Medford Divorce Decree Records
Medford divorce decree records are on file at the Jackson County Circuit Court. Medford is the county seat and the largest city in southern Oregon. It has about 87,000 residents. The circuit court is located right in Medford at 100 S. Oakdale. This makes it easy for local residents to access their divorce decree in person. The Jackson County Clerk is not the custodian of these records. Only the circuit court holds them.
Medford Quick Facts
Medford Divorce Decree Court Location
The Jackson County Circuit Court sits at 100 S. Oakdale in Medford. This is the Justice Building. It houses all family law cases for the county. Your divorce decree is filed and stored here. The Public Room is on the first floor. Hours are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The room closes at midday for lunch.
| Court | Jackson County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 S. Oakdale Medford, OR 97501 |
| Phone | (541) 776-7171 ext. 35024 or 35027 |
| Fax | (541) 776-7057 |
| Hours | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | Jackson County Court Records |
The Medford Municipal Court deals with traffic and minor crimes. It does not handle divorce cases. Do not call the municipal court for divorce decree questions. Its office hours are also 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, but it has no family law role.
How to Search Medford Divorce Decree Files
You have several options. The fastest way is to visit the Public Room at the Justice Building. Staff there can pull your case file. You can review the full divorce decree and ask for copies. Allow up to five business days if you request copies by mail or fax.
The Jackson County Justice Building has a free OJIN terminal on the first floor. You can use it to search case records at no cost. This includes divorce decree case details like filing dates and party names. The terminal does not print full documents, but it helps you find the right case number before you ask the clerk for copies.
For online access from home, use the OJCIN portal. It covers all Oregon courts, including Jackson County. You search by name or case number. There is a small fee for detailed results. This tool works well when you know at least one party name and the rough year of the divorce decree.
The Jackson County Clerk has a page about divorce records at jacksoncountyor.gov. It notes that the clerk is not the custodian of these files. The page directs you to the circuit court. This is a common point of confusion in Medford.
Jackson County Divorce Decree Court Records
The Jackson County Circuit Court website lists how to access case records, including divorce decree files.
You can also view details about the court records request process on the county site.
Both pages explain how to request copies of a divorce decree from the Medford courthouse.
Filing for Divorce in Medford
To file for dissolution of marriage in Medford, you go to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Oregon law under ORS 107 sets the rules. One spouse must have lived in Oregon for at least six months. If you live in Medford now and meet that rule, you can file here.
You start with a petition. The filing fee is $287. After filing, you serve your spouse. Oregon allows several service methods. Once served, the 90-day waiting period begins. No judge can enter a divorce decree before those 90 days pass. This is state law. It applies to all Medford cases.
If both parties agree on the terms, you submit a stipulated judgment. The judge reviews it. If the terms are fair and lawful, the judge signs. That signed judgment is your divorce decree. It goes into the case file at the courthouse. You can then get certified copies from the clerk.
Copies of a Medford Divorce Decree
Visit the Public Room on the first floor. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can pull your file and make copies. Certified copies have the court seal. Plain copies do not. Most agencies want a certified version of your divorce decree.
If you cannot visit, call 541-776-7171 ext. 35024 or 35027. Ask about mail requests. Expect a wait of about five business days for mailed copies. You can also fax a request to 541-776-7057.
For a state-level divorce certificate, that comes from the Oregon Health Authority. It costs $25 under ORS 432.350. You can order through Oregon Vital Records. This certificate confirms the divorce but does not show the full terms. For the complete divorce decree, you need the court copy from Jackson County.
Medford Divorce Decree Costs
Key fees for a Medford divorce decree follow Oregon's standard schedule:
- Petition filing: $287
- Response filing: $256
- State divorce certificate: $25
- Certified court copies: varies
Fee waivers are available for those with low income. You apply through the court. The judge decides based on your financial situation. If approved, most fees are waived or deferred. Call the clerk to ask about the process before you visit.
Legal Resources in Medford
The Oregon Judicial Department has free forms online for dissolution cases. These forms work for all Oregon courts, including Jackson County. You can file on your own if both spouses agree. This saves on attorney costs.
If you need a lawyer, the Oregon State Bar has a referral service. Legal Aid Services of Oregon also serves Jackson County. They help low-income residents with family law matters. The Jackson County Law Library can help you find forms and understand court rules. It is in the Justice Building in Medford, the same place you file your divorce decree.
Jackson County Divorce Decree Records
Medford is the county seat of Jackson County. All divorce decree filings for the area go through the Jackson County Circuit Court. The county page has full fee lists, court hours, and record request steps. For more, visit the Jackson County page.