Hillsboro Divorce Court Records
Hillsboro divorce records are kept at the Washington County Circuit Court in the 20th Judicial District. Hillsboro is the county seat of Washington County and has about 110,000 residents. The circuit court is right in downtown Hillsboro, making it easy for local residents to file cases and request copies. Hillsboro Municipal Court handles city violations, not divorce cases.
Hillsboro Quick Facts
Where Hillsboro Divorce Records Are Stored
The Washington County Circuit Court is located in Hillsboro and handles all family law cases for the county. Trial Court Administrator Richard E. Moellmer oversees the court. The main courthouse on 2nd Avenue is where you file new dissolution cases. The Justice Services Building next door at 150 N 1st Avenue is where you go for records requests.
| Court | Washington County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 145 NE 2nd Avenue Hillsboro, OR 97124 |
| Phone | (503) 846-8888 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/washington |
The Hillsboro Municipal Court at 150 East Main Street does not handle divorce. Its phone is (503) 681-6157. Municipal courts in Oregon deal with city code violations and traffic matters. All divorce records in Hillsboro are managed by the circuit court, which is the only court with jurisdiction over family law.
Viewing Hillsboro Divorce Records in Person
The Washington County Circuit Court has a Records Review Room in Room 110J of the Justice Services Building at 150 N 1st Avenue. This is where you go to view divorce records in person. Bring a photo ID. Staff at the window can look up cases by name or case number and bring you the file to review.
The court is open from 8:00 AM to noon and then 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Note the midday closure. Plan your visit so you arrive with enough time to review the file before the lunch break or the end of the day. Once you find the documents you need, ask the clerk for copies. Both plain and certified copies are available for Hillsboro divorce records.
The Washington County court records page describes the full process for requesting case files. You can also mail a written request with a check or money order. Include the names of both parties and the approximate year of filing. The clerk will search the files and mail copies back to you.
Note: The court closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 PM daily, so plan visits to the Hillsboro Records Review Room accordingly.
Search Hillsboro Divorce Cases Online
Oregon eCourt Case Information at courts.oregon.gov covers all Washington County cases, including divorces filed in Hillsboro. You search by party name or case number. The system shows case type, filing dates, and current status. Detailed party information requires a paid subscription.
For Hillsboro residents who want general court forms, the Oregon Judicial Department forms center has everything you need.
The forms center provides free downloads of all dissolution forms used at the Hillsboro courthouse.
Hillsboro Divorce Filing Requirements
Filing for divorce in Hillsboro starts with meeting the Oregon residency requirement. Under ORS 107.075, at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months. If the marriage took place in Oregon, the six-month rule may not apply. Hillsboro residents who qualify file their petition at the Washington County Circuit Court.
The petition states that irreconcilable differences caused the marriage to break down. This is the only legal ground under ORS 107.025. The filing fee is $287. After you file, the other spouse must be served with the papers. Oregon allows personal service, service by mail, or publication as a last resort. Every document filed becomes part of the divorce records in Hillsboro.
A 90-day waiting period runs from the date of filing. The court will not enter a judgment before those 90 days end. If both parties agree, a stipulated judgment speeds things up once the waiting period passes. The general judgment under ORS 107.105 divides property, sets support, and creates parenting plans when children are involved.
Washington County has resources for people filing on their own. The Washington County divorce information page walks through the steps and links to all required forms. The City of Hillsboro website has general city information but does not cover court proceedings.
Hillsboro Divorce Legal Resources
The Oregon Judicial Department offers family law resources for people going through a dissolution in Hillsboro. These guides explain the process step by step.
The family law resources page covers dissolution procedures, required forms, and self-help options for Hillsboro residents and all Oregonians.
The Oregon State Bar runs a lawyer referral service for people who need an attorney. Legal Aid Services of Oregon may provide free help to those who qualify based on income. The Washington County courthouse does not give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and explain filing procedures for divorce records in Hillsboro.
Hillsboro Divorce Certificates
A divorce certificate and a court judgment are two different documents. The certificate is a short form from the Oregon Health Authority. It confirms that a dissolution took place and shows basic facts like names and the date. The judgment is the full court order from the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro. Most legal purposes require the judgment.
Order a certificate through VitalChek for $25 per copy. Oregon vital records under ORS 432.350 are maintained by the state. For the full judgment, contact the Washington County clerk in Hillsboro. Under ORS 192.311 to 192.478, most court records are open to the public. Anyone can request copies of divorce records filed at the Hillsboro courthouse.
Under ORS 107.115, the court can modify support and custody terms after the judgment is entered. Any modification orders also become part of the divorce records in Hillsboro and are available through the same request process.
Washington County Divorce Records
Hillsboro is the county seat of Washington County. The Washington County Circuit Court handles all dissolution cases in the county, including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, and other cities. For full information on county court fees, procedures, and other resources, see the Washington County divorce records page.