Filing for divorce in Oregon requires completing specific court forms that vary depending on whether you have children, whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, and whether you're starting the case or responding to divorce papers. The Oregon Judicial Department provides free divorce forms that allow you to handle your dissolution of marriage without hiring an attorney for document preparation.
Where to Find Oregon Divorce Forms
The Oregon Judicial Department website serves as the primary source for official, free divorce forms accepted by all Oregon circuit courts. These standardized forms ensure consistency across counties and compliance with Oregon family law requirements.
You can access Oregon divorce forms through several methods:
Online Download
Visit the Oregon Judicial Department website's family law forms section where you'll find comprehensive form packets organized by case type. You can download PDF versions of individual forms or complete packets containing all forms needed for your situation. These downloadable forms can be filled out on your computer using PDF software or printed and completed by hand.
Guide and File System (iForms)
Oregon offers an interactive "Guide and File" tool, also called iForms, that simplifies the form completion process. This online system asks you questions about your situation and automatically populates the appropriate divorce forms based on your answers. The Guide and File system walks you through the entire process step-by-step, reducing errors and ensuring you include all necessary information. You can also electronically file your completed forms directly through this system in participating counties.
Court Clerk's Office
Every Oregon circuit court maintains physical copies of divorce forms that you can obtain in person. Visit the clerk's office during business hours to request form packets. Some courts charge a small fee (typically $5-$10) for printed packets, while others provide them free of charge. Court staff can tell you which packet you need but cannot provide legal advice about how to fill out the forms.
Family Law Facilitator
Most Oregon counties employ family law facilitators who provide free assistance with court forms. While facilitators cannot give legal advice or tell you what to write in your forms, they can explain what each form means, help you understand your options, and review completed forms for technical compliance before filing. This free service is invaluable for self-represented parties navigating the divorce process.
Essential Forms to Start a Divorce
When you initiate a dissolution of marriage in Oregon, you become the "petitioner" and must file several required forms with the circuit court.
Core Filing Documents
This five-page document serves as the foundation of your divorce case. The petition identifies both spouses by name and address, states the date and location of your marriage, confirms that residency requirements are met, and requests specific relief from the court including property division, spousal support, and if applicable, child custody and support. The petition must clearly state what you're asking the court to order.
Different petition forms exist depending on your circumstances:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (without children)
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with children)
- Co-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (when both spouses file together)
The co-petition option allows both spouses to file jointly when they agree on all terms, eliminating the need for one party to serve the other with divorce papers.
Summons for Family Law Cases
This official court document notifies your spouse of the divorce filing and explains their legal rights and obligations. The summons informs your spouse that they have 30 days to file a response and describes the statutory restraining order that automatically takes effect when you file for divorce. The summons must be served on your spouse along with copies of all other filed documents.
Confidential Information Form (CIF)
Both spouses must complete separate CIF forms providing personal information including full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and contact information. This sensitive information remains confidential and does not become part of the public court record. You must prepare two CIF forms, one for yourself and one for your spouse, even though you only know your own Social Security number and identifying information.
Notice of CIF Filing
This brief form simply notifies the court that you've filed the required Confidential Information Forms. It becomes part of the public record while the CIF forms themselves remain confidential.
Record of Dissolution of Marriage
This form collects statistical data about your marriage and divorce for Oregon vital records purposes. It asks questions about the date and place of marriage, whether this is a first marriage for each spouse, and basic demographic information. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics uses this data to maintain statewide marriage and divorce statistics.
Forms for Cases With Children
If you have minor children (under 18) or adult children still in high school (up to age 19), you must complete additional forms addressing custody, parenting time, and child support.
This detailed document establishes how you and your spouse will share parenting responsibilities after divorce. The parenting plan specifies:
- Legal custody (who makes major decisions about education, healthcare, and religion)
- The detailed parenting time schedule including regular weekly schedules, holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations
- How you'll exchange the children between households
- How you'll communicate about the children
- How you'll resolve disputes
- Transportation arrangements
- Any restrictions on parenting time
Oregon provides both general and detailed parenting plan templates. Most courts prefer detailed plans that minimize future confusion and conflict.
You must complete Oregon's standardized child support calculation worksheets that determine the appropriate support amount based on both parents' incomes, parenting time percentages, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses. These worksheets ensure compliance with Oregon's child support guidelines.
Forms to Respond to Divorce Papers
If your spouse filed for divorce and served you with divorce papers, you become the "respondent" and have 30 days from the date of service to file a response.
This form allows you to state whether you agree or disagree with each request your spouse made in their petition. You can:
- Agree with everything (making the divorce uncontested)
- Disagree with specific items while agreeing with others
- Disagree with everything your spouse requested
- Make your own requests regarding property division, support, and custody
Filing a response protects your rights and ensures the court considers your position. If you don't file a response within 30 days, your spouse can request a default judgment granting everything they asked for in their petition.
If you and your spouse have an amicable relationship and agree on the divorce terms, you can sign an Acceptance of Service instead of requiring formal service by a process server or sheriff. This voluntary form acknowledges that you received copies of all divorce papers and waives formal service requirements. Using acceptance of service saves money and simplifies the process.
