Oregon Divorce Records

Oregon divorce records are official documents maintained by state and county authorities that confirm the legal termination of a marriage. These records contain information about the divorced parties, the date and location of the dissolution, and depending on the type of record, may include detailed information about settlement terms, property division, and custody arrangements.

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics maintains divorce certificates for all divorces in Oregon from 1925 to the present, while individual county circuit courts keep the detailed court records known as divorce decrees. This dual system means you'll need to contact different agencies depending on which type of record you need.

Divorce Certificates

These are certified documents issued by the State Registrar through the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. A divorce certificate provides basic information including the full names of both parties, the date the dissolution was registered with the circuit court, and the county that processed the divorce. These certificates serve as official proof that a dissolution of marriage occurred and are commonly needed for name changes, remarriage, updating government records, and various legal purposes.

Divorce Decrees

These comprehensive court records contain the final judgment issued by the county circuit court. Unlike the basic certificate, a divorce decree includes all the terms of the divorce settlement as ordered by the court. This detailed document outlines property and debt division, spousal support obligations, child support amounts and duration, custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and any other court orders related to the dissolution. Divorce decrees are essential when you need to enforce or modify court orders or when detailed information about the settlement is required.

Divorce Index

Some Oregon counties maintain divorce indexes at their County Central Libraries. These indexes contain basic statistical information such as the names of divorced parties, the county where the divorce was processed, the date of dissolution, and the divorce certificate number. While indexes provide limited information, they can help you locate the correct records when you don't have complete details about the divorce.

Privacy and Access Restrictions

Oregon is a closed records state regarding vital records. According to ORS 432.350, access to divorce certificates is restricted for 50 years following the date of the divorce. This means Oregon divorce records are not public records and can only be obtained by eligible individuals who can prove their relationship to the parties named on the record.

However, divorce decrees maintained by county circuit courts may be available for public inspection unless they have been sealed by court order. This creates an important distinction: while the certificate from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics has strict eligibility requirements, the detailed court record may be more accessible depending on county policies and whether the court sealed the record.

After 50 years have passed from the date of divorce, the records become available to the general public through the Oregon State Archives.

Eligibility to Order Divorce Certificates

Before ordering a divorce certificate from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, you must be at least 18 years old and meet specific eligibility requirements. The following individuals can request Oregon divorce records:

Parties Named on the Record

Either person named on the divorce certificate can order it by providing valid identification that matches the name on the record. If your name has changed since the divorce, you'll need to provide documentation of the legal name change.

Children and Grandchildren

Biological or adopted children of the divorced parties can order certificates by providing a copy of their birth certificate showing one of the divorced parties as a parent. Grandchildren need both their birth certificate and their parent's birth certificate showing the connection to the divorced party.

Parents and Grandparents

Parents can order divorce certificates for their children by providing appropriate documentation. Grandparents need to show their relationship through birth certificates.

Current Spouses or Registered Domestic Partners

If you're currently married to or in a registered domestic partnership with one of the divorced parties, you can order the record with appropriate identification.

Legal Representatives and Authorized Representatives

Licensed attorneys representing qualified applicants, court-assigned administrators, and individuals with notarized permission from eligible parties can order divorce certificates with proper documentation.

Government Agency Personnel

Representatives of federal, state, local, or tribal government agencies can order records when needed for official duties, provided they submit appropriate credentials and documentation.

Stepparents, ex-spouses, fiancées, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members are not eligible unless they obtain notarized permission from an eligible party or qualify as an authorized representative.

How to Obtain Divorce Certificates

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics offers multiple methods for ordering divorce certificates, each with different processing times, costs, and requirements.

Online Ordering Through VitalChek

You can order Oregon divorce records online at www.vitalchek.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online system allows you to complete your order at any time and provides the fastest service option.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Expedite fee: $7.00
• VitalChek vendor fee and security fee: $15.50
• Total for first certificate: $47.50
• UPS Next Day Air shipping: $20.00 (optional but default selection)
• Each additional certificate: $25.00

When ordering online, you'll complete an identity verification quiz using your date of birth and name. If you fail this electronic verification, you'll need to provide a copy of acceptable identification. The online system defaults to UPS Next Day Air shipping, but you can select regular mail instead to save the $20 shipping fee. Note that choosing overnight shipping requires you to be available to sign for the package.

Phone Orders Through VitalChek

Call VitalChek at 1-888-896-4988 to place your order by phone 24 hours a day. The phone ordering process is similar to online ordering but costs slightly more.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Expedite fee: $7.00
• VitalChek vendor fee and security fee: $17.20
• Total for first certificate: $49.20
• UPS Next Day Air shipping: $20.00 (optional)
• Each additional certificate: $25.00

Phone orders also use electronic identity verification and offer the same shipping options as online orders. Payment must be made by credit card, debit card, or most prepaid debit cards (government-issued benefit cards are not accepted).

