This pamphlet was produced and distributed by the Oregon State Bar courtesy of Oregon's lawyers. It is based on Oregon law and is issued to inform, not to advise. It is not intended to apply to any specific situation. Probate is a process in which the court decides who receives assets that were owned by a person who has died.
Assets are anything a person owns with value, such as property, cash, etc.
Probate is not always necessary. If the deceased person owned bank accounts or property with another person, the surviving co-owner will then own this property automatically. If a person dies leaving very little assets, such as personal belongings or household goods, these items can be distributed among the person s heirs without the supervision of the court. Clear title to land or stocks and bonds, or large bank or savings and loan accounts that were held in the name of the deceased person only, and pass title of these assets to the heirs. Settle a dispute between people who claim they are entitled to what the deceased person left behind.