Multnomah Public Records /Multnomah County Divorce Records

Multnomah County Divorce Records

What Are Multnomah County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Multnomah County are official legal documents that provide documentation of the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are maintained pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.105, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that collectively document the legal termination of a marriage.

The Multnomah County Circuit Court maintains divorce records as part of its official court record system. These documents serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Verification for Social Security benefits claims
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records typically include the dissolution judgment signed by a judge, which finalizes the divorce and outlines the terms of property division, child custody arrangements, spousal support, and other relevant matters. Additionally, these records may contain the initial petition for dissolution, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and other documents filed during the divorce proceedings.

Are Multnomah County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Multnomah County have a complex public access status that varies depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Oregon Public Records Law § 192.311, with certain important exceptions.

The following components of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

Basic case information (names of parties, case numbers, filing dates)
Court hearing schedules
Final judgments of dissolution (with certain redactions)
General court orders

However, several categories of information within divorce records may be restricted from public access:

Financial affidavits and statements
Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifiers
Information about minor children
Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
Sealed records pursuant to court order

Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access than general court records. Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 432.350, these certificates are available only to:

The parties named in the record
Immediate family members
Legal representatives of eligible parties
Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics maintains the official vital records, including divorce certificates, while the Multnomah County Circuit Court maintains the complete case files for divorces granted within the county.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Multnomah County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Multnomah County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files:

Visit the Multnomah County Circuit Court in person to access public terminals.
- Bring the case number if available
- If the case number is unknown, be prepared to provide names of parties and approximate date of filing
- Court staff can assist with locating records but cannot provide legal advice
Submit a written request to the court records department:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
1021 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Access the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) online, which requires registration and payment of subscription fees.

For certified divorce certificates:

Contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics:

Oregon Center for Health Statistics
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 225
Portland, OR 97232
971-673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
Complete the official divorce certificate application form
Provide proof of identity and eligibility to receive the record
Submit the required fee (currently $30.00 for the first copy, $25.00 for each additional copy)

Requesters should note that records from recent divorces may still be in processing and not immediately available in all systems.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Multnomah County Online?

Multnomah County provides several digital options for accessing divorce records online, though the level of detail available varies by platform. The primary online resources for divorce record searches include:

Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) OnLine - This comprehensive system provides access to the Oregon court case information including divorce cases. Users must:
- Create a subscriber account
- Pay applicable subscription fees
- Accept the terms of use agreement
- Search by party name, case number, or attorney
- Access case registers, judgment information, and hearing schedules
Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) - A component of OJCIN that provides:
- Basic case information for most circuit courts
- Limited document viewing capabilities
- Calendar information
- Register of actions
Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Search - Available through the court's official website, this tool allows:
- Basic case information searches
- Verification of case status
- Identification of parties involved
- Access to hearing dates

For certified divorce certificates, the Oregon Vital Records system offers an online ordering process, though eligibility restrictions apply and the certificates themselves are delivered by mail rather than electronically.

When searching online, users should note that:

Not all documents within a case file may be available electronically
Older records (generally pre-2000) may have limited online availability
Confidential or sealed information is excluded from online access
Fees apply to most comprehensive search options

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Multnomah County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Multnomah County have limited but viable options. The following methods provide free access to basic divorce record information:

In-person courthouse visits - The Multnomah County Circuit Court provides public access terminals at no charge:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
1021 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Visitors may:
- Search basic case information
- View publicly available documents on-screen
- Take notes on case information
Multnomah County Library resources - Several library branches offer:
- Free public computers with internet access
- Assistance with navigating public records websites
- Reference materials on accessing court records
Oregon State Archives - For historical divorce records:

Oregon State Archives
800 Summer Street NE
Salem, OR 97310
503-373-0701
Oregon State Archives

The Archives provides free on-site access to historical divorce records, though there may be reproduction fees for copies.

While basic case information may be accessed without charge, fees typically apply for:

Printed copies of documents ($0.25 per page)
Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
Certified divorce certificates from vital records ($30.00)
Extensive research assistance from court staff

Researchers should note that while basic information may be accessed for free, obtaining complete case files or certified documents will generally involve fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Multnomah County

