Affordable probate help

The Commons Law Center helps Oregonians and their families handle the affairs of their loved ones after death. We can help you make sure you handle all of the legal compliance tasks necessary for administering a trust or probate, and avoid the risk of beneficiary disputes.

Power of Attorney and Advance Directive Workshop

Learn about Advance Directives and Powers of Attorney. Free forms provided!

Next online workshop scheduled for Friday, April 26th, 2024 starting at 1:00 pm.

Our Services

Probate

What is probate? Broadly speaking, probate is the process of wrapping up a person's affairs after they die. Specifically, it is the court procedure that validates a person's will so that its instructions can be followed or provides the "default" instructions if no will exists.

How we can help

Obtain death certificates
Lodge the will and make other required court filings
Gain access to financial accounts & other property of the deceased
Deal with any outstanding debts of the deceased
Draft and file the appropriate estate tax return
Make final distributions of the estate to the beneficiaries
Close the estate with the court

Small Estate Affidavit

What is a Small Estate Affidavit? An "affidavit" is a sworn statement, put in writing, that a court or judge will accept as evidence in a legal proceeding. A Small Estate Affidavit can be used by a person who is entitled to receive property or money from the estate of someone who has died.

A Small Estate Affidavit can only be used when the the value of the decedent’s personal property (personal effects, cars, jewelry, etc.) does not exceed $75,000; AND the value of the decedent’s real property (any immovable property such as land and buildings) does not exceed $200,000.

How we can help

Obtain death certificates
Lodge the will and make other required court filings
Gain access to financial accounts & other property of the deceased
Deal with any outstanding debts of the deceased
Draft and file the appropriate estate tax return
Make final distributions of the estate to the beneficiaries

Our Probate Process

Probate Consultation

Once you fill out our intake form and are qualified, you'll meet with one of our attorneys for a FREE 15 minute phone call to go over your needs and outline your goals for the estate administration.

Document Preparation & Filing

The legal deadlines for making certain filings after a loved one has died are surprisingly short. We help you complete the initial legal paperwork and file it with the court so that you can avoid
problems down the road. We then help you submit the remaining filings as needed.

Executor Support

An estate's personal
representative has a number of obligations and duties. We can help you understand your rights
and responsibilities, and
properly communicate with the estate beneficiaries.

Become a Client

Additional Resources

The CommonSense Legal Blog

Small Estate Affidavit Process for Oregon

After a loved one dies, it is common for people to have questions like ...

What is a financial power of attorney?

A financial Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you ...

What is an advance directive?

A medical Power of Attorney is a legal document in which you appoint someone to ...