Union County Divorce Records

Union County keeps divorce decree records at the Circuit Court in La Grande, Oregon. The county was formed on October 14, 1864, from Baker County. Divorce filings date back to 1862, before the county even had its own government. The courthouse at 1105 K Avenue holds case files from that era through the present day. Residents who need a copy of a divorce decree can visit the court or send a request by mail. This page walks through how to find and obtain these records in Union County.

Union County Circuit Court Location

The Union County Circuit Court is part of the 10th Judicial District, which it shares with Wallowa County. The court sits at 1105 K Avenue in La Grande. You can reach court staff by phone at (541) 962-9500. Hours run from 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. All divorce decree filings pass through this court. Walk-in requests are welcome during open hours.

The image below shows the Union County Circuit Court page on the Oregon Judicial Department site.

This portal lists contact details, court hours, and directions for the La Grande courthouse.

How to Get a Divorce Decree in Union County

You can get a copy in person or by mail. In-person visits are the fastest way. Bring your ID to the court. Give the clerk the names of both parties. If you know the case number, that helps too. Staff will pull the file and print copies while you wait. The process is quick for most cases.

For mail requests, send a letter to the Union County Circuit Court at 1105 K Ave., La Grande, OR 97850. Include the full names on the divorce decree, the year the case was filed, and a check made out to the State of Oregon. Under ORS 107, the court must keep records of all dissolution judgments. This law sets the rules for filing, property division, and custody in every Oregon county.

The Union County Clerk at (541) 963-1006 handles marriage records from 1862 to 1964. But the clerk does not hold divorce files. Send all divorce decree requests to the Circuit Court.

Union County Divorce Decree Fees

Copy fees at the Union County Circuit Court follow state rules. Here is what to expect:

• Plain copy: $0.25 per page
• Certified copy: $5.00 per document
• New divorce filing fee: $287

A certified copy bears the court seal. It proves the copy is true to the original. Banks and agencies often need a certified version. A plain copy is fine for your own files. Both types can be picked up at the clerk window in La Grande. Mail requests should include a check for the right amount.

Online Search for Union County Court Records

Oregon runs a statewide system for court record searches. The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) lets you look up cases by name or number. This covers divorce cases in Union County. You can see filing dates, party names, and case status. Full documents are not available for download, but the system helps you confirm a case exists before you visit the court.

For official copies of a divorce decree, always use the Circuit Court. Online tools work best as a first step in your search.

Union County Divorce Decree History

Union County has a long record of court filings. Divorce records go back to 1862. That is two years before the county was even formed in 1864. These early files came from Baker County, the parent county. The Circuit Court in La Grande holds historical divorce records from 1862 through 1983. Cases after 1983 are also on file but stored in a newer system.

Marriage records in Union County span from 1862 to 1964. These sit with the County Clerk, not the court. If you need both a marriage record and a divorce decree, you will deal with two offices. The clerk handles the marriage side. The court handles the divorce side. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to La Grande.

The Union County website has contact details for county offices and general information about local services.

The county site provides links to departments and public services in the La Grande area.

Oregon Law and Divorce Decree Filing

Oregon law governs every divorce case in the state. Under ORS 107, at least one spouse must live in Oregon for six months before filing. This rule applies in Union County. The statute covers property splits, support, and child custody. Every divorce decree from the La Grande court follows these state rules.

Vital records fall under ORS 432.350. This law controls who can get copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from the state. The Oregon Vital Records office can issue copies of divorce records for events that took place in Oregon. This is a good backup if the Union County court cannot find an older file. Processing times vary by method and demand.

Tips for Finding Union County Records

A few things help speed up your search. Know the full legal names used at the time of the case. A maiden name or prior married name may differ from a current name. Have a rough date or year range ready. The court can search without one, but it takes more time. Decide if you need a plain copy or a certified copy before you go. Certified copies cost more but are needed for legal and official uses.

If you request records for someone else, you may need a signed release. Oregon law allows public access to most court records. Some details may be sealed by a judge. The clerk can explain any limits. Union County staff handle these requests often. Call ahead at (541) 962-9500 to confirm what to bring. The 10th Judicial District court in La Grande serves both Union and Wallowa Counties, so staff are used to a range of requests from across the region.