Divorce records in Multnomah County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to final judgment. These records typically contain several distinct components:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that includes:
- Names and addresses of both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Statement of irreconcilable differences
- Residency information establishing jurisdiction
- Preliminary proposals regarding property division, custody, and support
Summons - Formal notification to the respondent about:
- The divorce action being initiated
- Timeframe for response
- Potential consequences of failing to respond
Response/Answer - The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition
Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed information about:
- Assets and liabilities
- Income sources and amounts
- Monthly expenses
- Property valuations
Parenting Plans (if children are involved):
- Custody arrangements
- Visitation schedules
- Decision-making authority
- Child support calculations
Settlement Agreements - Negotiated terms covering:
- Division of real property
- Distribution of personal property
- Allocation of debts
- Spousal support provisions
- Retirement account divisions
Judgment of Dissolution - The final court order that:
- Legally terminates the marriage
- Incorporates all agreed terms
- Includes court-ordered provisions on contested issues
- Bears the judge's signature and date of effect
Certificate of Dissolution - The vital record document that:
- Provides official verification of the divorce
- Contains names, date of marriage, date of divorce
- Includes the county where the divorce was granted
- Bears the state seal for authentication purposes

Additional documents may include temporary orders, motions filed during the proceedings, transcripts of hearings, and any post-judgment modifications. The level of detail in these records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether the divorce was contested or uncontested.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Multnomah County?

Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Multnomah County have two primary options for obtaining verification documents, depending on the level of detail and certification needed.

For a certified copy of the divorce certificate:

Contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics:

Oregon Center for Health Statistics
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 225
Portland, OR 97232
971-673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
Complete the official application form, which requires:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Reason for requesting the record
- Proof of identity and eligibility
Submit the required fee of $30.00 for the first copy and $25.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Provide acceptable identification and documentation of eligibility as specified under ORS § 432.380.

For a certified copy of the divorce judgment:

Contact the Multnomah County Circuit Court:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
1021 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Provide the case number if available, or names of parties and approximate date of divorce.
Request a certified copy of the divorce judgment, which includes:
- The judge's signature
- Court seal
- Filing date
- Complete terms of the divorce
Pay the certification fee of $5.00 plus $0.25 per page for copying.

Expedited service is available for an additional fee at both agencies. Most requests are processed within 2-3 weeks, though court records may be available more quickly than vital records certificates.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Multnomah County?

While divorce proceedings in Multnomah County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of specific aspects of divorce cases. These protections are governed by Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) 2.100 and related statutes.

The following elements of divorce cases may receive confidential treatment:

Protected Personal Information - By default, certain information must be excluded from public filings:
- Social Security numbers
- Tax identification numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Dates of birth (except year)
- Children's names (initials may be used instead)
Sealed Records - Under specific circumstances, a judge may order entire documents or cases sealed from public view when:
- Disclosure would present a clear and present danger to an individual
- The information contains trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Federal or state law requires confidentiality
- The court determines that the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure
Confidential Information Forms - Certain information required by the court is submitted on special forms that remain confidential:
- Sensitive personal identifiers
- Information about minor children
- Victim contact information in cases involving domestic violence
Protective Orders - In cases involving domestic violence, stalking, or sexual abuse, the court may issue protective orders that:
- Shield victim information from public disclosure
- Restrict access to certain hearing transcripts
- Limit information available in public case summaries

To request confidentiality for divorce records, parties must file a motion with the court demonstrating compelling reasons that outweigh the presumption of public access. Such motions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with courts generally favoring transparency unless specific statutory exceptions apply.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed from general public access, they remain available to the parties involved, their attorneys, and authorized court personnel.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Multnomah County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Multnomah County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under Oregon law, specifically ORS § 107.065, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period between the filing of a divorce petition and the issuance of a final judgment. However, this represents only the minimum timeframe, with actual cases often taking longer.

Typical timeframes for Multnomah County divorces include:

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement (3-5 months):
- Both parties agree on all issues
- All required documentation is filed promptly
- No court appearances beyond the final hearing may be necessary
- Minimal court backlog delays
Divorces with partial agreements (6-9 months):
- Some issues resolved between parties
- Limited contested matters requiring court intervention
- Possible mediation for remaining disagreements
- Multiple court appearances
Fully contested divorces (12-18 months or longer):
- Significant disagreements on property, support, or custody
- Complex asset division requiring valuation experts
- Multiple pre-trial motions and hearings
- Full trial proceedings
- Possible appeals

Factors that influence the timeline include:

Court congestion - The Multnomah County Circuit Court currently experiences moderate case backlogs, affecting scheduling availability.
Attorney schedules - Coordination between legal representatives can extend timeframes.
Discovery complexity - Cases involving businesses, complex investments, or hidden assets require extensive information gathering.
Custody evaluations - When ordered, these typically add 3-4 months to the process.
Settlement negotiations - Ongoing attempts to resolve issues outside court can either expedite or delay final resolution.

According to the Oregon Judicial Department, approximately 75% of divorce cases in Multnomah County are resolved without a full trial. The median time from filing to judgment for all divorce cases is approximately 8.5 months, though individual cases may vary substantially from this average.

How Long Does Multnomah County Keep Divorce Records?