Mail-In Orders

For those who prefer traditional methods or cannot complete electronic identity verification, mail-in orders provide a reliable alternative, though processing takes significantly longer.

Download and complete the Dissolution/Divorce Record Order Form (available in both English and Spanish) from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website. Provide complete information including the full names of both divorced parties, the date the divorce was registered with the circuit court (or a time period to search), the county that processed the divorce, your relationship to the parties, your reason for ordering, and your contact information.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Each additional certificate: $25.00
• No vendor fees or expedite fees for mail orders

Include a copy of your valid identification with your completed form. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to OHA/Vital Records (no cash accepted). Mail everything to:

Oregon Vital Records Portland, OR 97232

Processing time for mail orders is approximately 8-10 weeks from the date the Oregon Vital Records office receives your order.

Drop Box Service

Oregon Vital Records maintains a secure drop box at their Portland office for those who want to submit orders in person without waiting in line. Place your completed, signed order form, payment (check or money order only), identification copy, and any required eligibility documentation in a sealed envelope and deposit it in the drop box.

The drop box is located at the entrance by the west door in the parking lot at the Oregon Vital Records office. Materials are collected Monday through Friday. Costs are the same as mail-in orders, and processing time is approximately 8-10 weeks.

In-Person Appointments

For the fastest service while avoiding the vendor fees charged for online and phone orders, schedule an in-person appointment at the Oregon Vital Records office. Appointments are available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, with the last appointment starting at 3:30 p.m. Each appointment lasts 30 minutes.

Cost Breakdown:

• Initial record search fee and first certificate: $25.00
• Identity authentication fee: $3.00
• Total for first certificate: $28.00
• Each additional certificate: $25.00

You must bring valid photo identification or alternative identifying documents as well as any required documentation to prove your eligibility. You'll complete your order at a self-service kiosk during your appointment. Some records may not be available the same day and will be mailed or made available for pickup the next business day.

Obtaining Divorce Decrees from Circuit Courts

Divorce decrees are maintained by the county circuit court where the divorce was processed, not by the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. These detailed court records contain information that divorce certificates don't include, such as specific terms regarding property division, spousal support, child support, and custody arrangements.

Accessing Court Records

Each of Oregon's 36 counties maintains its own circuit court records. To request a divorce decree, contact the circuit court in the county where the divorce was finalized. Many counties allow you to search for case information online through the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN).

Multnomah County Example

The largest county in Oregon maintains divorce decrees dating back to the 1850s. Records through 1983 are available on microfilm for walk-in research at the circuit court. Records from 1984 forward must be ordered in advance and researched on-site. Please contact the Dissolution of Marriage Records office at (971) 274-0570 for information about ordering copies.

Free Records Search

The Oregon Judicial Department provides free online access to basic case information, court calendars, and case events for circuit courts, the Tax Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court. While this system doesn't provide copies of documents, it helps you verify case numbers and basic information.

OJCIN Subscription Service

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network offers a low-cost subscription-based service that allows registered users to search judgment dockets and official Registers of Actions from Oregon courts. This service provides more detailed information than the free records search.

Information Needed for Your Records Search

Having complete and accurate information significantly speeds the process of locating and obtaining Oregon divorce records. Gather the following details before placing your order:

About the Divorce:

• Full legal names of both parties at the time of divorce
• Exact date the dissolution was registered with the circuit court, or a time range to search
• County where the divorce was processed
• Case number if available (especially helpful for court record requests)

About Yourself as the Requestor:

• Your full legal name and current address
• Your contact information including phone number and email
• Your relationship to the person or persons named on the record
• Your specific reason for needing the record
• Valid identification matching the requirements

Search Timeframes and Additional Fees

When you know the exact date the divorce was registered, the base fee of $25.00 covers the search and first certificate. However, if you don't know the precise date, the $25.00 fee covers a five-year search period. This includes the year you provide, two years before that date, and two years after.

If you need to search a period longer than five years, add $1.00 per additional year unless the record is more than 50 years old. For example, if you're searching a ten-year period, you'd pay $25.00 for the first five years plus $5.00 for the additional five years, totaling $30.00 for the search and first certificate.

Once a records search begins, orders cannot be cancelled and fees are not refundable, even if the record is not found. This policy applies to all ordering methods.

Processing Times and Potential Delays

Processing times vary significantly depending on which method you use to order your divorce certificate:

Online and Phone Orders (VitalChek)

Typically processed within three workdays (Monday through Friday). VitalChek forwards complete orders to Oregon Vital Records within 24 hours. After Oregon Vital Records processes the order, it's shipped via your selected method.

Mail and Drop Box Orders

Approximately 8-10 weeks from the date Oregon Vital Records receives your order.

In-Person Appointments

Many records are available the same day, though some may require mailing or next-day pickup.

