What happens if I don’t go through probate?

If probate is not done in Oregon, it can have a number of consequences for the estate and the heirs or beneficiaries of the deceased person. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, which includes identifying and collecting the person's assets, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries according to the terms of the person's will or the laws of intestate succession.

If probate is not done, it can be difficult to determine who is entitled to the assets of the estate and how they should be distributed. This can lead to disputes among the heirs or beneficiaries, which can be time-consuming and costly to resolve. In addition, it may be difficult to sell or transfer ownership of assets that are owned by the estate, such as real estate or financial accounts.

Furthermore, the assets of the estate may not be properly protected and may be vulnerable to theft or mismanagement. For example, if the estate includes a bank account that is not properly closed or transferred to the beneficiaries, the funds in the account may be at risk.

In summary, if probate is not done, it can lead to a number of complications for the estate and the heirs or beneficiaries, and it can also put the assets of the estate at risk. It's generally advisable to complete the probate process in a timely manner in order to ensure that the deceased person's affairs are properly taken care of and that their assets are protected.