Wasco County Dissolution Case Records

Wasco County is one of the oldest counties in Oregon. It was created on January 11, 1854, from parts of Clackamas, Lane, Linn, Marion, and Washington counties. The Dalles is the county seat. The Wasco County Circuit Court stores all divorce records for the county. A divorce index covering 1859 to 1916 makes early case research straightforward. Marriage records date back to 1852 in Wasco County.

Wasco County Circuit Court Divorce Records

The Wasco County Circuit Court is at 511 Washington Street, Suite 304, in The Dalles. Trial Court Administrator Patricia E. Adams oversees operations. The court is open 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. The phone number is 541-506-2700. You can fax requests to 541-506-2715 or mail them to PO Box 1350, The Dalles, OR 97058.

The Wasco County Circuit Court handles all dissolution filings for residents of The Dalles, Maupin, Dufur, Mosier, and surrounding areas. The clerk maintains case files, provides copies, and certifies documents. Staff can search for divorce records by party name or case number. Wasco County's long history means the court has records spanning more than 160 years.

Wasco County Historical Divorce Index

Wasco County holds a divorce index from 1859 to 1916. This index is a valuable tool for locating early dissolution cases. It lists names and case numbers, which makes it easier to pull the right file. Since Wasco County was the parent of many eastern Oregon counties, some early records from those regions may also appear in Wasco County files.

The Oregon State Archives documents what historical records survive from Wasco County. Marriage certificates from 1879 to 1898 and marriage records from 1852 to 1900 are also in the archives. These records often relate to divorce cases filed later. Researchers tracing family lines through Wasco County use both sets of records together.

Under ORS 192.311 to 192.478, these records are open to the public. You can view them at the courthouse in The Dalles or at the state archives in Salem. Some fragile documents may only be available as copies.

Note: Wasco County was parent to many other counties, so pre-1862 records from eastern Oregon may be found here.

How to Find Wasco County Divorce Records

Recent divorce records in Wasco County can be found through OJCIN, the Oregon eCourt system. Visit courts.oregon.gov to search by name or case number. A fee applies for detailed results. This system covers cases from the electronic era forward.

For older cases, the divorce index at the Wasco County courthouse covers 1859 to 1916. Visit the clerk at 511 Washington Street in The Dalles. Bring a name and an approximate date. The clerk can search the index and pull the case file for you. Copy fees apply for any documents you need from Wasco County divorce records.

• Search OJCIN online for recent cases
• Visit The Dalles courthouse for older files
• Use the 1859-1916 divorce index for early cases
• Mail requests to PO Box 1350, The Dalles, OR 97058

Divorce Filing in Wasco County

Filing starts with a petition at the Circuit Court clerk window in The Dalles. ORS 107.075 requires six months of Oregon residency before you can file. Wasco County residents who meet this rule file here. The sole ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences under ORS 107.025.

After you file, serve the other spouse with the papers. A mandatory 90-day waiting period follows. During this time, the parties work out terms for property, support, and custody. ORS 107.105 lists what the court can include in the final judgment. Once the judge signs it, the marriage is dissolved and the judgment becomes a permanent court record in Wasco County.

ORS 107.065 spells out what must go in the petition. The petitioner lists both names, the date of marriage, the grounds, and what they seek. The other spouse can file a response under ORS 107.115. Both documents become part of the Wasco County divorce record.

Wasco County Divorce Certificates

The Oregon Health Authority issues divorce certificates for all Oregon counties. These state records go back to 1925. A certificate shows names, date, and the county where the divorce was granted. The cost is $25 per copy.

Order through VitalChek or by mail to PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293-0050. Under ORS 432.350, the Wasco County clerk reports each dissolution to the state. A certificate does not include the full terms of the judgment. For property, support, and custody details, you need the court file from The Dalles.

Legal Help in Wasco County

The Oregon Judicial Department posts free divorce forms at courts.oregon.gov. These include petitions, responses, and judgment forms. They work for all Oregon courts, including Wasco County.

The Oregon State Bar lawyer referral line is 503-684-3763. They can help you find an attorney near The Dalles. Legal Aid Services of Oregon serves low-income residents who need help with divorce matters. Staff at the Wasco County Circuit Court can explain filing steps but cannot give legal advice.

Note: Self-represented parties should read the form instructions carefully before filing at the Wasco County courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Wasco County borders several other Oregon counties. File your divorce case in the county where you live for proper jurisdiction.