Tigard Divorce Record Lookup
Tigard dissolution of marriage records are filed at the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro. Tigard is a city in Washington County, located southwest of Portland in the Tualatin Valley. Residents who want to search for dissolution records or get copies of court judgments must go through the county court system. The court clerk at the Washington County courthouse handles all requests for dissolution files and certified copies.
Tigard Quick Facts
Tigard Dissolution Of Marriage Court
Tigard is part of Washington County, and all dissolution of marriage cases go through the Washington County Circuit Court. The courthouse is in Hillsboro, the county seat, about 12 miles north of Tigard. There is no separate courthouse in Tigard. Every dissolution filing, hearing, and judgment for Tigard residents takes place at the Washington County courthouse.
| Court | Washington County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Location | Hillsboro, OR |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/washington |
Getting from Tigard to the courthouse in Hillsboro takes about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You can take Highway 99W north or use Highway 217 to connect with Highway 26 west. TriMet bus routes also serve the Hillsboro area. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to request dissolution records. The clerk can look up cases and provide copies while you wait.
Searching Tigard Dissolution Records
Tigard residents can search for dissolution of marriage records through online tools or by visiting the Washington County courthouse in Hillsboro. Online searches give you basic case information quickly. A visit to the courthouse lets you view the full case file and get certified copies on the same day.
The Oregon eCourt Case Information system, known as OECI, includes Washington County records. You can search by party name or case number. The system shows filing dates, case type, and status. It charges a small fee for detailed access. OECI shows case data but not actual documents. Go to courts.oregon.gov to begin searching for Tigard dissolution records.
The Washington County court system serves all cities in the county, including Tigard, Beaverton, and Hillsboro.
The Washington County website has general information about county services and departments. Court records, including dissolution files, are managed by the circuit court system rather than the county government. If you are not sure where to start your search, call the Washington County Circuit Court clerk for guidance on finding Tigard dissolution records.
Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage
Tigard residents who want to file for dissolution of marriage do so at the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro. You must first meet the residency requirement under ORS 107.075. At least one spouse must have been an Oregon resident for six months before filing. If the marriage took place in Oregon and one spouse still lives here, the six-month rule may be waived. Tigard residents who qualify file their petition at the Hillsboro courthouse.
The petition for dissolution of marriage starts the case. You pay about $301 at the clerk window when you file. Then you must serve your spouse with the court papers. Oregon law allows service by the county sheriff, a private process server, or acceptance of service. Proof of service goes into the court file. Without proof of service, the case cannot move forward.
Oregon is a no-fault state. Under ORS 107.025, the only ground for dissolution of marriage is irreconcilable differences. You do not need to prove that either spouse did anything wrong. The court only needs to find that the marriage has broken down beyond repair. This applies to every dissolution case filed by Tigard residents.
After filing, a 90-day waiting period must pass before the court can enter the final judgment. Both parties use this time to resolve property division, support, and parenting issues if applicable. If both sides reach an agreement, they submit a stipulated judgment for the judge to sign. If they cannot agree, the case goes to trial. Once the general judgment is entered, the dissolution is final and the record is stored at the Washington County courthouse.
Tigard Dissolution Fees and Costs
Filing fees for dissolution in Tigard follow the statewide Oregon fee schedule. The cost to file a new petition for dissolution is about $301. Other fees apply for response filings, motions, and copies. Contact the Washington County clerk to get current fee amounts before you file. Fees may change when the state updates its schedule.
Common fees for dissolution cases include:
- Petition for dissolution filing: approximately $301
- Response filing fee: varies
- Certified copies of judgments: varies
- Plain copies of documents: less than certified
- Service of process through sheriff: varies
Low-income Tigard residents can apply for a fee waiver or deferral. You complete an application and show proof that you cannot afford the fees. People receiving public assistance or those with income below 125% of federal poverty guidelines may qualify. The court reviews each application individually. If approved, you can file your dissolution case without paying the full fee up front.
Obtaining Dissolution Of Marriage Records
The Washington County Circuit Court clerk provides copies of dissolution records for Tigard cases. Visit the courthouse in Hillsboro with a valid photo ID. Provide the clerk with the names of the spouses and the approximate year of the dissolution. They will find the file and make copies. You can choose plain copies for personal reference or certified copies for legal use.
You can also request copies by mail. Send a written request to the Washington County Circuit Court with the case details and payment. Include as much information as you have about the case, such as full names, dates, and the case number if you know it. The clerk will process the request and mail copies back to you. This works well for Tigard residents who cannot travel to Hillsboro during court hours.
All dissolution records in Oregon are public under ORS 192.311 to 192.478. Anyone can request copies of these records. Some portions of a case file may be sealed by court order, such as financial details or documents involving children. The clerk will tell you if anything in the file is restricted.
The Oregon State Archives holds historical court records from Washington County. For older dissolution records that may not appear in the current court system, call the archives at (503) 373-0701. They can help you locate Tigard dissolution records from many years ago.
Divorce Certificates for Tigard Cases
A divorce certificate is a state document that confirms a dissolution took place. It shows names, date, and county. It is not the same as the court judgment. The general judgment of dissolution is the full court order with all the terms. Most legal and financial matters need the judgment. Some situations only call for the shorter certificate.
The Oregon Health Authority issues divorce certificates under ORS 432.350. Order one online 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. Certificates are available for dissolutions from 1925 to the present day.
Tigard residents can order a certificate from the state without visiting the courthouse. For the full general judgment, contact the Washington County Circuit Court clerk. The judgment contains the complete dissolution order including property division, support terms, and parenting plans. It carries more weight than a certificate for most legal purposes.
Legal Help for Tigard Residents
Legal Aid Services of Oregon serves Washington County residents who meet income guidelines. They can help with dissolution of marriage cases, including form preparation and sometimes full court representation. Call their intake line to see if you qualify for free legal help.
The Oregon State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at (503) 684-3763 or 1-800-452-7636. They connect Tigard residents with family law attorneys in the area. The Oregon Judicial Department website provides free court forms, step-by-step instructions, and guides for people handling their own dissolution cases. All forms are free to download and print.
Washington County has a large pool of family law attorneys because of its population size. Many law firms in Tigard and nearby cities handle dissolution cases regularly. If your case involves children, complex property, or retirement accounts, consulting an attorney before filing can save time and help protect your interests.
The Oregon Judicial Department offers court forms and self-help resources for dissolution of marriage cases statewide.
Filing without a lawyer is an option when both spouses agree on all terms. The courthouse does not give legal advice, but staff can point you to the right forms and explain the filing steps. Many Tigard residents complete agreed-upon dissolutions on their own using the free forms from the state website.
Washington County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Tigard is in Washington County, and all dissolution filings go through the Washington County Circuit Court in Hillsboro. The court handles cases for Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tualatin, and all other cities in the county. For more about the county court system, fee schedules, and other resources, visit the Washington County dissolution records page.