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Oregon Probate Deadlines: What to File and When

Oregon gives the personal representative a real job before the creditor clock even starts running: a diligent, documented search for who's actually owed money.

ORS Chapters 113, 114, 115, 118

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Quick answer: the deadline that shapes the whole schedule is whichever of two dates arrives later — 4 months from the first publication of notice, or 30 days after an individually mailed notice to a known creditor. See the full Oregon probate timeline calculator for your specific estimate.

The core deadlines, in order

DeadlineOregon ruleStatute
Small Estate Affidavit eligible30 days after deathORS 114.515
PR diligent search for creditorsWithin 3 months of appointmentORS 115.003
Individual notice to known creditorsWithin 30 days after search period endsORS 115.003
Inventory due90 days after appointmentORS 113.165
Creditor claim deadlineLater of 4 months from publication or 30 days after individual noticeORS 115.005
Proof of notice compliance filed with courtWithin 60 days of claim period expiringORS 115.008
Oregon estate tax return (if over $1M)Form OR-706 within 12 monthsORS 118.010

Why a "later of" rule doesn't reward speed

Worth understanding clearly: under § 115.005, claims are barred only after both the 4-month publication window and any required individual-notice window have run — whichever finishes later. A personal representative who publishes promptly still has to wait out the full 4 months, and a known creditor identified or notified late can push the effective deadline out even further, since that creditor's own 30-day clock starts fresh from their notice date, not from publication.

The search duty comes before the notice duty

Oregon requires more upfront legwork than many states: the personal representative has 3 months from appointment to make a reasonably diligent effort to identify creditors, and then 30 days after that search period ends to individually notify anyone found. Only after both the publication and any required individual notices have gone out does the 4-month (or 30-day) claim clock have a fixed starting point.

Facing probate in Oregon?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to an Oregon attorney

Oregon probate deadlines — frequently asked questions

Why does the later-of rule matter for Oregon's creditor deadline?

Because claims are barred at whichever comes later — 4 months from publication or 30 days after an individual notice — the personal representative can't shorten the window by publishing early. A known creditor notified late can still push the effective deadline further out.

What must an Oregon personal representative do in the first 3 months?

Make a reasonably diligent effort to identify the estate's creditors, under ORS 115.003. Known creditors then need to be individually notified within 30 days after that search period ends.

When is the Oregon estate tax return due?

Form OR-706 is due within 12 months of the date of death, for any estate above the $1 million threshold — one of the longer estate-tax filing windows among states that have one, though the low threshold means more estates end up owing it.

What happens if an Oregon creditor's allowed claim goes unpaid?

A creditor whose claim has been allowed but not paid within 6 months after the date of publication can apply to the court for an order directing the personal representative to pay it, to the extent estate funds are available.

Keep going

Oregon Probate Timeline CalculatorYour estimate, based on your answers What Delays Probate in OregonBeyond the statutory floor Supervised vs Unsupervised AdministrationWhich one applies to your estate Oregon Probate vs Living TrustWould a trust have avoided this?

Estimate for general guidance only, not legal advice. Based on ORS 113.165, 114.515, 115.003, 115.005, 115.008, 118.010. Confirm current deadlines with the Circuit Court or a licensed Oregon attorney.