Clackamas County Divorce Records
What Are Clackamas County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Clackamas County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.105, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state. Divorce records consist of various court filings, judgments, and certificates that document the legal termination of a marital relationship.
The Clackamas County Circuit Court maintains divorce records as part of its official court record system. These documents serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
Divorce records typically include the petition for dissolution, response documents, financial disclosures, parenting plans (when applicable), and the final judgment of dissolution. The Clackamas County Circuit Court processes and maintains these records in accordance with state regulations.
Are Clackamas County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Clackamas County have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and information contained therein. Under the Oregon Public Records Law § 192.311-192.478, most court records, including divorce case files, are generally considered public records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
Court divorce case files maintained by the Clackamas County Circuit Court are typically accessible to the public with certain restrictions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly available
- Financial affidavits and sensitive personal information may be redacted or restricted
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders limiting access
- Records containing information about minor children have additional privacy protections
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access under Oregon Revised Statutes § 432.350. These certificates are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
- Government agencies for official purposes
The Oregon Health Authority Vital Records office maintains the official divorce certificates, while the detailed court files remain with the Clackamas County Circuit Court.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clackamas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Clackamas County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The process varies depending on whether the requestor needs court case files or certified divorce certificates.
For Clackamas County Circuit Court divorce case files:
- Visit the Clackamas County Courthouse Records Department in person:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
1000 Courthouse Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court
- Complete the Public Records Request Form available at the courthouse or download it from the court's website
- Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Pay the applicable search and copy fees (currently $0.25 per page for copies)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing, depending on request volume
For certified divorce certificates:
- Contact the Oregon Vital Records office:
Oregon Vital Records
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR 97232
971-673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
- Complete the Divorce Record Request Form
- Provide identification proving eligibility to receive the record
- Pay the required certificate fee (currently $25.00 per certificate)
- Submit request by mail or in person
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Clackamas County Online?
Clackamas County provides limited online access to divorce records through the Oregon Judicial Department's electronic systems. The following online resources are currently available for divorce record searches:
-
Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search:
- Navigate to the Oregon Judicial Department website
- Select "Find a Case or Court Record"
- Choose "Oregon eCourt Case Information" (OECI)
- Create a free account or log in as a guest
- Select Clackamas County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by party name or case number
- Note that only basic case information is available online
-
Oregon State Archives Historic Records Search:
- Provides access to older divorce records that have been transferred to the archives
- Search capabilities for records older than 50 years
- Limited information available without in-person visit
Online access limitations:
- Complete case files are not available for download
- Certified copies cannot be obtained online
- Some sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Records filed before electronic system implementation may have limited online information
- User fees may apply for detailed searches or document views
For comprehensive divorce record information, requestors are advised to contact the Clackamas County Circuit Court Records Department directly, as online systems provide only partial access to divorce documentation.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Clackamas County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Clackamas County have several options, though free access typically provides limited information compared to paid services:
-
In-person inspection at the courthouse:
- Visit the Clackamas County Circuit Court during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Request to view specific divorce case files
- Bring case number or names of parties and approximate date
- While viewing is free, copying fees still apply ($0.25 per page)
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Located in the Records Department
- Provide free access to electronic court records
- No time limit during business hours
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
-
Public libraries with legal research resources:
- Clackamas County Library system offers free access to legal databases
- Some historical divorce records may be available on microfilm
- Library staff can assist with research strategies
-
Oregon Judicial Department website:
- Free basic case information search
- Limited to case numbers, party names, and basic status information
- No document viewing without additional fees
-
Oregon State Archives for historical records:
- Free index searches for older divorce records
- In-person research available at no cost
- Limited to records transferred to archives (typically older than 50 years)
While these free options provide basic access, they have limitations:
- No free access to certified divorce certificates
- Document copying fees still apply
- Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
- Historical records may require specialized research skills
- Online free access provides only basic case information
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Clackamas County
Divorce records in Clackamas County consist of multiple document types that collectively document the dissolution process. The content of these records varies based on the complexity of the case and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Court case files typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Response/Answer - The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition
- Financial affidavits - Sworn statements detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Property division agreements - Documentation of how marital property is allocated
- Child custody and parenting time plans (when applicable)
- Child support calculations and orders
- Spousal support (alimony) determinations
- Temporary orders issued during the pendency of the case
- Settlement agreements reached through negotiation or mediation
- Trial exhibits and transcripts (if the case went to trial)
- Final Judgment of Dissolution - The official court order terminating the marriage
Certified divorce certificates contain more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and location of divorce finalization
- Case number
- County where divorce was granted
- Official state seal and certification
Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.089, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible divorce records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Children's dates of birth
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Clackamas County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Clackamas County have several options depending on the level of documentation needed and the intended purpose.
