Washington County Dissolution Filings

Washington County is one of the most populated counties in Oregon. Over 600,000 people live here. The Circuit Court in Hillsboro handles all divorce decree filings for the county. Divorce records date back to 1849, when the area was still known as Tuality County. The first courthouse was a log cabin. Today, the Justice Services Building at 150 N 1st Avenue is the main court facility. This page covers how to find and get copies of divorce records in Washington County.

Washington County Divorce Decree Court Details

The Washington County Circuit Court operates from the Justice Services Building at 150 N 1st Avenue in Hillsboro. A second location sits at 145 NE 2nd Ave. The main phone number is 503-846-8888. There is no special family court in Washington County. The Circuit Court handles all family law matters, including divorce cases. The Public Records Review Room is in Room 110J. You can view files there during business hours.

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

This portal lists court locations, hours, and contact information for the Hillsboro court.

How to Get a Divorce Decree in Washington County

Visit the court in person for the quickest results. Go to the Public Records Review Room in Room 110J. Bring your ID. Give the clerk the names of both parties. A case number helps, but staff can search by name and date. Washington County is large, so the court handles many requests each day. Come early to avoid a long wait. Staff will pull the file and print copies for you.

Mail requests go to the Washington County Circuit Court at 150 N 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Include both party names, the year the divorce decree was issued, and a check payable to the State of Oregon. Under ORS 107, the court must keep all dissolution records. This law sets the rules for every divorce filing in Oregon. It covers residency, property division, and custody.

The Washington County Clerk at 155 N First Ave Suite 130 does not hold divorce records. The clerk phone is 503-846-8787. That office handles property records and elections. Do not go there for a divorce decree. The Circuit Court is the only source.

Washington County provides a helpful divorce filing guide that explains how the process works.

This page outlines the steps for filing and obtaining a divorce decree in Washington County.

Washington County Divorce Decree Fees and Copies

Standard copy fees apply at the court. A plain copy costs $0.25 per page. A certified copy costs $5.00 per document. The filing fee for a new divorce case is $287. Certified copies bear the court seal. They prove the document is a true copy. Banks, government offices, and other courts need certified copies. A plain copy works for your own files. Payment by check is preferred for mail-in requests.

Washington County Court Records Online

The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) offers online case searches. You can look up Washington County divorce cases by name or case number. Results show filing dates, party names, and case status. Full documents are not available for download. The system helps you confirm a case exists before visiting the court.

The Washington County court records page on the state site explains how to request records from the Washington County Circuit Court. For official copies of a divorce decree, always go through the Circuit Court in Hillsboro.

The county Law Library is another resource. It can help with family law research. The library is located near the courthouse. Staff there can point you to the right forms and filing guides. They do not provide legal advice, but they know where to find information.

Divorce Decree History in Washington County

Washington County has some of the oldest court records in Oregon. Divorce filings go back to 1849. At that time, the county was called Tuality County. The name changed, but the records stayed. The first courthouse was a small log cabin. Today the court sits in a modern building in Hillsboro. The county grew from a rural farming area to one of the state's busiest regions. Record volume grew with it.

With over 600,000 residents, Washington County sees a high volume of family law cases each year. Cities like Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tigard all fall within the county. Residents from any of these cities file divorce cases at the same Circuit Court in Hillsboro. The court processes hundreds of divorce filings each year. Older cases may require archive retrieval. Recent cases are easier to access.

Oregon Law and Divorce Decree Filing

State law governs all divorce proceedings. Under ORS 107, one spouse must be an Oregon resident for at least six months before the court can accept the case. This applies in Washington County. The statute covers property splits, child custody, and support. Every divorce decree issued by the Hillsboro court follows these rules.

Vital records are governed by ORS 432.350. The Oregon Vital Records office can provide copies of divorce records for events across the state. If the Washington County court cannot find an old file, the state office is a good backup. Processing times vary. Local requests at the Hillsboro court are usually faster for recent cases.

Tips for Washington County Record Searches

Use the full legal names from the time of the case. Names change. The court files records under the names used at filing. Have a year or date range ready. Washington County handles many cases, so a date helps narrow the search. Choose between a plain or certified copy before you visit. Certified copies cost more but are required for legal and official purposes.

If you request records for someone else, you may need a release or proof of authority. Oregon law keeps most court records open to the public. Some details may be sealed. The clerk can explain limits that apply. Call 503-846-8888 to check what you need. Washington County is busy. Plan to arrive early for in-person visits. The Public Records Review Room in Room 110J is the right place for divorce decree requests.