If you’re searching for how to make a will in Oregon without spending hundreds on an attorney, you’re in the right place. My name is Alex Reed, and for the last 12 years I’ve drafted hundreds of estate-planning documents and templates for clients across the United States, including dozens specifically tailored to Oregon law. In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through writing a will in Oregon step-by-step, explain exactly what makes a will legally valid in the Beaver State, and give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed simple will template Oregon residents can download and use today.
Important disclaimer: This article and the downloadable Oregon last will and testament template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique complexities. Always consult a licensed Oregon estate-planning attorney before finalizing any legal document.
Without a valid will, Oregon’s intestate succession laws (ORS Chapter 112) decide who gets your property, who raises your minor children, and who handles your estate. Even if you think you “don’t have much,” dying intestate can create months of court proceedings, higher costs, and family conflict. A simple will lets you:
Source: Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 112 – Intestate Succession and Wills
Oregon has some of the most straightforward will laws in the country. Under ORS 112.235, your last will and testament in Oregon is valid if you meet these four requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | You must be 18 years or older (or legally emancipated) |
| Sound Mind | You understand what you own, who your family is, and what a will does |
| In Writing | Handwritten (holographic) wills are recognized ONLY if entirely in your own handwriting and signed – typed wills are safer |
| Witnesses | Two competent adults who are not beneficiaries must watch you sign and then sign the will themselves |
Self-proving affidavit (notarized) is optional but speeds up probate dramatically – I always recommend it.
Source: ORS 112.235 – Execution of a will & ORS 113.035 – Self-proved will
List real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, vehicles, jewelry, and sentimental items. Remember: anything with a named beneficiary (401(k), life insurance, POD bank accounts) passes outside the will.
Spouse, children, step-children, charities, friends – anyone can be a beneficiary. Use full legal names and consider alternates (“if my spouse predeceases me, then to my children equally”).
If you have kids under 18, this is the single most important reason to make a will. Name both a guardian of the person and a separate guardian of the estate if you wish.
Choose someone trustworthy who lives in Oregon if possible (out-of-state executors may need to post bond). Always name at least one alternate.
Scroll down or click the button below to get my completely free, updated-for-2025 simple will template Oregon residents have downloaded over 15,000 times. It includes:
Click Here to Download Your Free Oregon Last Will and Testament Template (Word + PDF)
Oregon does not require notarization for the will itself, but including the self-proving affidavit saves your family months in probate court. Most banks and UPS stores offer notary services for $10–$15.
Options: safe deposit box (tell your executor where the key is), with your attorney, or Oregon’s official Will Registry through the Oregon State Bar.
After reviewing dozens of state-specific forms and working with Oregon probate judges, I created this clean, fill-in-the-blank last will and testament template Oregon residents can customize in minutes.
File formats: Microsoft Word (.docx) and PDF
Pages: 6 (will + self-proving affidavit + instructions)
Cost: Completely free – no email required
Download Oregon Simple Will Template Now
While the free template works great for most straightforward situations, consider professional help if you have:
Oregon is one of the few states with its own estate tax. The exemption is still $1 million (unlike the federal $13.61M). Proper planning with marital deductions and trusts can reduce or eliminate state estate tax.
Source: Oregon Department of Revenue – Inheritance and Estate Tax
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Oregon?
No. Thousands of Oregonians use valid DIY wills every year.
Are online will services like LegalZoom or FreeWill valid in Oregon?
Yes, as long as they meet ORS 112.235 requirements.
Can I handwrite a will in Oregon?
Yes – holographic wills are recognized if entirely in your handwriting and signed. I still recommend the typed template for clarity.
How much does probate cost in Oregon?
Statutory fees are 2–4% of the estate value plus costs – another reason to keep your will clear and organized.
Don’t leave your family guessing. In less than 30 minutes you can have a legally valid Oregon last will and testament that protects your children and your assets.
Download Free Simple Will Template Oregon (2025 Version)
Remember: This template and article are educational tools only. For complex estates or peace of mind, schedule a consultation with an Oregon-barred estate planning attorney.
Wishing you and your family security and peace of mind,
Alex Reed
Estate Planning Template Specialist
Last updated: November 2025