Multnomah County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule that varies based on the type of record and its historical significance. These retention policies are governed by the Oregon State Archives Administrative Rules, Chapter 166, Division 150.

The standard retention periods for divorce records in Multnomah County are:

Case Files and Judgments:
- Current practice: Permanent retention
- Records are maintained indefinitely at the Multnomah County Circuit Court for a period of time (typically 25-75 years depending on case type)
- After this period, records are transferred to the Oregon State Archives for permanent preservation
Divorce Certificates:
- Maintained permanently by the Oregon Center for Health Statistics
- These vital records are never destroyed or purged from the system
- Historical certificates (generally pre-1960) may be transferred to the State Archives
Exhibits and Supporting Documentation:
- Retained for a minimum of 30 days after the appeal period expires
- May be returned to the submitting parties upon request
- If unclaimed, may be destroyed after the retention period
Audio and Video Recordings of Proceedings:
- Maintained for a minimum of 10 years
- May be retained longer if the case involves minor children or ongoing financial obligations
Indexes and Docket Books:
- Maintained permanently as finding aids
- Provide basic case information even when full files have been transferred to Archives

It is important to note that while physical records may be relocated or, in some cases, converted to microfilm or digital formats, the legal record of divorces is maintained permanently. The accessibility of these records may change over time, with older records potentially requiring more specialized research assistance to locate.

Individuals seeking divorce records from different time periods should direct their inquiries to:

Recent records (generally post-1990): Multnomah County Circuit Court
Older records (pre-1990): Oregon State Archives
Divorce certificates (all years): Oregon Center for Health Statistics

How To Get a Divorce In Multnomah County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Multnomah County must follow specific procedures established under Oregon law. The process involves several distinct steps:

Establish Residency Requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been an Oregon resident for a minimum of six months prior to filing
- The petition should be filed in the county where either spouse resides
Prepare and File Initial Documents:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Notice of Statutory Restraining Order
- Filing fee (currently $301) or fee waiver application if eligible
These forms can be obtained from:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
1021 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Serve Documents to Spouse:
- The non-filing spouse must receive copies of all filed documents
- Service must be performed by someone other than the filing spouse
- Proof of service must be filed with the court
- Alternative service methods may be approved if the spouse cannot be located
Wait for Response:
- The served spouse has 30 days to file a response
- If no response is filed, the case may proceed by default
- If a response is filed, the case proceeds as contested or uncontested based on the level of agreement
Complete Financial Disclosures:
- Both parties must exchange information about assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Mandatory in all cases involving property division or support issues
Attend Mediation (if required):
- Mandatory in cases involving children
- May be ordered in other contested matters
- Available through the Multnomah County Family Court Services
Finalize Agreement or Prepare for Trial:
- If all issues are resolved, submit a stipulated judgment
- If issues remain contested, participate in settlement conferences
- Prepare for and attend trial on unresolved issues
Obtain Final Judgment:
- Judge reviews and signs the judgment of dissolution
- Judgment is entered into court records
- Marriage is legally terminated
- Court orders regarding property, support, and custody become effective

The process typically takes 3-18 months depending on case complexity and level of agreement between parties. Resources for assistance include the Oregon Judicial Department's Family Law website and various legal aid organizations serving Multnomah County.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Multnomah County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Multnomah County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents, collectively referred to as "divorce papers," are available through multiple channels:

Multnomah County Circuit Court:

Multnomah County Circuit Court
1021 SW 4th Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3022
Multnomah County Circuit Court
- Visit the Family Law Department on the 2nd floor
- Request divorce packet from court clerks
- Available during business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Nominal fee may apply for printed packets
Oregon Judicial Department Website:
- Access the Family Law Forms section
- Download fillable PDF forms at no cost
- Forms available include:
  - Petition for Dissolution
  - Summons
  - Financial Statement
  - Parenting Plan (if children involved)
  - Judgment forms
Multnomah County Law Library:

Multnomah County Law Library
1021 SW 4th Avenue, Room 240
Portland, OR 97204
503-988-3394
Multnomah County Law Library
- Access to form books and legal references
- Computer terminals for accessing online forms
- Staff available to direct users to appropriate resources (but cannot provide legal advice)
Legal Aid Services of Oregon:

Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Portland Office
520 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 700
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-4094
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
- Free forms and assistance for income-eligible individuals
- Clinics and workshops on completing divorce paperwork
- By appointment only
Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service:
- Call 503-684-3763 for referrals
- Many attorneys offer reduced-fee initial consultations
- Some provide unbundled services for document preparation only

When obtaining divorce papers, individuals should ensure they have the correct forms for their specific situation (e.g., with/without children, with/without property). Court staff can identify which forms are needed but cannot assist with completing them or provide legal advice on how to proceed with a case.

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