Bend Divorce Records Access
Bend divorce records are filed at the Deschutes County Circuit Court in the 11th Judicial District. Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County with about 102,000 residents. The courthouse on Bond Street handles all dissolution of marriage cases for the area. Bend Municipal Court is not a court of record and does not handle divorce. All dissolution matters go through the circuit court.
Bend Quick Facts
Bend Divorce Records at Deschutes County Court
The Deschutes County Circuit Court handles every dissolution case filed in Bend. The courthouse was built in 1978 and sits on Bond Street in downtown Bend. A security checkpoint screens all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID and plan for a brief wait. File viewing is handled at window number four inside the courthouse.
| Court | Deschutes County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 NW Bond Street Bend, OR 97703 |
| Phone | (541) 388-5300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/deschutes |
The Bend Municipal Court at (541) 388-5572 handles only city ordinance violations. It is not a court of record and keeps no divorce files. If you call the municipal court about dissolution matters, they will refer you to the Deschutes County Circuit Court. All divorce records in Bend are at the county level.
How to Request Bend Divorce Records
You can get divorce records in Bend three ways: in person at the courthouse, by mail, or by email. Each option works for both plain and certified copies. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the documents and whether you need them certified.
For in-person requests, go to window number four at the Deschutes County courthouse. Bring photo ID and provide the case number or the names of both parties. Staff will pull the file. You can review it and then request copies. This is the fastest way to get Bend divorce records since you walk out with them the same day.
Mail requests go to the courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703. Include a written request with the names of both parties and the approximate filing year. Send a check or money order for the copy fees. The court accepts a not-to-exceed check with a maximum of $30 for mail requests. Allow time for processing and return mail.
You can also email copy requests to des.copy.requests@ojd.state.or.us. Include the party names, case number if known, and what documents you need. The clerk will respond with fee information and processing details. This is a good option for Bend residents who want to start the process quickly without visiting the courthouse.
The Deschutes County court records page has full details on all request methods and current fees for divorce records in Bend.
Note: Mail requests to the Bend courthouse require a not-to-exceed check with a $30 maximum. If your copies cost more, the clerk will contact you before processing.
Search Bend Divorce Cases Online
Oregon eCourt Case Information lets you search divorce records in Bend from any computer. The OECI system at courts.oregon.gov covers all Deschutes County cases. Search by name or case number. Basic case data shows up in the results. Full details with party names need a paid account.
The Bend city website covers municipal services and community information.
The City of Bend website provides information about city programs. It does not contain divorce records or court case data for Bend residents.
Filing for Divorce in Bend Oregon
Bend residents must meet Oregon residency rules before filing. Under ORS 107.075, one spouse must have lived in Oregon at least six months. If the marriage happened in Oregon, the rule may not apply. Once you qualify, file your petition at the Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend.
Oregon uses a no-fault system. Under ORS 107.025, the only ground for dissolution is that irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to break down beyond repair. You do not need to prove fault. The filing fee is $287. After filing, you serve the other spouse through personal service, the Deschutes County Sheriff, or another legal method.
The state requires 90 days between filing and the final judgment. This gives both parties time to work out terms. The judgment of dissolution under ORS 107.105 covers property division, spousal support, and custody. Once the judge signs it, the divorce is final. Every filing from petition to judgment becomes part of the divorce records in Bend.
Bend Divorce Certificates
The Oregon Health Authority issues divorce certificates for all Oregon dissolutions since 1925. A certificate is a short form that confirms the dissolution happened. It is different from the court judgment. Most legal matters require the judgment, not the certificate. The judgment contains property terms, custody orders, and support amounts.
Order a certificate online through VitalChek for $25 per copy. Under ORS 432.350, the state maintains vital records including divorce certificates. For the full judgment, contact the Deschutes County Circuit Court clerk in Bend.
The Bend city website provides general community resources and city services.
The official City of Bend page covers city government but has no role in managing divorce records or dissolution filings for Bend residents.
Public Access to Bend Dissolution Files
Oregon law makes most divorce records public. Under ORS 192.311 to 192.478, court records are open to anyone unless sealed by a judge. You do not need to be a party to the case. Walk into the Deschutes County courthouse in Bend, ask at window four, and request the file.
Some portions may be restricted. Financial documents, sealed custody evaluations, and records with sensitive personal data may not be available. Social security numbers are always redacted. The clerk will tell you if any part of the Bend divorce record you request is not public. Under ORS 107.115, the court retains the ability to modify custody and support terms after the judgment. Any later modifications also become public divorce records in Bend.
Note: The Deschutes County courthouse in Bend has a security checkpoint at the entrance, so allow extra time for screening when you visit.
Deschutes County Divorce Records
Bend is the county seat of Deschutes County. The Deschutes County Circuit Court processes all dissolution cases for Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and other communities in the county. For complete information on fees, procedures, and court resources, visit the Deschutes County divorce records page.