Deschutes County Divorce Decree Search

Deschutes County handles divorce decree records through its Circuit Court in Bend, Oregon. As one of the fastest growing counties in the state, Deschutes sees a high volume of court filings each year. The courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street stores all dissolution judgments and related documents. You can request copies at the first-floor file window or by mail. Court staff help with both current and older records. This page walks you through the steps for obtaining a divorce decree in Deschutes County.

Deschutes County Circuit Court

The Deschutes County Circuit Court is the sole location for divorce decree records in the county. The court sits at 1100 NW Bond Street in Bend. File viewing takes place at Window #4 on the first floor. Staff at this window handle record requests, copy orders, and case lookups. The phone number is (541) 388-5300.

The court also operates a juvenile division at 63360 NW Britta Street, Building 1. That location hears cases involving adoption, child custody, and termination matters. Divorce cases with custody disputes may involve both locations. However, the main divorce decree file stays at the Bond Street courthouse. All copy requests for divorce records go through that office.

The image below shows the Deschutes County Circuit Court homepage.

This site provides contact details, court schedules, and links to online records tools.

How to Obtain a Divorce Decree

There are two ways to get a divorce decree from Deschutes County. You can visit the courthouse or send a request by mail. Each method has specific steps.

For in-person requests, go to Window #4 on the first floor of the courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street. Bring a valid photo ID. Provide the names of both parties and the case number if you have it. The clerk will search the system and pull the file. You can review the file on site and request copies. Payment is due at the time of the request. The court accepts checks and money orders. Credit card options may vary.

For mail requests, send your letter to Deschutes County Circuit Court, Attn: File Room Department, 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703. Include the names on the divorce decree, the approximate year, your return address, and a check payable to the State of Oregon. The maximum check amount accepted is $30. If fees exceed that amount, the court will contact you. Mail requests take several business days to process.

Note: The Deschutes County Clerk at (541) 388-6549 handles property, marriages, and passports but does not maintain divorce records.

Deschutes County Divorce Decree Fees

Copy fees at the Deschutes County Circuit Court follow a clear structure. Paper copies cost $3.00 per case plus $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $0.25 per page. Certified copies include the official court seal. Most legal and government uses require a certified copy. A plain copy is fine for personal records.

The filing fee for a new divorce case in Deschutes County is $287. This fee is the same in every Oregon county. It covers the cost of opening the case with the court. Additional fees may apply for motions, modifications, or other filings during the case. The court clerk can give you a full fee schedule on request.

Online Records Search for Deschutes County

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network is the main online tool for searching court records. It covers all Oregon circuit courts, including Deschutes County. You can search by party name or case number. Results show filing dates, case status, and party names. This tool is useful for finding a case number before you request copies.

Keep in mind that online tools show case data, not the full divorce decree document. For the actual document, you must contact the court.

The Deschutes County Clerk website covers property records, marriage licenses, and passport services. It does not include divorce records. This is a common point of confusion. The clerk and the court are separate offices even though they share the same campus. Direct all divorce decree requests to the Circuit Court, not the county clerk.

Divorce Decree Law in Oregon

ORS 107 is the main law that governs divorce in Oregon. It applies to every case filed in Deschutes County. The statute requires at least one spouse to live in Oregon for six months before filing. It covers property division, spousal support, and child custody. Judges in Deschutes County apply these rules when issuing a divorce decree.

Access to court records is governed by ORS 192.311. Oregon's public records law gives people the right to inspect and copy most court documents. Divorce decrees are part of the public record in most cases. Some items in a case file may be sealed by the court. Financial affidavits and certain personal details are sometimes restricted. Ask the clerk if any part of the file you need is under seal.

The image below shows the Deschutes County Clerk office page.

The clerk handles marriages and property but refers divorce requests to the Circuit Court.

Note: Under ORS 432.350, the state also tracks divorce events through the Oregon Health Authority's vital records division.

Deschutes County Record Request Tips

Getting the right record on the first try saves time. Keep these points in mind when making your request:

• Use the full legal names of both parties as they appeared on the case
• Include the case number if you found it through OJCIN
• Specify whether you need a plain or certified copy
• For mail requests, limit your check to $30 maximum
• Email the transcript coordinator at DES.transcriptcoordinator@ojd.state.or.us with questions

Deschutes County is a busy court. Wait times at Window #4 can vary depending on the day. Early mornings tend to be less crowded. If you need records from the Oregon Vital Records office instead, that is another option for older divorce cases. The state office maintains records going back many decades.

The screenshot below is from the Deschutes County Circuit Court records section.

This section covers how to submit requests and what information to include.