Different response forms exist for cases with and without children, similar to the petition forms. Make sure you use the response form that matches the petition you received.
Forms for Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree on all terms of their divorce, the process becomes much simpler and requires fewer court appearances. Oregon provides specific forms for uncontested dissolutions.
Co-Petition for Dissolution
Instead of one spouse filing a petition and the other filing a response, spouses who agree on all issues can file jointly using a co-petition. Both spouses sign this single document as co-petitioners, eliminating the need for service of process. The co-petition states that both parties agree to the divorce and the terms they've negotiated.
General Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage
This comprehensive document contains all the final orders in your divorce including:
- Property and debt division with specific details about who gets what
- Spousal support amount, duration, and termination conditions
- If applicable, custody designation and complete parenting plan
- If applicable, child support amount and payment terms
- Any other agreements or court orders specific to your case
The General Judgment represents the court's final orders and both parties must follow its terms. This document is legally binding and enforceable through the court system.
Declaration in Support of Judgment
This sworn statement explains why the proposed divorce judgment is fair and appropriate. It confirms that both spouses understand the terms, entered the agreement voluntarily without coercion, and believe the division is equitable.
In truly uncontested cases where both parties file a co-petition and submit all required forms together, the court can often finalize the divorce without any court appearances, making the process remarkably efficient.
Forms for Contested Divorce and Default
When spouses disagree about divorce terms and cannot reach settlement, additional forms become necessary.
Ex Parte Motion for Order of Default
If your spouse doesn't file a response within 30 days after being served, you can request a default judgment using this form. An "ex parte" motion means the judge can decide without a hearing based solely on the written documents. The motion requests that the court grant your divorce on the terms specified in your original petition since your spouse chose not to participate.
Declaration in Support of Default
This sworn statement accompanying your default motion provides evidence that:
- Your spouse was properly served with all divorce papers
- The 30-day response period has expired
- Your spouse has not filed a response or appeared in the case
- The relief you're requesting is appropriate and fair
Order on Motion for Default
This form, signed by a judge, grants your default motion and allows you to proceed with finalizing your divorce without your spouse's participation.
Motion for Temporary Orders
During a contested divorce, you may need court decisions about immediate issues before the final judgment. Temporary order motions request court rulings on:
- Temporary spousal support during the divorce process
- Temporary child support
- Temporary custody and parenting time
- Exclusive use of the family home or vehicles
- Payment of specific bills and debts
- Restraining orders for protection
Each temporary order motion requires supporting declarations explaining why the relief is necessary and appropriate.
Forms for Modifying Existing Judgments
After your divorce becomes final, circumstances may change requiring modification of custody, parenting time, or support orders.
Motion to Modify Judgment
This form requests changes to your existing divorce judgment. You must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances justifying the modification. Common reasons include:
- Significant income changes affecting support calculations
- Relocation of one parent requiring parenting time adjustments
- Changes in children's needs or expenses
- Medical issues affecting parenting ability
- Violation of existing orders
Response to Motion to Modify
If your ex-spouse files a modification motion, you can file this response agreeing or disagreeing with the requested changes.
Modification forms exist for various situations including modifying child support, modifying custody and parenting time, and modifying spousal support. Each has specific requirements and forms.
Completing Oregon Divorce Forms Correctly
Properly completing divorce forms avoids delays and rejections that slow your case. Follow these guidelines for accurate form preparation:
Use Black or Blue Ink
If completing forms by hand, use only black or blue ink, never pencil. This ensures your documents remain legible and permanent.
Type or Print Clearly
Whether typing on a computer or printing by hand, make sure all information is completely legible. Illegible forms may be rejected by the court clerk.
Complete Every Field
Don't leave blanks on your forms. If a question doesn't apply to your situation, write "N/A" (not applicable) or "None" rather than leaving it empty. Blank spaces may be interpreted as incomplete forms.
Be Accurate and Truthful
Providing false information on court forms constitutes perjury, a criminal offense. Double-check all facts, dates, and financial information for accuracy.
Sign Where Required
Most forms require your signature under penalty of perjury. Make sure you sign and date every form requiring a signature. Some forms require notarization, though most Oregon divorce forms do not.
Make Complete Copies
Before filing, make at least two complete copies of every form, one for yourself and one for your spouse. Some counties require three copies. Keep your copies in a safe place for your records.
Follow Format Requirements
Some forms have specific formatting requirements such as font size, margin width, or line spacing. Review the instructions carefully to ensure compliance.
Filing Your Forms at the Circuit Court
After completing all required Oregon divorce forms, you must file them with the appropriate circuit court and pay the required filing fee.
Where to File
File your divorce forms in the circuit court for the county where either you or your spouse currently lives. You have flexibility to choose between these two counties, which may matter if different counties have varying local rules, processing times, or family law facilitator availability.
You do not need to file in the county where you were married. Only current residence matters for filing location.
