Multnomah County Divorce Decree Search

Multnomah County is the most populous county in Oregon. Over 800,000 people live here. The county seat is Portland. The 4th Judicial District Circuit Court handles all divorce decree cases for the county. The court operates from multiple locations, including the Central Courthouse, the Justice Center, a Juvenile facility, and an East County branch. Divorce decree records are managed through the records division at 1200 SW First Avenue in Portland. This page covers how to find, request, and obtain these records.

Multnomah County Circuit Court Divorce Decree Records

The Multnomah County Circuit Court processes all divorce decree cases at the courthouse complex in downtown Portland. The main address for dissolution records is 1200 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204. You can call the dissolution records line at (971) 274-0570. Note: this line does not have voicemail. For general questions, call 503-988-3022. You can also email the records team at mul.records@ojd.state.or.us.

The court serves the entire county. This covers Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, and Maywood Park. Every dissolution case in the county goes through this court. The 4th Judicial District is the busiest in Oregon. Staff handle a high volume of cases each day. Call ahead to ask about wait times.

Below is the Multnomah County Circuit Court page on the Oregon Judicial Department website.

This page lists hours, locations, and contact details for the Portland courthouse complex.

How to Get a Divorce Decree in Multnomah County

You can visit the courthouse, submit a mail request, or start with an online search. In person is the fastest option for recent cases. Walk in to the records office at 1200 SW First Avenue. Bring a valid ID. Give staff the names of both parties and the year the case was filed. They can search by name or case number.

For records from 1984 and later, copies must be ordered in advance. Call (971) 274-0570 to set up your request. Staff will pull the file and have it ready for pickup. This line has no voicemail, so call during business hours. For older records through 1983, microfilm copies may be available without advance notice.

The Multnomah County Central Library also holds a divorce index covering 1946 through 2008. Microfilm records through 1983 are at the library as well. This is a free research option. It works well if you want to confirm a case exists before you pay for copies at the court.

Under ORS 107, Oregon courts must keep records of all dissolution judgments. This law sets the rules for grounds, residency, and property. Multnomah County follows these state rules for every divorce case.

Multnomah County Divorce Decree Copy Fees

Multnomah County has a unique fee structure. The first 100 pages are free. After that, each page costs $0.25. A certified copy is $5.00 per document. This is a good deal for large files. Many divorce decrees run under 100 pages, so you may pay nothing beyond the certification fee.

• First 100 pages: free
• Pages after 100: $0.25 each
• Certified copy: $5.00 per document
• New dissolution filing: $287

Certified copies carry the court seal. Banks, title companies, and government offices require them. A plain copy works for personal use. Both types are available at the records window in Portland. The court records all proceedings with digital audio. If you need a recording of a hearing, ask the records team about that too.

Multnomah County Divorce Decree Records Online

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) lets you search court records online. This covers all Oregon counties, including Multnomah. You can look up cases by name or number. The system shows filing dates, party names, and case status. It does not provide full document downloads.

The Multnomah County records page on the state court site has details about what is available and how to request copies. Check there for the latest fees and procedures.

Below is the Multnomah County court records page on the Oregon Judicial Department website.

This resource covers record types, access methods, and the advance order process.

Multnomah County also has a page on the county government site for divorce records. This page covers county-level services and may help with related records like marriage or property files.

Filing for Divorce in Multnomah County

To start a divorce in Multnomah County, file a petition with the Circuit Court. The fee is $287. Under ORS 107.075, at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months before filing. If you live in Multnomah County, this is the right court.

Oregon allows one ground for dissolution. It is irreconcilable differences. No fault is needed. After you file, serve the other spouse. A 90-day wait then begins. The court cannot enter a final divorce decree until the wait ends. Uncontested cases can finish soon after. Contested cases may take months due to hearings and negotiations. All filings become part of the court record in Multnomah County.

State Vital Records in Multnomah County

The Oregon Health Authority runs a vital records office right in Portland. It is at 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205, Portland, OR 97232. The phone number is 971-673-1190. Under ORS 432.350, the state registers divorces as vital events. This office can issue a short-form divorce certificate.

A state certificate costs $25 for a certified copy. Additional copies in the same order are $20 each. Processing takes three to five weeks by mail. The certificate confirms a divorce took place. It shows names, dates, and county. It does not include the full terms of the decree. For the complete divorce decree with all property, support, and custody terms, go to the Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Below is the Oregon Vital Records page for ordering state certificates.

This page covers ordering options, fees, and processing times for state-level records.

Cities in Multnomah County

Multnomah County has several cities and towns. All of them file divorce cases at the Circuit Court in Portland. The courthouse serves the whole county.

Other areas in Multnomah County include Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, and Maywood Park. All dissolution cases for these communities are filed at the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland.

Nearby Counties

Multnomah County borders Washington County, Clackamas County, Columbia County, Hood River County, and Clark County in Washington state. If you are not sure which county covers your address, check before filing. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction over your case. Each county keeps its own divorce decree records.