How Do I File Probate in Washington County, Oregon?
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 Washington 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 20th Judicial District.
Filings here are routed through the Probate Department. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
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 Washington 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. 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 Washington County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Washington County Self-Filing Assessment.
Washington County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Court Appearances
Ex parte matters typically resolve without court appearance
Court appearances typically not required for ex parte matters; matters resolve through File & Serve/Odyssey system.
SourceIn-Person Filing
The Circuit Court is located at 145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Phone: 503-846-8888. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Circuit Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Circuit Court in Washington 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. Washington 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 Washington County does not require attorney representation. Use the Oregon self-filing assessment to see if your estate qualifies.
Yes. The Circuit Court in Washington 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.
Circuit Court
Washington County
145 NE 2nd Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone:
503-846-8888Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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