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When Is Probate Required in Oregon? (2026)

Updated September 4, 2026. Quick answer: in Oregon, an estate can use small estate affidavit when the qualifying value is $75,000 or less. That route DOES reach real property under the statute we read, within its own limits.

What this guide covers

Whether probate is required in Oregon turns on two questions: does the estate qualify for a small-estate shortcut, and does that shortcut reach whatever real property is involved. This page answers both for Oregon, with the statute cited, and then covers what full probate costs if the shortcut does not apply.

The affidavit route, and its limit

Oregon’s route: small estate affidavit, under O.R.S. § 114.510(1)(a).

$75,000 of personal property other than manufactured homes AND $200,000 of real property and manufactured homes combined – both caps must be met.

Not more than $75,000 of the fair market value of the estate is attributable to personal property other than manufactured homes;

Source: O.R.S. § 114.510(1)(a)

All 51 limits, compared.

The real-estate problem

What the text says: the route reaches real property.

and (B) Not more than $200,000 of the fair market value of the estate is attributable to the combined fair market value of real property and manufactured homes;

Source: O.R.S. § 114.510(1)(a)

What probate costs in Oregon if it is required

Oregon’s probate fees and attorney-compensation rules are their own topic, worked through in full on Oregon probate cost.

If a trust fits your situation in Oregon

In Oregon the small-estate route can reach real property, but only within the statute’s own limits. Above them, a funded revocable living trust avoids the question instead of relying on a limit that can change; LawDepot builds a state-specific one.

Build a living trust at LawDepot

LawDepot pays us a commission if you buy through this link. It costs you nothing extra. We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Affiliate Disclosure.

The order to work through it

List what Oregon residents typically own and how each item is titled. Remove everything with a living named beneficiary, a surviving joint owner, or a trust already holding it. If what remains is $75,000 or less, small estate affidavit is the route to look at. If real property remains in sole name, confirm the real-property rule above applies to what you own.

The general rule: when probate is required. Thresholds elsewhere: small estate limits by state. Oregon’s own small-estate mechanics: Oregon small estate affidavit.

Statutory text read at Oregon’s own legislature or official code publisher. General information, not legal advice; fee statutes and thresholds change and a court retains the final say on what qualifies.

General information drawn from state statutes and official court materials, not legal advice. Whether probate is required is STATE law and differs in every state; thresholds, what the small-estate route reaches, and probate costs all change, and every figure here is sourced and dated. We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice.

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