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Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.
An executor (or personal representative) in Oregon is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.
The probate petition filing fee in Oregon is approximately $591 for a $500,000 estate.ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate; 2025 SB 15 and SB 168 / 2025 c.34 enrolled text), ORS 115.005 (creditor claims), ORS 116.173 (PR commission), ORS 116.183 (attorney fees), ORS 113.105 (bond), ORS 113.155 (publication), ORS 113.165 (inventory, 90 days), ORS 114.275 (unsupervised administration), ORS 118.010 (estate tax) — all via oregonlegislature.gov / oregon.public.law, re-verified 2026-05-05Verified May 5, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.
Oregon requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 4 months to file claims.ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate; 2025 SB 15 and SB 168 / 2025 c.34 enrolled text), ORS 115.005 (creditor claims), ORS 116.173 (PR commission), ORS 116.183 (attorney fees), ORS 113.105 (bond), ORS 113.155 (publication), ORS 113.165 (inventory, 90 days), ORS 114.275 (unsupervised administration), ORS 118.010 (estate tax) — all via oregonlegislature.gov / oregon.public.law, re-verified 2026-05-05Verified May 5, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.
Oregon allows estates valued at $75,000 or less to use a Simple Estate Affidavit.ORS 114.510 & 114.515 (simple estate; 2025 SB 15 and SB 168 / 2025 c.34 enrolled text), ORS 115.005 (creditor claims), ORS 116.173 (PR commission), ORS 116.183 (attorney fees), ORS 113.105 (bond), ORS 113.155 (publication), ORS 113.165 (inventory, 90 days), ORS 114.275 (unsupervised administration), ORS 118.010 (estate tax) — all via oregonlegislature.gov / oregon.public.law, re-verified 2026-05-05Verified May 5, 2026 The waiting period is 30 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.
Oregon has a statutory fee schedule for executor compensation.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 May 5, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 7% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Oregon executor fee calculator.
Probate costs in Oregon include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Oregon probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.
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