1. Prepare the necessary documents, including the death certificate and Letters of Administration.
This includes gathering any existing wills, deeds, bank statements, and other documents that may be relevant to the deceased estate.
2. File a petition with the appropriate county court to open an estate administration proceeding.
This involves filing a petition with the court and providing the necessary documentation to start the probate process.
3. Publish a notice of probate in a local newspaper or other publication according to Oregon law.
This is required by law in order to give any interested parties notice that the estate is being administered.
4. Notify all interested parties about the probate process and their rights under Oregon law.
Taking the time to notify any potential heirs, creditors and other stakeholders of the probate process is a vital step in ensuring that all affairs are conducted with fairness.
5. Submit an inventory of assets within 60 days from the opening date of probate proceedings.
This includes gathering information about the estate’s assets, such as bank accounts, real estate, and investments.
6. Pay off any debts & taxes associated with the estate; close accounts & cancel contracts as needed.
This includes paying all outstanding debts and taxes associated with the estate, as well as closing any accounts or canceling contracts that are no longer required.
7. Gather appraisals for items that need to be valued.
This includes obtaining appraisals for any items that need to be valued, such as artwork or collectibles.
8. Distribute assets according to will or state laws if there is no will present.
This includes determining the rightful beneficiaries of the estate and then distributing assets accordingly.
9. Obtain affidavits from beneficiaries when distributing property.
This is necessary in order to verify that the beneficiaries of the estate have received their share of assets.
10. Close down estates by filing final paperwork with the court after all assets have been distributed.
The final step in the probate process is to file paperwork with the court stating that all assets have been distributed according to the will or state laws. This officially closes down the estate and releases any remaining assets for distribution.