Deschutes County Dissolution Records

Deschutes County maintains divorce records at the Circuit Court in Bend. As part of the 11th Judicial District, this court handles all dissolution of marriage cases for Deschutes County residents. The county was formed on December 13, 1916, from Crook County. The current courthouse at 1100 NW Bond Street has served the community since 1978. Staff at the records window can assist with case lookups, copies, and filing questions for Deschutes County divorce records.

Deschutes County Circuit Court

The Deschutes County Circuit Court is located at 1100 NW Bond Street in Bend. All visitors must pass through a security checkpoint when entering the building. For records requests, go to window #4 on the first floor. The staff there can search for divorce cases, pull files for viewing, and make copies of court documents.

The Deschutes County court website provides information about records and court services.

Visit this page for current hours, forms, and contact information for the Deschutes County court.

Search Deschutes County Divorce Records Online

The fastest way to find dissolution records in Deschutes County is through the Oregon eCourt system. This online tool at courts.oregon.gov covers all circuit courts in the state. You can search by party name or case number. A small fee applies to view detailed case information. Basic case data may also appear on the free records and calendar search page.

For copies by mail, send a written request to the Deschutes County Circuit Court at 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703. Include the case name or number and what documents you need. The court accepts checks with a not-to-exceed amount of $30 for mail requests. Make the check payable to the State of Oregon. You can also email your request to des.copy.requests@ojd.state.or.us. Staff will respond with the cost before processing your order for Deschutes County records.

Note: The email option is often the quickest way to start a records request for Deschutes County dissolution cases without visiting the courthouse.

Deschutes County Divorce Records Access

The Deschutes County records page gives details about how to obtain court documents.

This includes instructions for in-person visits, mail requests, and email requests for Deschutes County dissolution records.

Most dissolution records in Deschutes County are public under the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311 through 192.478. You do not need to be a party to the case to view them. Walk into the courthouse and ask to see a file at window #4. The clerk will pull it for you. Some parts of a case may be sealed, especially if they involve children or sensitive financial data. But the bulk of each dissolution file is open to the public in Deschutes County.

Divorce Filing in Deschutes County

To file for dissolution in Deschutes County, you start with a petition. The fee is $287. Oregon law under ORS 107.075 requires that at least one spouse lived in Oregon for six months before filing. If you live in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, or any other part of Deschutes County, this is your court.

The only ground for dissolution in Oregon is irreconcilable differences under ORS 107.025. After filing, you serve your spouse with the papers. Then a 90-day waiting period begins as required by ORS 107.065. The court addresses custody, support, and property division under ORS 107.105. If both parties agree on terms, the judge can sign the judgment after the waiting period ends. Every document filed becomes part of the permanent record in Deschutes County.

After the judgment is entered, ORS 107.115 requires a 30-day wait before either person can remarry in Oregon.

Deschutes County Divorce Certificates

The Oregon Health Authority issues divorce certificates separate from court records. A certificate confirms a dissolution happened. It shows the names, date, and county but not the full terms of the judgment. You can order one from the Oregon Vital Records office or through VitalChek. The cost is $25 per certified copy.

For the full judgment with all terms of custody, support, and property, you need the court record from the Deschutes County Circuit Court. Certified copies of the judgment carry the court seal and are accepted for legal purposes. The clerk at window #4 can make these for you while you wait.

Older Records in Deschutes County

Deschutes County was carved from Crook County in 1916. Records of dissolutions that took place before that date may be held by Crook County or the Oregon State Archives. If you are researching a case from before December 13, 1916, check with the Crook County Circuit Court in Prineville first.

Under ORS 432.350, vital records in Oregon carry a 50-year confidentiality period. After that time passes, they become fully open to the public. The Oregon State Archives may hold older dissolution records and indexes that are now open. Genealogy researchers often use these along with marriage and death records to build a complete picture of family history in Deschutes County.

The Oregon Judicial Department homepage links to all county courts across the state.

From there, you can find the Deschutes County court page and other useful links for dissolution records.

Nearby Counties

Deschutes County borders several Oregon counties. Each has its own circuit court. Make sure you file in the county where you live.