Probate is the court-supervised process that takes place after someone dies. The probate court is a state court that decides who gets the deceased person's "estate" which includes money, real estate, and any other valuable assets.  If a person died and left a will, the probate court determines the validity of the will, and then handles the estate based on the terms of the will.  If the deceased person did not have a valid will, the probate court applies Oregon "intestate" law to determine who are the lawful heirs.  

  Another very important function of the probate process is to determine the claims of creditors against the estate, which protects the heirs from being liable for the debts of the estate.  The probate process involves accounting for, and valuing the deceased person’s property, paying debts and taxes, and transferring ownership of property to the heirs. Probate attorney and court fees are paid from estate property. The Personal Representative (aka "Executor") of the Estate also may receive a fee for their service.

 

Our services specifically related to probates include:

 

• Preparation and filing of all necessary probate court documents

• Advice regarding interpreting and drafting wills

• Representation and advice for heirs and personal representatives (executors)

• Representing heirs who want to challenge a will or the estate administration