available via Simplifile
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $86 |
| 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 $86 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.
ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
Deed and mortgage records: $86 first page, $5 each additional page. Lien records: $76 first page. Morrow has NOT raised its $10 LCP fee post-HB 3175.
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Morrow County
Oregon uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Morrow 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 Morrow 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.
Eastern Oregon Firms
Clooten Law, LLC
FirmClooten Law is a family-owned firm with offices in Hermiston and Pendleton serving Umatilla County. Established in 2013, the firm prepares estate planning documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance medical directives, and also handles probate, family law, and bankruptcy.
Location
230 SE 4th StHermiston, OR 97838
Phone
(541) 667-7993
Established
2013
Service Area
2 counties
Estate PlanningProbateWillsTrust Administration
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Grable Hantke Law Group, LLC
FirmGrable Hantke Law Group is a Pendleton firm serving Eastern Oregon with estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate, alongside elder law and family law. Attorney Seth Hantke focuses on elder law, including guardianships, conservatorships, and trust and estate matters.
Location
334 SE 2nd StPendleton, OR 97801
Phone
(541) 276-1851
Service Area
3 counties
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationWillsElder LawGuardianshipConservatorship
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Anderson Hansell PC
FirmAnderson Hansell PC has served the Hermiston area since 1976, providing estate planning and probate services for farms, ranches, businesses, and individuals throughout Eastern Oregon. The firm assists clients with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, tax planning, probate, and trust administration.
Location
475 E Main StreetHermiston, OR 97838
Phone
(541) 567-7800
Established
1976
Estate PlanningProbateAgricultural LawBusiness LawReal Estate
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Corey, Byler & Rew, L.L.P.
FirmCorey, Byler & Rew is one of the largest law firms in Eastern Oregon, established in 1945 with over 80 years of experience. The firm provides attorneys experienced in estate, trust, and probate law, as well as agricultural law, real estate, and civil litigation across Eastern Oregon and Washington.
Location
222 SE Dorion AvePendleton, OR 97801
Phone
(541) 276-3331
Established
1945
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationAgricultural LawReal Estate
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Cory Larvik Attorney PC
Solo PracticeCory Larvik Attorney PC serves clients throughout Northeast Oregon, covering Union, Baker, Wallowa, Grant, and Umatilla Counties. The firm provides estate planning services including simple wills, lifetime gifts, complex trusts, and trust administration. Cory Larvik has been serving the La Grande area for over 16 years.
Location
2202 Cove Ave, Suite ALa Grande, OR 97850
Phone
(541) 663-8864
Estate PlanningProbateReal EstateBusiness Law
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Jaques Sharp, Attorneys
FirmJaques Sharp provides legal services in Hood River, Oregon, including estate planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, and business law. The firm serves clients in the Columbia River Gorge region. Se habla espanol.
Location
205 3rd StHood River, OR 97031
Phone
(541) 386-1311
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationReal EstateBusiness Law
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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
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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
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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
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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 Morrow 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 Morrow 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 Morrow 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 Morrow County probate.
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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