Wallowa County Divorce Court Records
Wallowa County keeps divorce records at the Circuit Court in Enterprise. This remote northeastern Oregon county was carved from Union County on February 11, 1887. Enterprise serves as the county seat. Wallowa County is one of the least populated counties in Oregon. The court operates with limited staff, so planning ahead is important when you need divorce records or other court files from Wallowa County.
Wallowa County Quick Facts
Wallowa County Circuit Court
The Wallowa County Circuit Court sits at 101 S. River Street, Room 103, in Enterprise. The clerk handles all divorce filings and records for the county. You can reach the court at 541-426-4581. The fax number is 541-426-5909. Mail goes to PO Box 398, Enterprise, OR 97828.
The Wallowa County court is open from 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. Staff is limited here. Call before you visit to make sure someone can help you with your divorce record request. The clerk can search for cases, pull files, and make copies. Certified copies carry the court seal for legal use in Wallowa County.
| Court |
Wallowa County Circuit Court 101 S. River Street, Rm 103 Enterprise, OR 97828 PO Box 398 Phone: (541) 426-4581 Fax: (541) 426-5909 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Staffing | Limited staff — call ahead before visiting |
Note: Due to limited staff, response times for mail and fax requests may be longer than in larger counties.
Getting Divorce Records in Wallowa County
You can request divorce records from Wallowa County in person, by mail, by fax, or online. For recent cases, the Oregon eCourt system at courts.oregon.gov is the quickest option. OJCIN lets you search by name or case number from any computer. A small fee applies for case details.
To get copies by mail, write to the clerk at PO Box 398, Enterprise, OR 97828. Include the full name of one or both spouses, the approximate year of the divorce, and the type of copy you need. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. The clerk will send back what they find along with a bill for the copy fees.
In-person visits to the Wallowa County courthouse let you view the full file. You can review all documents and pick what you want copied. Bring valid identification with you. The clerk can search by name or case number for divorce records in Wallowa County.
Wallowa County Divorce Filing Requirements
Oregon law sets the rules for every divorce filed in Wallowa County. Under ORS 107.075, at least one spouse must have lived in Oregon for six months before filing. Wallowa County residents who meet this rule file at the Enterprise courthouse.
ORS 107.025 makes irreconcilable differences the sole ground for dissolution. No fault is needed. The petition must follow the requirements in ORS 107.065. After filing, you serve the other spouse. A 90-day waiting period must pass before the court can enter a judgment. This creates a permanent divorce record in Wallowa County.
The final judgment can address all matters between the spouses. ORS 107.105 allows the court to divide property, set support, decide custody, and restore a former name. Every order goes into the case file at the Wallowa County courthouse.
Historical Records in Wallowa County
Wallowa County records date back to 1887. The county also has birth and death records from 1915 to 1929. The Oregon State Archives keeps an inventory of surviving Wallowa County records. Researchers can check what exists before making the trip to Enterprise or Salem.
Early divorce files from Wallowa County may contain handwritten petitions and orders. These documents are public under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. Some may have been moved to the state archives for preservation. Others stay at the courthouse in Enterprise. Contact the clerk to find out where a specific old file is located.
Divorce Certificates for Wallowa County
The state issues divorce certificates through the Center for Health Statistics. These short-form records confirm a dissolution took place. They show names, date, and county. The fee is $25. Records go back to 1925.
You can order through VitalChek online or write to PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050. Under ORS 432.350, the court clerk reports each dissolution to the state. This is how the certificate system stays current with Wallowa County court records.
For the full judgment with all terms, you need the court file. Contact the Wallowa County Circuit Court clerk in Enterprise. The judgment has details on property, children, and support that a certificate does not include.
Note: Certificates and court judgments serve different purposes, so check which one you actually need before ordering.
Legal Resources in Wallowa County
Court forms for dissolution are free at courts.oregon.gov. The Oregon Judicial Department provides instructions for people who file without a lawyer. These forms work at the Wallowa County courthouse in Enterprise.
The Oregon State Bar referral service is at 503-684-3763. Finding a family law attorney in rural Wallowa County may take more effort. Some attorneys in La Grande or Pendleton also serve Wallowa County clients. Legal Aid Services of Oregon can help low-income residents who need free assistance with a dissolution case. ORS 107.115 governs the response process, and understanding your rights early in a case matters.
Nearby Counties
Wallowa County sits in the far northeast corner of Oregon and borders several other counties. File in the county where you reside for proper jurisdiction.