Multnomah County Probate Records

Multnomah County probate records are documents created during the legal process of transferring a deceased person's property to others after locating assets and paying debts. These records include bonds, wills, inventories, decrees, accounts, petitions, orders, and distributions. Probate records are usually sought to determine inheritance rights and settle legal and estate matters, financial claims, and real estate transactions. They are primarily managed and disseminated through the circuit court clerk's office along with other related Multnomah County court records.

Are Probate Records Public?

Yes. The Oregon Public Records Law prescribes the public disclosure of probate records. Therefore, anyone can inspect or copy any probate files available at the Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department. However, some files may not be released to the general public if their disclosure is likely to compromise personal or public safety.

What is Probate Court in Multnomah County?

The Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department is the county's probate court. It hears probate matters pertaining to trust cases, estates, adult and minor conservatorships, and guardianships. The Department helps transfer deceased property to others through full probate. However, the property can be transferred by other means, such as an "Affidavit of Claiming Successor" or "Simple Estate Affidavit".

The Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department conducts business at the address below:

Multnomah County Courthouse
1200 SW 1st Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (971) 274-0605

Probate Court Case Lookup

The Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department provides copies of probate court case records online, by mail, email, or in person at the courthouse. Requesters can submit an online copy request form to copy probate records electronically. Email and mail record seekers must complete the Records Request Form and send it to MUL.Records@ojd.state.or.us or the mailing address. In-person requesters may also visit the courthouse from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plain copies of probate records cost $3, and certified copies cost $5, but printed copies attract an extra $0.25 per page for printing. The court accepts payment by cash (for in-person requests), checks, money orders, debit and credit cards. Individuals seeking free access to probate records can use the Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search portal. They can conduct a search by name or number.

How to Find Probate Records Online Free

Records seekers have two free options for finding Multnomah County probate records online. The first is the Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search portal, which allows users to conduct a search by name or number. Users may click the "Advanced Filtering Options" link, scroll to the "Case Search Criteria" section, locate the "Filter by Case Type" dropdown, and select "Probate". The second option is the Oregon Historical Records Index, which allows users to search by name, year range, document type, or county. These two portals provide free access to limited case information, so individuals who want copies of full probate information should email or visit the Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department during business hours. Copies of probate records come with a fee.

How Long Does Probate Take in Oregon

Probate can begin immediately after a person's passing and typically takes at least 4 months to complete. However, the process may take longer if the estate includes hard-to-sell property or involves complex tax or legal matters. In contrast, an individual cannot file a small estate proceeding until 30 days after a person's death, which is finalized upon filing.

Are Wills Public Record?

Yes, Wills filed with the Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department are public records. The Department keeps the original will and makes copies available to the public upon request. The records staff charges a small fee for copies.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will

Record seekers can locate a deceased person's will at the Multnomah County Circuit Court Probate Department if the estate proceeding has been filed or the will was submitted for safekeeping. They can contact the Department by phone at (971) 274-0605, by email at MUL.Records@ojd.state.or.us, or in person at the courthouse to make inquiries. The records staff will need the deceased person's name to verify if their will is on file. If the will is located, they will provide a copy to the requester while retaining the original. Additionally, a fee will be charged for the copy.

In some cases, the deceased person may leave their will with their attorney. In such cases, family members can contact the attorney after their loved one's passing to request a copy of the will. If they only know the attorney's name but not their contact information, they can search the Oregon State Bar's Membership Directory portal. Researchers can also visit the deceased person's bank to check if they have a safe deposit box. Their Will may be inside the box.

Multnomah County Family Court Case Search

The Multnomah County Circuit Court Family Department hears family cases relating to child custody, divorce, protection orders, and gender and name changes. Some records pertaining to these cases are available to the public, but other records involving adoption and child abuse and neglect are not. The Department charges $3 for plain copies of family court records, and certified copies cost $5, but printed copies attract an extra $0.25 per page for printing. Individuals can obtain public family court records through the following methods:

• Online: Submit an online copy request form to obtain copies of family court records for a fee. Users must enter the appropriate information in the available search box before clicking the submit button. However, requesters who want access to records for free can conduct a search using the Online Record Search portal. A search can be conducted by name or number.
• By email or mail: Record seekers can complete the Records Request form and email it to the Records Department at MUL.Records@ojd.state.or.us. Alternatively, they can print the form, complete it, and mail it to the Department.
• In-person: During business hours, individuals can visit the Circuit Court to request copies of family court records. The records staff will provide a form to complete to facilitate the search. Copy fees will be required before the desired records will be released to the requester.