Probate and Estate Administration

Oregon Probate Attorney | Portland & King City/Tigard | Catalyst Law

Navigating the court system after a loved one’s death is easier with an experienced Oregon probate attorney guiding the way. Catalyst Law represents personal representatives and family members in Portland, King City, and across the Oregon metro area through every stage of probate.

When Probate is Required in Oregon

Generally, an Oregon estate must go through probate when the deceased owned real property in their individual name or held more than a statutory threshold in personal property without a trust or valid beneficiary designation. Probate establishes the personal representative’s legal authority to gather assets, pay debts, and distribute property to heirs.

How We Help Personal Representatives

Serving as a Personal Representative (also called an Executor) can feel overwhelming—especially while you are grieving. Our experienced attorneys and paralegals guide you through every phase of the Oregon probate and estate administration process, providing clarity, structure, and support from start to finish. We assist with all aspects of administration, including:

• Filing the petition with the court
• Managing required notices to family members, beneficiaries, creditors, and interested parties
• Coordinating asset collection and management
• Addressing creditor claims and resolving outstanding debts
• Preparing the final accounting and distribution to beneficiaries
• Advising on Oregon estate tax return filing obligations where the estate exceeds the $1 million exemption threshold

Probate Assets

When probate is required, we prepare and file the necessary petition with the court and guide our client through appointment as Personal Representative. Once appointed, we assist with all required procedures under Oregon law, including:

• Court filings and statutory notices
• Creditor claims and debt payment
• Required accountings and reports
• Lawful distribution of estate assets to beneficiaries

Our goal is to ensure the probate process is handled efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with all legal requirements, while minimizing unnecessary stress and delay.

Non-Probate Assets & Beneficiary Designated Property

Many assets pass outside of probate through beneficiary designations, such as:

• Retirement accounts
• Life insurance policies
• Pay-on-death and transfer-on-death accounts

Catalyst Law provides comprehensive guidance to help Personal Representatives and families identify, coordinate, and properly distribute non-probate assets, ensuring that all transfers align with the decedent’s wishes and applicable law.

Estate Tax Matters

Estate administration may involve federal or state estate tax obligations. We counsel Personal Representatives on strategies to reduce potential estate tax liability, where appropriate, and ensure required filings are handled accurately and on time.

Our services include:

• Preparing Federal and Oregon estate tax returns, when required
• Working collaboratively with CPAs and financial advisors to support compliance

Estate tax returns, if required, are generally due nine-months after the decedent’s date of death.

Avoiding Probate in the Future

If you’re going through probate now, it’s a natural moment to consider whether a revocable living trust could spare your own family this process later. We’re happy to discuss both during your consultation.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you are serving as a Personal Representative or are a beneficiary seeking clarity, we can help you understand your duties, rights, and responsibilities and guide you through the probate process with confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive experienced, compassionate guidance through probate and estate administration.