Access Clackamas County Divorce Records

Clackamas County divorce records are available through the Circuit Court in Oregon City. As one of the original counties in Oregon, Clackamas County has court records going back to the 1840s. The courthouse at 1000 Courthouse Road provides free parking and easy access to the clerk office. You can search for dissolution cases online or visit in person during business hours. Clackamas County maintains both current and historical divorce filings, with the oldest records dating to 1850. The clerk staff processes record requests each weekday and can help you find what you need.

Clackamas County Divorce Records History

Clackamas County holds a unique place in Oregon history. It was incorporated on July 5, 1843, making it one of the original counties formed in the Oregon Territory. Court records from Clackamas County span nearly two centuries. The Circuit Court records collection covers 1846 through 1986 at the Oregon State Archives.

The divorce index for Clackamas County runs from 1852 to 1920. Actual divorce records from 1850 to 1949 are stored at the Oregon State Archives. Marriage certificates from 1863 to 1935 are also available there. These older Clackamas County files are valuable for legal research, property disputes, and family history work. The archives in Salem can provide copies of these historical records upon request.

The depth of Clackamas County records makes it one of the best-documented counties in Oregon for early dissolution cases.

Clackamas County Circuit Court

The Clackamas County Circuit Court sits at 1000 Courthouse Road in Oregon City. The courthouse offers free parking, which is a nice benefit compared to some other Oregon courthouses. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reach the records department by email at cla.records@ojd.state.or.us or by phone at 503-655-8447.

Copy fees at the Clackamas County courthouse are $0.25 per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $5 per document. If you need an exemplified copy, the fee is $10. These are standard rates set by the Oregon Judicial Department. Bring payment when you visit. The Clackamas County clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, and by email.

How to Search Clackamas County Dissolution Cases

Multiple options exist for searching Clackamas County divorce records. The Oregon Judicial Department free records search gives you basic case details at no cost. Enter a name and the system shows matching cases from Clackamas County and other Oregon courts. You get case numbers, dates, and party names right away.

The OJCIN Online system provides the most thorough search available from home. It shows full docket entries, filings, and case status for Clackamas County dissolution cases. There is a usage fee, but it saves you a trip to Oregon City. Professional researchers and attorneys use this system often for Clackamas County case lookups.

You can search in person at the Clackamas County courthouse as well. The Clackamas County court records page explains what you need to bring and how to submit requests. Under Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311 through 192.478, you have the right to inspect any public court file during business hours at the Clackamas County courthouse.

Note: Clackamas County has high case volume, so allow a few days for mail and email requests to be processed.

Filing for Divorce in Clackamas County

The dissolution process in Clackamas County follows Oregon state law. You begin by filing a petition with the Circuit Court clerk. The fee is $287. Oregon requires at least one spouse to have been a state resident for six months, per ORS 107.075. Clackamas County residents file at the Oregon City courthouse.

Under ORS 107.025, irreconcilable differences is the only ground for dissolution in Oregon. No fault needs to be shown. After filing, you serve the other party. Then ORS 107.065 imposes a 90-day wait before the court can finalize the case. The court under ORS 107.105 can issue orders on custody, property, and support in the judgment. These terms become part of the permanent Clackamas County court record.

Self-represented parties can get forms from the Oregon Judicial Department Forms Center. The Family Law Resources section has step-by-step instructions. Clackamas County also has a family law facilitator who can help with form selection.

Clackamas County Divorce Certificates

Divorce certificates from the Oregon Health Authority serve a different purpose than court records. A certificate confirms that a dissolution took place. It lists the parties, date, and county. It does not show the full terms of the judgment. Certificates cost $25 and are available from 1925 to present.

ORS 432.350 restricts access to vital records for 50 years. During that period, only eligible applicants can get certified copies. After 50 years, records become public. You can order through VitalChek for fast processing or mail a request to the Center for Health Statistics. For the complete dissolution judgment from a Clackamas County case, contact the Circuit Court clerk in Oregon City instead.

Note: Under ORS 107.115, a 30-day waiting period applies after a dissolution judgment before either party may remarry.

Nearby Counties

Clackamas County borders several Oregon counties. All dissolution cases must be filed in the county where you reside.