Estate Planning for Union County, Oregon Property Owners
For most Union County homeowners, the house is what drags an estate into probate. A transfer-on-death deed or a living trust keeps it out—here is how to set up either one and record it locally.
For a Union County property owner, the biggest probate risk is the home itself. Real estate is what forces most families into the Circuit Court. The two tools that keep a Union County home out of probate are a transfer-on-death deed recorded with the County Clerk, and a revocable living trust that holds title to the property.
Skipping this planning step means the Circuit Court decides who receives the property: a simple Oregon probate takes 4+ months and opens with $278 in court filing fees.
Record a Transfer-on-Death Deed in Union County
A transfer on death deed lets an owner name a beneficiary who receives Union County property automatically at death, without probate. It is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime and can be revoked any time.
Before recording, a Oregon transfer on death deed needs notary acknowledgment. The deed must be recorded before the owner's death to take effect.
Where to Record Property Documents
Deeds and other real property documents for Union County are recorded with the County Clerk at 1001 4th Street, Suite D, La Grande, OR 97850. Phone: 541-963-1006. Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch).
Recording costs $90 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Page count, cover sheets, and any local transfer-tax add-ons under Oregon law can change the final amount, so confirm the total with the County Clerk before submitting.
Union County accepts e-recording. E-recording available, but business-to-business only: documents must be submitted through a title company or attorney with e-recording capability. Individuals must walk in or mail documents.
Deeds, contracts, leases, death certificates and powers of attorney: $90 first page, $5 each additional page and $5 per additional transaction.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Union County
Address
1001 4th Street, Suite DLa Grande, OR 97850
Phone
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch)
E-recording
Available
Recording fees
| Base fee (first page) | $90 |
| 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 $90 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)
Deeds, contracts, leases, death certificates and powers of attorney: $90 first page, $5 each additional page and $5 per additional transaction.
Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
A Living Trust Covers More Than One Deed
A transfer-on-death deed moves a single property. A revocable living trust holds the home, bank and investment accounts, and other assets together, so the whole estate skips the Circuit Court — not just the house. For a Union County family with more than one major asset, the trust is usually the cleaner plan.
Create a Revocable Trust in 15 minutes
Legal Sources
- ORS 205.320(1)(d)(A); ORS 205.323(1)
Data sourced from Oregon statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deeds and other real property documents for Union County are recorded with the County Clerk at 1001 4th Street, Suite D, La Grande, OR 97850. Call 541-963-1006 to confirm current recording procedures.
Recording a deed in Union County costs $90 for the first page plus $5 for each additional page. Page count, required cover sheets, and any local transfer tax can change the final total.
Union County accepts electronic recording. E-recording available, but business-to-business only: documents must be submitted through a title company or attorney with e-recording capability. Individuals must walk in or mail documents. Paper recording by mail or in person is also accepted.
The County Clerk is open Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM for lunch). Reach the office at 541-963-1006. Confirm whether walk-in or mail-in recording is preferred before you go.
Yes. Deeds recorded in Oregon must be signed in front of a notary before the County Clerk will accept them. A transfer-on-death deed follows the same execution rules — see the Union County signing requirements.
A transfer-on-death (TOD) deed names a beneficiary who receives the property automatically when the owner dies, without probate. The deed is recorded with the County Clerkduring the owner’s lifetime. Start one with the Oregon TOD deed form.
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