Can I file my divorce papers in Multnomah County?
Every county in Oregon has its own circuit court. You can file in Multnomah County Circuit Court if you live in Multnomah or if your spouse lives in Multnomah.
Under Oregon law, you can file for divorce in Oregon in one of two (2) cases:
You got married in Oregon and you or your spouse still lives in Oregon
You got married in another state, but you or your spouse has been living in Oregon for at least 6 months.
Example: You and your husband married in Washington in December 2024. You moved to Portland in January 2025 after you and your husband separated.
You cannot file for divorce in Multnomah County because neither you nor your spouse has lived in Oregon for at least 6 months.
Note: So long as you meet the other filing requirements, it does not matter how long you lived in a particular county before you file for divorce.
Example: You and your wife live in Salem. After you separate, you move to Gresham. The day after you move, you decide to file for divorce. You can file in Multnomah County, even though you have only lived there for 1 day.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Multnomah County?
The filing fee for divorce in Oregon is $301, regardless of which county you file.
How do I file for divorce in Multnomah County?
You start your divorce case by filing the following documents with the circuit court clerk's office:
- Summons
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Confidential Information Form (CIF)
Electronic Filing: In Oregon, you can file your divorce papers online through the Oregon Judicial Department e-filling system.
In-Person: Alternatively, you can physically file your documents at the Multnomah County Circuit Court. You may also hire a process server to file your documents.
Multnomah County has four (4) separate locations. You will file your documents at the Central Courthouse, which is located at 1200 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.
After you file for divorce, you then must serve your divorce papers on your spouse.
Multnomah County has four (4) separate locations. You will file your documents at the Central Courthouse, which is located at 1200 SW First Avenue, Portland, OR 97204.
How do I file and schedule a motion in Multnomah County?
To schedule a motion, you must contact your assigned judge's bailiff via email for available motions dates. You should then try to find a date that works with your spouse or spouse's attorney.
Motion Filing Deadlines
You must file your motion and all supporting documents with the clerk's office and the judge's bailiff no later than 7 calendar days before the hearing.
If you are the spouse responding to the motion, you must file your response no later than 1 judicial day before the hearing.
The moving spouse may then file a reply brief no later than 1 judicial day before the hearing.
Can I appear for court remotely in Multnomah?
You can appear for the following hearings remotely:
- Trial Assignment calendars
- Custody / Parenting Time contested motions
- Non-evidentiary motions, such as discovery motions or motions to compel
- Motions involving legal argument only (i.e. no testimony)
- Status conferences
For every other type of hearing, you must appear in-person, unless you get approval to appear remotely. If you want to appear remotely for a non-remote type of hearing, you must file a motion requesting remote appearance at least 10 days before the hearing.
