Salem Marion County Court Records
Marion County holds some of the oldest divorce records in Oregon. The county was incorporated on July 5, 1843, making it one of the original Oregon counties. Originally called the Champooick District, the name changed to Marion County on September 3, 1849. The Circuit Court in Salem has divorce records dating back to 1848. Salem serves as both the county seat and the state capital.
Marion County Quick Facts
Marion County Circuit Court Records
The Marion County Circuit Court operates in the 3rd Judicial District. The main courthouse sits at 100 High Street NE in Salem. The court also has a juvenile facility at 2970 Center Street NE and a criminal annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway SE. All dissolution of marriage cases file at the main courthouse on High Street.
Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call the clerk at 503-588-5105 for questions about divorce records in Marion County. The fax number is 503-588-5117. Mail requests go to PO Box 12869, Salem, OR 97309. In-person requests for divorce records can often be filled the same day. Mail requests take five to ten business days.
For transcript copies of Marion County divorce records, email MAR.transcriptcoordinator@ojd.state.or.us. This service handles requests for hearing transcripts from dissolution cases. Standard record copies go through the clerk window or by mail.
| Court |
Marion County Circuit Court 100 High Street NE Salem, OR 97301 PO Box 12869, Salem, OR 97309 Phone: (503) 588-5105 Fax: (503) 588-5117 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/marion |
Marion County Divorce Records Online
The Marion County court records page provides information about searching cases online. Oregon eCourt Case Information, or OECI, covers all circuit courts in the state. You can search Marion County dissolution cases by party name or case number through the OECI portal. A small fee applies for detailed case views.
The free records and calendars tool shows upcoming court dates and basic case data for Marion County. This does not replace the full OECI search, but it can help you find a case number at no cost. Once you have a case number, requesting copies from the Marion County clerk is much faster.
Note: In-person requests for Marion County divorce records are typically filled the same day, while mail requests take five to ten business days to process.
Historical Divorce Records in Marion County
Marion County has the deepest historical record in Oregon. Circuit Court records date from 1848 to 1984 at the State Archives, and that collection includes divorce records from the same period. Marriage records span 1849 to 1967. A birth records index covers 1871 to 1932. These archives tell the story of families in Marion County from before Oregon was even a state.
The Oregon State Archives Marion County inventory lists every collection available. Researchers can visit the archives in Salem to view original documents or microfilm. Because Salem is the state capital, the State Archives building is just a short drive from the Marion County courthouse. This makes Marion County one of the easiest places to research old divorce records in Oregon.
The Marion County Records and Archives department runs its own 17,000 square foot records warehouse. Historical records stored here date to 1843. This is a county office, separate from the State Archives. It holds county government records that may relate to dissolution cases, including property transfers and name changes filed after a divorce in Marion County.
Oregon Dissolution Law in Marion County
Every dissolution case in Marion County follows Oregon state law. Under ORS 107.025, irreconcilable differences is the only ground for dissolution. The petitioner does not need to prove fault. This has been Oregon law for decades and applies to all Marion County divorce cases.
Residency matters. Under ORS 107.075, at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months. Salem residents file in Marion County. Under ORS 107.065, the petition must include facts about the marriage, any children, and property. The court then uses its power under ORS 107.105 to divide assets, award spousal support, and set custody terms. All of these details become part of the permanent divorce record in Marion County.
A mandatory 90-day waiting period runs from the date of filing. The court cannot enter a judgment before that period ends. Under ORS 107.115, the court may order one party to contribute to the other side's attorney fees in Marion County dissolution cases. The final judgment resolves all issues and becomes a public court record.
Copies of Marion County Divorce Records
The clerk at the Marion County courthouse provides copies of divorce records. Visit the clerk window at 100 High Street NE in Salem. Bring your ID and the case number or names of the parties. Copy fees apply. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call 503-588-5105 to ask about current fees before you visit.
You can also get copies by mail. Write to PO Box 12869, Salem, OR 97309. Include party names, approximate dates, and payment. Under the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS 192.311 to 192.478, divorce records in Marion County are public. Anyone can request them. Sealed or redacted items are the exception, not the rule.
State Divorce Certificates
The Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics issues divorce certificates. These differ from court records. A certificate confirms the dissolution took place but does not show the full judgment terms. The Center has records from 1925 on. Under ORS 432.350, these are official vital records.
Order through VitalChek, by mail to PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050, or in person at 800 NE Oregon Street in Portland. Each certified copy costs $25. For the full judgment with property division and custody orders, go to the Marion County Circuit Court in Salem instead.
Note: Marion County dissolution certificates from the state show names, date, and county only. For detailed terms of your divorce, request the court judgment from the Circuit Court clerk in Salem.
Cities in Marion County
Marion County includes Salem, Keizer, Silverton, Stayton, Woodburn, and many smaller communities. All dissolution cases file at the Circuit Court in Salem.
Other Marion County cities include Keizer, Silverton, Woodburn, Stayton, Aumsville, Turner, and Sublimity. All divorce records for these communities go through the Salem courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Marion County borders several other Oregon counties. Confirm your address falls within Marion County before filing to avoid refiling in the wrong jurisdiction.