Find Union County Dissolution Records
Union County dissolution of marriage records are maintained at the Circuit Court in La Grande. The court clerk handles all dissolution filings and stores case documents for public access. Residents and researchers can search for dissolution records through the clerk office or by using online court record tools. This guide covers the steps to locate and obtain dissolution of marriage records from Union County, including where to search and what to expect when requesting copies.
Union County Quick Facts
Union County Circuit Court Records
The Circuit Court clerk in La Grande is the official keeper of all dissolution of marriage records in Union County. This office handles new case filings, manages existing court files, and provides copies of dissolution judgments and other documents. Staff at the clerk window can look up cases and help you with your request.
Union County sits in the Grande Ronde Valley in northeastern Oregon. La Grande is the county seat and the location of the only courthouse in the county. The communities of Elgin, Island City, Cove, Imbler, North Powder, Summerville, and Union all fall within the court's jurisdiction. Every dissolution of marriage case filed by a Union County resident goes through this courthouse. If you need to visit, call first to check hours and find out what documents you should bring along.
The court's website has information about services and operations.
Visit their site or call the clerk for the most current details on record requests.
| Court |
Union County Circuit Court Union County Courthouse 1105 K Avenue La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: (541) 962-9500 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.oregon.gov/courts/union |
Searching Dissolution Of Marriage Cases
You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Union County through online databases or by visiting the courthouse in La Grande. Each approach has its advantages. Online searches are faster and can be done from anywhere. Visiting in person lets you review the complete case file and get certified copies right away.
Oregon eCourt Case Information, or OECI, is a free online tool for searching circuit court records statewide. It covers Union County cases. Enter a party name or case number to find dissolution records. The system shows basic information like filing dates, case status, and party names. Go to courts.oregon.gov to use this search tool for Union County dissolution records.
For more detailed information, OJCIN Online offers a subscription-based service with expanded access to court records. This service is commonly used by attorneys and researchers who need regular access to case details across multiple Oregon counties, including Union County.
When searching in person at the Union County Courthouse, you will want to have these details ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year of the dissolution filing
- Case number if it is available
- Photo ID for identification
The clerk can search their system and pull up the file. You can then request plain or certified copies. Certified copies bear the court seal and are accepted as official documents for legal purposes.
Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Process
The dissolution process in Union County follows Oregon statute. It begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution of marriage at the Circuit Court in La Grande. Under ORS 107.075, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Oregon for six months before the petition is filed. If the marriage happened in Oregon and one spouse still lives here, the residency requirement may also be met.
The filing fee is about $301. After the petition is on file, the other spouse must be served. Service can happen through the sheriff, a private process server, or by certified mail with return receipt. The proof of service is then filed with the court. Oregon uses a no-fault system under ORS 107.025. The only ground for dissolution is irreconcilable differences between the spouses. No one has to prove fault.
A 90-day waiting period runs from the date the petition is filed. The court cannot enter a final judgment before this period ends. If both parties agree on everything, the case can be finalized shortly after the 90 days pass. Contested matters take longer. The general judgment of dissolution is the final order that ends the marriage, and it becomes a permanent part of the Union County court record.
Union County Government Resources
The Union County government website provides access to county departments and public services. While dissolution cases go through the state circuit court system, the county clerk handles related records like marriage licenses and property deeds. A dissolution often leads to property transfers that need to be recorded with the county.
You can find contact details and office hours at union-county.org. The county clerk can help with questions about marriage records, property recordings, and other services that connect to dissolution proceedings in Union County.
Getting a Dissolution Of Marriage Certificate
Oregon issues dissolution of marriage certificates through the Health Authority, Center for Health Statistics. A certificate is a summary document. It confirms that a dissolution took place and shows the names of the parties, the date, and the county. It does not contain the property division, support terms, or other details found in the court judgment.
The fee for a certified copy of a dissolution certificate is $25. You can 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. The Health Authority has dissolution records from 1925 forward. If your Union County dissolution falls within that range, they should have it on file.
For the full judgment with all provisions, contact the Union County Circuit Court clerk. Most legal and financial matters require the actual judgment rather than just a certificate.
Historical Records at Oregon State Archives
The Oregon State Archives in Salem holds older court records from counties across the state. For Union County, the Archives may have early dissolution of marriage records dating back to the formation of the county. These historical records can be valuable for genealogy research and legal history.
Check the Archives listing for Union County to see what records are available and the date ranges covered. You can also call the Archives at (503) 373-0701 for help with your search. Under ORS 432.350, vital records more than 50 years old may have different access rules, but most court records at the Archives are open to the public.
The Archives is located at 800 Summer Street NE in Salem. Walk-in visitors are welcome during business hours.
Legal Resources in Union County
People in Union County who need help with a dissolution case have several options. Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free legal assistance to those who qualify based on income. They serve the northeastern part of the state and can help with family law matters including dissolution of marriage.
The Oregon State Bar has a lawyer referral service you can reach at 1-800-452-7636. They will match you with a family law attorney who practices in the La Grande area. For those who want to handle their own case, the Oregon Judicial Department at courts.oregon.gov posts all the forms and instructions needed to file a dissolution without an attorney. Self-represented filing is common in Union County when both parties agree on the terms.
Nearby Counties
Union County borders Wallowa County to the east, Baker County to the south, Umatilla County to the northwest, and Grant County to the southwest. Make sure you know which county you live in before filing, as your dissolution petition must be filed in the correct county for the court to have jurisdiction over the case.