Grant County Dissolution Records
Grant County stores divorce records at the Circuit Court in Canyon City. Formed on October 14, 1864, from parts of Wasco and Umatilla counties, Grant County has a long history of court records. Divorce case files date back to 1872. Marriage records go back to 1864. Trial Court Administrator Tami Bryant oversees operations at the courthouse. The court staff can help with record searches and copies for anyone who needs Grant County dissolution documents.
Grant County Quick Facts
Grant County Historical Divorce Records
Grant County holds divorce case files from 1872 to 1922, totaling about 4 cubic feet of paper records. Marriage records span from 1864 to 1951. These collections make Grant County a rich source for genealogy researchers and historians. The area was once a gold mining region, and the early court records reflect the lives of settlers, miners, and their families.
The Oregon State Archives has cataloged the historical records from Grant County.
Browse the Grant County inventory page to see the full list of available records. You will find court files, vital records, and other county documents stored at the state archives.
Records from before October 14, 1864 may be held by Wasco or Umatilla counties. Under ORS 432.350, vital records older than 50 years are open to anyone. The Grant County dissolution files from the 1870s through the 1920s fall well within this open period. The State Archives vital records guide can help you navigate these collections.
Grant County Circuit Court Details
The Grant County Circuit Court website has information about the court and its services.
Visit this page for hours, directions, and contact information for the Grant County court in Canyon City.
| Court |
Grant County Circuit Court 201 S. Humbolt Street Canyon City, OR 97820 Phone: (541) 575-1438 Fax: (541) 575-1439 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Administrator | Tami Bryant, Trial Court Administrator |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/grant |
Grant County is rural and sparsely populated. The court has a small staff. Call ahead at (541) 575-1438 to make sure someone is available to help with your records request. This saves you a trip if the office is short on staff that day.
Searching Grant County Divorce Records
The Oregon eCourt Case Information system provides online access to Grant County court records. Search by name or case number. The system charges a fee for detailed case views. You can also use the free records and calendar search for basic case data.
In-person visits to the courthouse in Canyon City allow you to review full case files. Bring your ID. Tell the clerk the name of one or both spouses and the approximate year. The clerk will search the system and retrieve the file for you. Copies are available on the spot. Mail requests go to 201 S. Humbolt Street, Canyon City, OR 97820. You can also fax your request to (541) 575-1439.
To search Grant County divorce records, you should have:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number if available
Note: Older Grant County dissolution records from before the 1920s may only exist in paper form at the courthouse or at the state archives.
Grant County Divorce Process
To dissolve a marriage in Grant County, you file a petition with the Circuit Court. The filing fee is $287. Oregon requires six months of residency under ORS 107.075 before you can file. If you reside in Canyon City, John Day, Prairie City, or elsewhere in Grant County, this is where you file.
Irreconcilable differences is the only ground for dissolution in Oregon per ORS 107.025. After filing, serve the other spouse. The mandatory 90-day wait under ORS 107.065 then starts. The court resolves custody, support, and property division under ORS 107.105. If both sides agree, the judge signs the judgment after the waiting period. That judgment is then a permanent Grant County court record. After the dissolution, ORS 107.115 requires a 30-day wait before remarriage.
Grant County Records and Public Access
Oregon's Public Records Law at ORS 192.311 to 192.478 makes most court records in Grant County open to the public. You do not need to be named in the case. Anyone can request to view a dissolution file at the courthouse. Some parts may be sealed if they involve children or protected financial information.
Divorce certificates are available from the Oregon Vital Records office for $25 each. You can also order through VitalChek. These certificates show basic facts about the dissolution but not the full terms. For the complete judgment, contact the Grant County Circuit Court. The family law resources and court forms from the Oregon Judicial Department help people who represent themselves in Grant County dissolution cases.
Nearby Counties
Grant County shares borders with several Oregon counties. Be sure you know which county you live in before filing for dissolution.