Wasco County Dissolution Records

Wasco County divorce decree records are stored at the Circuit Court in The Dalles, Oregon. This is one of Oregon's original counties, formed on January 11, 1854. Divorce filings here date back to that same year. The historic courthouse on Washington Street has served the county for over a century. If you need a copy of a divorce decree, the court in The Dalles is the place to go. This guide explains how to search for, request, and obtain divorce records in Wasco County.

Wasco County Circuit Court Location

The Wasco County Circuit Court is located at 511 Washington St. in The Dalles. The courthouse was built in 1914 and still serves as the main court facility. You can call the court at (541) 506-2700. Staff handle all family law filings, including divorce cases. The building is open during standard business hours on weekdays. Walk-in requests for record copies are accepted at the clerk window.

Here is the Wasco County Circuit Court page on the Oregon Judicial Department site.

This portal shows court hours, phone numbers, and directions to the historic courthouse in The Dalles.

How to Get a Divorce Decree in Wasco County

You have two main options. Visit the court in person or send a written request. In-person visits are quickest. Bring a photo ID. Give the clerk the full names on the case. A case number is helpful but not required. Staff can search by name and year. They will print copies at the window. Most requests are done in minutes.

Mail requests go to the Wasco County Circuit Court at 511 Washington St., The Dalles, OR 97058. Include both party names, the year the divorce decree was filed, and a check payable to the State of Oregon. Under ORS 107, the court retains all dissolution judgments. This law applies to every county in Oregon. It covers grounds for divorce, residency rules, and how courts divide property.

The Wasco County Clerk at (541) 506-2530 handles marriage records dating from 1854 to 1960. The clerk does not keep divorce files. All divorce decree requests must go through the Circuit Court.

Wasco County Divorce Decree Copy Fees

Fees follow state guidelines. Here is what to expect:

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

Certified copies carry the court seal. They are required for most legal and official uses. Banks, government agencies, and courts in other states will ask for a certified copy of a divorce decree. A plain copy is fine for personal records. Both are available at the clerk window in The Dalles. For mail requests, include a check for the correct amount.

Wasco County Divorce Decree History

Wasco County is one of the oldest in Oregon. It was created on January 11, 1854, as one of the state's original counties. Divorce records at the Circuit Court date back to that founding year. The court holds historical files from 1854 through 1983. Cases after 1983 are stored in a newer system but remain on site. Marriage records span from 1854 to 1960 and sit with the County Clerk.

The 1914 courthouse in The Dalles is a landmark. It has housed court proceedings for over a hundred years. Older divorce files may be stored in an archive section of the building. Staff are experienced with pulling records from different eras. If you need a file from the 1800s, it may take a bit longer. But the court has these records and can produce copies.

The Wasco County website provides general county information and department contacts.

The county site lists links to offices, services, and public information for The Dalles area.

Online Search for Wasco County Divorce Records

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) offers statewide case lookups. You can search Wasco County divorce cases by name or case number. The system shows filing dates, party names, and case status. It does not let you download full documents. Use it to confirm a case exists before you request copies from the court.

For official copies of a divorce decree, always contact the Circuit Court. Online tools serve as a starting point, not a final source.

Oregon Law and Wasco County Divorce Decree Filing

State law governs all divorce proceedings. Under ORS 107, one spouse must have been an Oregon resident for at least six months before filing. This residency rule applies in Wasco County. The statute also covers child custody, support payments, and asset division. Every divorce decree from the court in The Dalles follows these guidelines.

Vital records are controlled by ORS 432.350. The Oregon Vital Records office can provide copies of divorce records from anywhere in the state. This is a useful backup if the Wasco County court cannot find a very old file. State requests may take longer than local ones, but they cover all 36 counties.

Tips for Wasco County Record Requests

Use the legal names from the time of the case. People change names over the years. The court files cases under the names used at filing. Have a year or date range in mind. The clerk can search without one, but it slows things down. Choose between a plain or certified copy before you visit. Certified copies cost more but are needed for legal matters.

If you request records for another person, you may need a signed release or proof of authority. Oregon law makes most court records public. Some case details may be sealed by the judge. The clerk will let you know. Call the court at (541) 506-2700 to check what you need before you visit. Staff in The Dalles are helpful and handle these requests on a regular basis.