Filing Methods
- In-Person Filing
Bring your completed forms to the circuit court clerk's office during business hours. The clerk will review your forms for completeness, collect the filing fee, file-stamp your documents, and return copies to you. This method provides immediate confirmation that your forms were accepted.
- Mail Filing
Some courts accept filings by mail. Send your completed forms with a check or money order for the filing fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the clerk to return file-stamped copies. Include a cover letter listing all enclosed documents.
- Electronic Filing
Many Oregon counties now accept electronic filing through the Oregon Judicial Department's eFiling system or the Guide and File (iForms) platform. Electronic filing provides convenience and often faster processing. You'll receive email confirmation when your documents are filed and can download file-stamped copies.
- Drop Box Filing
Some courthouses maintain secure drop boxes for after-hours filing. Place your forms and filing fee in a sealed envelope labeled with the case type and your contact information.
Filing Fee
The current filing fee for dissolution of marriage in Oregon is $301 for the petitioner initiating the case. If the respondent files a response (in a contested case), they must also pay $301. Courts periodically adjust these fees, so verify the current amount before filing.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, complete an Application for Deferral or Waiver of Fees and Declaration in Support. Submit this application with your divorce forms and the court will review your financial situation. If approved, the court may waive the fee entirely or allow deferred payment.
Special Forms and Situations
Certain circumstances require additional or specialized forms beyond the standard divorce documents.
Summary Dissolution Forms
Oregon offers expedited summary dissolution for qualifying couples meeting specific criteria:
- Married 10 years or less
- No minor children together
- No children 18-21 still attending school
- Neither spouse pregnant
- No real estate owned
- Personal property worth less than $30,000
- Combined debts under $15,000
- Both waive spousal support
Summary dissolution uses simplified forms and can often be completed without any court appearances, making it the fastest and least expensive divorce option.
Registered Domestic Partnership Dissolution
For dissolution of an Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership (ORDP), use forms specifically designed for domestic partnerships. The legal process mirrors marriage dissolution but uses terminology appropriate for domestic partnerships. Forms are available for both registered and unregistered domestic partnerships.
Legal Separation Forms
Legal separation provides an alternative to divorce for couples who want to live separately but remain legally married. Legal separation forms mirror divorce forms but request a judgment of separation rather than dissolution. Either party can convert a legal separation to a divorce within two years of the separation judgment.
Restraining Order Forms (FAPA)
If domestic violence or abuse is a concern, you may need to file for a Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) restraining order in addition to or before filing divorce forms. FAPA forms request court orders prohibiting contact, removing the abusive party from the home, and protecting you and your children. These are separate from divorce proceedings but often occur simultaneously.
Getting Help With Oregon Divorce Forms
Even though Oregon provides free forms, you may benefit from assistance completing them correctly.
Family Law Facilitators
Available at most Oregon circuit courts, facilitators provide free help understanding which forms you need, what information to include, and how to complete forms correctly. Facilitators cannot provide legal advice, represent you, or tell you what to write, but they can answer procedural questions and review completed forms for technical compliance.
Oregon Law Help
This free website offers comprehensive guides to divorce procedures, form instructions, and answers to common questions. The site includes step-by-step instructions for various divorce scenarios and explains what each form accomplishes.
Limited Scope Attorneys
If you need more help than facilitators can provide, consider hiring an attorney for limited scope representation. An attorney can review your completed forms, provide legal advice about your situation, or handle specific tasks like preparing complex property division agreements while you handle other aspects of your case.
Paralegals and Document Preparation Services
Licensed paralegals and document preparation services can help you complete forms correctly for fees typically ranging from $200-$500. These services don't provide legal advice but ensure your forms are properly prepared and filed. Make sure any service you use has experience with Oregon divorce forms and procedures.
Self-Help Resources
Many county law libraries offer self-help resources, form completion workshops, and access to legal research materials. Some libraries provide volunteer attorneys who answer basic legal questions during scheduled hours.
Electronic vs. Paper Filing
Oregon courts increasingly encourage electronic filing while still accepting traditional paper filing.
Advantages of Electronic Filing
- File documents 24/7 from anywhere with internet access
- Immediate filing confirmation and file-stamped copies
- Reduced filing fees in some counties
- Faster processing and communication with the court
- Automatic notifications when documents are filed in your case
- Complete digital case files accessible anytime
Advantages of Paper Filing
- No technology requirements or learning curve
- In-person assistance from court clerks
- Immediate answers to questions
- Physical file-stamped copies
- Some people prefer traditional methods
The Guide and File (iForms) system provides a middle ground, offering online form completion with options for both electronic and traditional paper filing.
Oregon divorce forms provide the foundation for legally ending your marriage and establishing new arrangements for property, support, and if applicable, children. The Oregon Judicial Department's free forms and resources make self-representation possible for many couples, particularly those with straightforward situations and agreement on major issues.
Success with Oregon divorce forms requires understanding which documents your situation requires, completing them accurately and thoroughly, filing them with the proper circuit court, and following all procedural requirements including proper service and meeting deadlines. The state's Guide and File system, family law facilitators, and self-help resources provide substantial support for those representing themselves.