Estate Planning & Probate in Multnomah County, Oregon
Most Multnomah County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Circuit Court.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Circuit Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Multnomah County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Multnomah County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Multnomah County→The Probate Process in Multnomah 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 Multnomah County, probate runs through the Circuit Court at 1200 SW 1st Avenue, Portland. The court sits in the 4th Judicial District.
Full Multnomah Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Circuit Court
Multnomah County · 4th Judicial District
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Multnomah County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$86 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page; a 2-page TOD deed records for $91.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Circuit Court
The court offers a self-help center, in Legal Resource Center, Second Floor. Staff can review paperwork for completeness and explain procedures, though they cannot provide legal advice. Call 971-236-8670 for details.
Per Supplemental Local Rule 9.085, self-represented persons seeking to serve as fiduciary (guardian, conservator, or personal representative) must give the court notice and be scheduled to meet with a judge who will determine competency to represent themselves. The Court Visitor fee for Multnomah County conservatorship cases is $550. The visitor evaluates the case and makes recommendations to the court regarding the capacity of the respondent and whether the proposed guardian is appropriate.
Oregon Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Multnomah County.
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