For certified divorce certificates (most commonly accepted proof):
- Contact the Oregon Vital Records office:
Oregon Vital Records
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR 97232
971-673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
- Complete the Divorce Certificate Application Form
- Provide identification proving eligibility (must be a party to the divorce or authorized representative)
- Pay the certificate fee (currently $25.00)
- Submit request by mail or in person
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing by mail or same-day service for in-person requests
For certified copies of the divorce judgment:
- Visit or contact the Clackamas County Circuit Court:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
1000 Courthouse Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court Records
- Complete the Court Records Request Form
- Provide the case number or names and approximate date
- Pay the certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
For apostille certification (international recognition):
- First obtain a certified copy from the court
- Submit to the Oregon Secretary of State for apostille
- Pay additional apostille fee
- Allow additional processing time
The type of proof required depends on the requesting entity:
- Government agencies typically accept certified certificates
- Legal proceedings may require certified court judgments
- International matters often require apostille certification
- Name changes for Social Security require the complete judgment
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Clackamas County?
While divorce proceedings in Clackamas County are generally matters of public record, certain mechanisms exist to protect sensitive information and, in limited circumstances, to maintain confidentiality of divorce records.
Standard privacy protections in divorce cases include:
- Automatic redaction of personal identifiers pursuant to Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rule 2.110, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Tax identification numbers
- Financial account information
- Driver's license numbers
- Children's dates of birth
Additional confidentiality measures available by request:
-
Sealing specific documents:
- Parties may petition the court to seal particularly sensitive documents
- Requires demonstration of compelling privacy interest that outweighs public interest
- Judge must issue specific order identifying documents to be sealed
- Rarely granted for entire case files
-
Protective orders:
- Available in cases involving domestic violence
- May restrict access to victim's contact information
- Can limit disclosure of sensitive testimony or evidence
- Governed by Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.700-107.735
-
Confidential filing status:
- Reserved for exceptional circumstances
- Requires court order based on specific findings
- May be granted in cases involving:
- Ongoing safety concerns
- High-profile individuals where publicity would cause harm
- Protection of business trade secrets or similar confidential information
-
Use of initials or pseudonyms:
- Rarely permitted but occasionally allowed in sensitive cases
- Requires specific court approval
- More common in cases involving minors or domestic abuse
It is important to note that full confidentiality of divorce proceedings is extremely rare in Clackamas County. The presumption of public access to court records is strong, and courts generally favor transparency in judicial proceedings. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding available options under current Oregon law.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Clackamas County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Clackamas County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and procedural requirements.
Minimum statutory timeframes:
- Oregon law imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from service of the petition before a divorce can be finalized, pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.065
- This waiting period cannot be waived except in extraordinary circumstances
Typical timeframes by divorce type:
-
Uncontested divorces with complete agreement:
- 3-4 months from filing to finalization
- Requires complete agreement on all issues
- Both parties must sign all necessary documents
- Current Clackamas County statistics show approximately 35% of divorces fall in this category
-
Mediated or collaborative divorces:
- 4-8 months on average
- Involves negotiation with professional assistance
- Requires good-faith participation by both parties
- Approximately 40% of Clackamas County divorces utilize some form of alternative dispute resolution
-
Contested divorces requiring judicial intervention:
- 9-18 months from filing to judgment
- May involve temporary orders hearings
- Discovery process adds significant time
- Court scheduling depends on current caseload
- Approximately 25% of divorces in the county require full litigation
Factors that may extend timeframes:
- Complex asset division (businesses, multiple properties)
- Child custody evaluations or home studies
- Expert witness involvement (business valuations, etc.)
- Court congestion and scheduling delays
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork submissions
- Non-cooperation by either party
- Appeals of temporary orders
According to the Oregon Judicial Department, the current average time to disposition for all divorce cases in Clackamas County is approximately 8.5 months from filing to final judgment, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.
How Long Does Clackamas County Keep Divorce Records?