Several factors can delay processing:

• Inaccurate information on the application
• Incomplete or inadequate eligibility documentation
• Applicant is not actually eligible to receive the record
• An amendment to the record is being processed
• The record cannot be located in the system

If Oregon Vital Records needs additional information from you, they'll reach out by mail or secure email. Check your junk email folder regularly if you're waiting for a response. If you haven't received your order within the expected timeline, please contact Oregon Vital Records at (971) 673-1190 for assistance.

Comparison of Record Types and Sources

Marriage Records and Related Documents

While this guide focuses on divorce records, you may also need access to marriage records for various purposes. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics also maintains marriage records using similar access restrictions and procedures. Marriage and divorce records together provide complete documentation of marital status changes.

If you need both types of records, you can order them simultaneously using the same methods described above. Each record type requires a separate order and separate fees.

Child Support Records

Child support records are maintained separately from divorce records, even when child support orders are part of the divorce decree. If you need information about child support enforcement or payment history, please contact the Oregon Child Support Program at (503) 378-5567 or visit their website.

For records related to child support enforcement specifically, contact the District Attorney's Child Support Enforcement Program in the county where the support order was issued.

Acceptable Identification Documents

All divorce certificate orders require proof of identity. The specific requirements depend on how you order:

For Online and Phone Orders

You'll complete an electronic identity verification quiz. If you fail the verification, you must provide a copy of acceptable identification.

For Mail, Drop Box, and In-Person Orders

You must provide a copy (or present the original for in-person appointments) of acceptable identification.

Single Acceptable Document (any one of the following):

• Current, valid driver's license, permit, or ID card
• Current, valid passport or passport card with photo
• Tribal membership or ID card with photo and address
• US Armed Services ID card with photo
• Consulate Card (Matrícula Consular) with photo and address
• Permanent Resident Card with photo
• State or federal government ID badge with photo

Three Documents Alternative

If you cannot provide one of the above, you may provide any three of the following documents, with at least one showing your current address: utility bills (no more than 30 days old), bank statements (no more than 30 days old), paycheck stubs (no more than 30 days old), vehicle registration, tax statements, rental agreements with specific requirements, and various other documents.

Special Circumstances and Considerations

Oregon has adopted rules allowing up to three free certified copies of divorce certificates for Oregonians who experienced loss of property or life due to state or federal emergency declarations. When ordering, state your reason as "Emergency Declaration" to qualify for the zero fee (though vendor fees and expedite fees still apply for online and phone orders).

Authentication for International Use

Many countries require proof of the validity of Oregon vital records through a process called apostille. First obtain an original certified divorce certificate from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, then submit it to the Oregon Secretary of State/Corporate Division for authentication. Visit their website for specific procedures and fees.

Name Changes

If the name on your identification doesn't match the name on the divorce record due to a legal name change, include documentation such as a court-ordered name change or marriage certificate showing the connection between names.

Sealed Records

Some divorce decrees are sealed by court order to protect privacy or sensitive information. If the record you're seeking has been sealed, you may need to petition the court for access even if you're otherwise eligible to receive it.

Consumer Protection Warning

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics warns consumers about third-party vendors charging excessive fees to "process" or "help apply" for certificates. These companies often charge hundreds of dollars for services that amount to simply filling out the same forms you can access free on the Oregon Center for Health Statistics website.

For the fastest service without excessive fees, order directly from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics, your local Oregon county health department, or through VitalChek, which is the only authorized online vendor contracted with Oregon Vital Records. If you've been charged excessive fees by a third-party service, contact the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection at 1-877-877-9392.

Alternative Resources

For divorce records more than 50 years old that have become public records, the Oregon State Archives in Salem provides uncertified copies for a small fee. The Archives maintain historical vital records that can be valuable for genealogical research and historical documentation.

County Central Libraries

Some Oregon counties maintain divorce indexes at their central library branches. These indexes contain basic statistical information and can help you identify the correct record before ordering. Contact your county library to ask about availability.

Free Court Access Terminals

Each county circuit court maintains free public access terminals where you can look up case information for most cases. While you cannot make copies of documents at these terminals, you can verify case numbers and basic information before requesting certified copies.

Accessing Oregon divorce records requires understanding which type of record you need, where to obtain it, and whether you meet eligibility requirements. Divorce certificates from the Oregon Center for Health Statistics provide certified proof of dissolution for legal purposes like remarriage and updating identification, while divorce decrees from county circuit courts contain detailed settlement terms necessary for enforcing or modifying court orders.

The process has become more convenient with online ordering options, in-person appointments, and various service levels to match different needs and budgets. Whether you choose the fastest method through VitalChek, the most economical option through mail or in-person service, or need to access court records for detailed information, Oregon provides multiple pathways to obtain the documentation you need.

By gathering complete information about the divorce, preparing proper identification, proving your eligibility, and selecting the appropriate ordering method, you can navigate the process efficiently and obtain your Oregon divorce records without unnecessary delays or expenses.