Klamath County Divorce Decree

Klamath County sits in south-central Oregon with its county seat in Klamath Falls. The county was incorporated on October 17, 1882, from Lake County. The current courthouse at 316 Main Street was completed in 1998. It replaced an older building that was demolished after a 1993 earthquake damaged it beyond repair. All visitors must pass through security screening when entering the courthouse. The Circuit Court handles every divorce decree filed in Klamath County. Divorce records here go back to 1883, giving the county one of the longer record histories in Oregon.

Klamath County Divorce Decree Court

The Klamath County Circuit Court is at 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Call 541-883-5503 for case questions. Court hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The clerk window closes from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch each day.

Plan your visit around these hours. If you arrive at noon, you will need to wait. Bring a valid photo ID. Security screening is required for all visitors. No weapons or restricted items are allowed in the building. Once inside, the clerk can help you search for a divorce decree by name or case number.

The Klamath County Circuit Court website is shown below.

Check the site for any schedule changes or holiday closures before you visit.

Klamath County Divorce Decree Records History

Klamath County has divorce records from 1883 to the present. That is one of the longest unbroken record spans in Oregon. The county also has marriage records from 1882 through 1990. These two sets of records together can help trace a full family history.

The County Clerk at 305 Main Street handles some older vital records. You can reach the Clerk at (541) 883-5134. For divorce decree records specifically, the Circuit Court is the main source. Older files may need to be pulled from storage. Call ahead if you need a record from the 1800s or early 1900s. The clerk can have the file ready when you arrive.

How to Get a Klamath County Divorce Decree

There are a few ways to obtain a divorce decree from Klamath County. In person is the most direct. Mail works if you live far away. Online tools help with basic searches.

To visit in person, go to 316 Main Street in Klamath Falls. Pass through security. Head to the clerk window. Give the clerk the name of at least one party and the approximate year. They will search the system. You can get plain or certified copies right there. Fees vary by document type and page count.

For mail requests, send a written letter to the Circuit Court at 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date, and a check or money order for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will process the request and mail copies back.

• Visit the courthouse at 316 Main Street during open hours
• Mail a written request with payment and a return envelope
• Search online through OJCIN
• Contact the County Clerk at 305 Main Street for older vital records

The Klamath County court records page below outlines what you need for each type of request.

The page includes forms you can print and fill out before your visit.

Filing for Divorce in Klamath County

To start a divorce in Klamath County, prepare a petition for dissolution of marriage. Under ORS 107.075, one spouse must have lived in Oregon for at least six months. File the petition at the clerk window. Pay the $287 fee.

After filing, you must serve the other spouse with the papers. Oregon law under ORS 107.025 recognizes only one ground for dissolution: irreconcilable differences. A mandatory 90-day wait starts after service. The court will not sign a final divorce decree until this wait passes. Both uncontested and contested cases follow the same wait rule. Contested cases then go to hearings before a judge in Klamath Falls.

The Oregon Judicial Department has all the forms you need on their website. Court staff in Klamath Falls can point you to the right forms but cannot fill them out for you or give legal advice.

Klamath County Divorce Decree and Certificates

There is a difference between a divorce decree and a divorce certificate. The decree is the full court order from Klamath County. It covers property, custody, support, and all other terms. A certificate is a short state-issued document that confirms the dissolution took place.

The Oregon Health Authority issues certificates under ORS 432.350. Order one from the Oregon Vital Records office for $25. They have records from 1925 to the present. For the complete divorce decree showing all terms and conditions, you need to contact the Klamath County Circuit Court directly.

What Klamath County Divorce Decree Files Contain

A divorce decree file in Klamath County holds the complete record of a dissolution case. It starts with the petition and ends with the general judgment of dissolution. In between, there may be motions, orders, financial declarations, and a settlement agreement.

The general judgment is the core document. This is the divorce decree. It states that the marriage is dissolved. It lists the terms agreed to or ordered by the court. Most people need a certified copy of this document. Banks, government agencies, and title companies often require it. The clerk in Klamath Falls can certify a copy and apply the court seal.

Most of the file is public record. Anyone can request copies. Parts about children or sealed financial information may be restricted. The clerk will let you know what is available for any given case.

Klamath County Government Links

The Klamath County Circuit Court website covers court services, hours, and contact details. The records page has instructions for requesting a divorce decree or other court file.

The Klamath County government website is shown below.

The county site provides access to all local departments and contact information.

Visit the Klamath County government portal for general county services. For legal assistance, the Oregon State Bar referral service can connect you with a family law attorney in the Klamath Falls area. Legal Aid Services of Oregon may help residents who qualify based on income. Court administrator John Powell oversees the Klamath County court. ADA coordinator Fawna Anderson can assist visitors who need accommodations.