Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Oregon

Residency Requirements

• If married in Oregon: file immediately


• If married elsewhere: 6 months residency required

Grounds

Oregon is a pure no-fault state: irreconcilable differences.

Waiting Period

90 days "cooling off" period from date of service.

Filing Process

1. File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in circuit court


2. Serve your spouse


3. Exchange financial information


4. Finalize after 90-day waiting period

Family Courts in Oregon

Family law cases in Oregon are heard in Circuit Courts.

Court Structure

• 36 counties with circuit courts


• 27 judicial districts

Major Courts

• Multnomah County (Portland): Multnomah County Circuit Court


• Lane County (Eugene): Lane County Circuit Court


• Marion County (Salem): Marion County Circuit Court

Self-Help Resources

Family Law Facilitator offices available in many counties.

Filing Fees in Oregon

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $301


• Response fee: $301


• Service fees: Vary

Fee Waiver/Deferral

Fee waiver or deferral available based on income (at/below 133% federal poverty level).

Typical Costs

• Uncontested: $1,000-$3,500


• Contested: $10,000-$30,000+

Free Legal Resources in Oregon

Oregon Law Center

• Website: oregonlawcenter.org


• Phone: 503-473-8664 (Portland)

Legal Aid Services of Oregon

• Website: lasoregon.org


• Phone: 503-224-4086

Online Resources

• Oregon Free Legal Answers: oregon.freelegalanswers.org


• OregonLawHelp: oregonlawhelp.org

Critical Deadlines in Oregon

Waiting Period

90 days "cooling off" period from date of service before divorce can be finalized.

Response Deadline

30 days to respond after being served.

Default Judgment

If no response, petitioner can seek default judgment after 30 days.

Oregon's Unique Family Law Features

Joint Custody Requires Agreement

Oregon courts cannot order joint custody unless both parents agree. This is unusual - most states allow courts to order joint custody.

No-Fault Only

Oregon is a pure no-fault state - only "irreconcilable differences" available.

Parenting Plans

Detailed parenting plans are required addressing physical custody, decision-making, and communication.

90-Day Cooling Off

Mandatory 90-day waiting period from service before finalization.