Clackamas County maintains divorce records according to Oregon's records retention schedules, with different retention periods applying to various components of divorce documentation.
Court case files retention:
- Complete divorce case files are retained by the Clackamas County Circuit Court for a minimum of 75 years from the date of final judgment, pursuant to Oregon Judicial Department Records Retention Schedule
- After this period, records may be transferred to the Oregon State Archives for permanent preservation
- Electronic records (for cases filed after system implementation) are maintained indefinitely
Divorce certificate retention:
- Certified divorce certificates are maintained permanently by the Oregon Vital Records office
- These records never expire and remain available for authorized requestors indefinitely
Specific document retention periods:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Permanent retention
- Financial affidavits and discovery: 75 years
- Exhibits submitted at trial: 10 years after final judgment
- Audio recordings of proceedings: 10 years
- Temporary orders: Retained with case file (75 years)
Records accessibility over time:
- Recent records (less than 10 years old): Readily available at the courthouse
- Older records (10-75 years): May require retrieval from storage
- Historical records (over 75 years): May be accessed through the State Archives
The retention of divorce records ensures their availability for legal purposes, including proof of marital status, property rights, and genealogical research. The long retention period reflects the ongoing legal significance of these documents throughout the lifespan of the parties involved.
How To Get a Divorce In Clackamas County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Clackamas County must follow specific procedures established by Oregon law and local court rules. The process involves several key steps:
-
Establish eligibility:
- Either spouse must have been an Oregon resident for at least six months prior to filing
- The petition should be filed in the county where either spouse currently resides
-
Prepare required documentation:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Notice of Statutory Restraining Order
- Certificate regarding pending child support cases (if applicable)
- Parenting plan (if children involved)
-
File documents with the court:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
1000 Courthouse Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court
-
Pay filing fees:
- Current filing fee is approximately $301 (subject to change)
- Fee waiver applications available for qualifying low-income individuals
-
Serve the other spouse:
- Personal service by sheriff or process server
- Acceptance of service if cooperative
- Alternative service methods with court approval if necessary
-
Wait for response:
- Respondent has 30 days to file a response after being served
- If no response, petitioner may seek a default judgment
-
Exchange financial information:
- Both parties must complete asset and liability disclosures
- Income, expense, and property documentation required
-
Negotiate settlement or prepare for trial:
- Mediation services available through the court
- Settlement conferences with judges available
- Trial scheduling if agreement cannot be reached
-
Finalize the divorce:
- Submit General Judgment of Dissolution
- Judge reviews and signs if appropriate
- Minimum 90-day waiting period from service date applies
-
Receive certified copies of judgment:
- Pay for certified copies for personal records
- Implement property division, support, and custody provisions
The Clackamas County Circuit Court provides forms and information packets for self-represented litigants. Legal assistance is also available through the court's family law facilitator program and local legal aid services.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Clackamas County
Individuals seeking divorce paperwork in Clackamas County have several options for obtaining the necessary forms to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings:
- In-person at the courthouse:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
1000 Courthouse Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-8447
Clackamas County Circuit Court
- Visit the Family Law Department during business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Request divorce packet from court staff
- Basic forms are provided free of charge
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions
- Online resources:
- Oregon Judicial Department website offers downloadable forms
- Interactive forms available through OJD iForms system
- PDF fillable documents can be completed electronically
- Instructions provided for each form
- Family Law Assistance Program:
- Located at the Clackamas County Courthouse
- Provides form review and procedural guidance
- Available by appointment
- Services provided at no cost to eligible individuals
- Law libraries:
- Clackamas County Law Library (located in courthouse)
- Reference materials and form books available
- Computer access for online form retrieval
- Staff assistance with locating appropriate resources
- Legal aid organizations:
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Clackamas County Office
- Reduced-cost assistance for qualifying individuals
- Form preparation assistance
- Limited representation services
Required forms typically include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Notice of Statutory Restraining Order
- Certificate Re: Pending Child Support Proceedings (if children involved)
- Parenting Plan (if children involved)
- Statement of Assets and Liabilities
- Child Support Worksheets (if applicable)
Additional specialized forms may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The Clackamas County Circuit Court Records Department can provide guidance on which forms are necessary for particular situations.
Lookup Divorce Records in Clackamas County
Court Records - Oregon Judicial Department
Clackamas County Circuit Court