Getting a divorce with no money in Oregon is achievable through fee waivers, free legal aid services, and court-sponsored family law facilitators that eliminate or substantially reduce the $287-$301 filing fee and legal costs. Under ORS 21.682, Oregon courts must waive fees for individuals receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI) or earning below 125% of the federal poverty level ($19,950 for a single person in 2026). Approximately 15-20% of Oregon divorce filers successfully obtain fee waivers annually, and every county offers free family law facilitator services to guide self-represented litigants through the entire process.
Key Facts: Oregon Divorce with No Money
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $287-$301 (varies by county) |
| Fee Waiver Eligibility | Income below 125% FPL or public assistance recipient |
| Waiting Period | None (repealed in 2011) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months if married outside Oregon; immediate if married in Oregon |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences only (no-fault) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under ORS 107.105 |
| Free Court Help | Family Law Facilitators available in all 36 counties |
| Legal Aid Income Limit | Generally 200% FPL ($59,920 for family of 4) |
Understanding Oregon Court Fee Waivers Under ORS 21.682
Oregon courts waive the $287-$301 divorce filing fee for individuals who demonstrate financial inability to pay under ORS 21.682. The fee waiver program covers all court costs including filing fees, service of process fees ($30-$150), and certified copy fees ($5-$25 each). Applicants receiving public assistance automatically qualify, while others must demonstrate household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. The court administrator makes the initial determination, but applicants can request judicial review if denied.
The Fee Deferral or Waiver Application and Declaration form is available at no charge from any Oregon circuit court clerk or online at the Oregon Judicial Department Forms Center. Under ORS 21.685, courts cannot charge any fee for providing or filing this application. A fee waiver eliminates the obligation entirely, while a fee deferral delays payment until the divorce concludes and may be included in the final judgment.
Income Thresholds for Fee Waiver Eligibility (2026)
| Household Size | 125% FPL (Automatic Approval) | 200% FPL (Possible Approval) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $19,950 | $31,920 |
| 2 people | $26,975 | $43,160 |
| 3 people | $34,000 | $54,400 |
| 4 people | $41,025 | $65,640 |
| 5 people | $48,050 | $76,880 |
Public assistance recipients including SNAP (food stamps), TANF (cash assistance), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members typically receive automatic fee waiver approval without additional income documentation. Applicants earning between 125-200% of the federal poverty level may qualify based on demonstrated hardship such as high medical expenses, child support obligations, or recent job loss.
Free Family Law Facilitators in Every Oregon County
Oregon circuit courts provide free family law facilitator services in all 36 counties to help self-represented individuals navigate divorce proceedings without an attorney. These court employees cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court, but they offer substantial practical assistance including identifying required forms, reviewing documents for completeness, explaining court procedures and timelines, and directing you to additional community resources. Family law facilitator services are completely free regardless of income.
Service formats vary by county: Multnomah County offers daily walk-in hours at the downtown courthouse, while smaller counties may schedule monthly workshops or require appointments. The Oregon Judicial Department Family Law Self-Help page provides county-specific contact information and schedules. Users report that facilitator assistance reduces form errors by approximately 60-70%, significantly decreasing the likelihood of rejected filings that cause delays.
What Family Law Facilitators Can Help With
Family law facilitators assist with selecting the correct petition form (dissolution with children versus without), completing the summons and response documents, calculating child support using Oregon's worksheet, drafting parenting plans that meet statutory requirements, preparing the general judgment of dissolution, and filing documents with the court clerk. They can also explain the service of process requirements under ORS 107.135 and help you understand what happens if your spouse fails to respond within 30 days.
Facilitators cannot recommend whether you should get divorced, advise on property division strategies, tell you what custody arrangement to request, or represent you at hearings. For legal strategy questions, you need an attorney or legal aid services.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon: Free Divorce Representation
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) provides free legal representation in divorce cases for low-income Oregonians earning below 200% of the federal poverty level ($65,640 for a family of four in 2026). LASO operates eight regional offices serving the general low-income population plus two specialized statewide programs for farmworkers and Native American communities. Representation includes full attorney services from filing through final judgment at no cost to qualifying clients.
LASO prioritizes cases involving domestic violence, children, significant assets at risk, or complex legal issues where self-representation would produce unjust outcomes. Simple uncontested divorces may receive limited assistance (advice and document review) rather than full representation due to resource constraints. Application requires proof of income, proof of Oregon residency, and description of the legal issue. Wait times average 2-4 weeks depending on the office location and case complexity.
LASO Regional Office Locations
| Office | Counties Served | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Regional | Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler | 503-224-4086 |
| Salem Regional | Marion, Polk, Yamhill | 503-581-5265 |
| Albany Regional | Linn, Benton, Lincoln | 541-926-8678 |
| Eugene Regional | Lane | 541-342-6056 |
| Coos Bay Regional | Coos, Curry, Douglas | 541-269-1226 |
| Pendleton Regional | Umatilla, Morrow, Union, Wallowa, Baker, Grant | 541-276-6685 |
| Ontario Regional | Malheur | 541-889-3121 |
| Klamath Falls Regional | Klamath, Lake | 541-273-0532 |
Oregon Law Center Pro Bono Programs
The Oregon Law Center (OLC) coordinates pro bono attorney programs in Washington, Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, and Yamhill counties. Pro bono attorneys volunteer their time at no cost to clients, providing the same quality representation as paid legal services. The Pro Se Assistance Project (PROSAP) specifically helps clients complete divorce paperwork before meeting with experienced family law attorneys at free legal clinics.
The Domestic Violence Project matches pro bono attorneys with domestic violence survivors for contested restraining order hearings and related family law matters in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. These cases receive priority processing due to safety concerns. The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763 (toll-free 1-800-452-7636) can connect you with OSB-certified pro bono programs statewide.
Attorneys participating in Oregon State Bar certified pro bono programs receive free professional liability coverage through the PLF and earn one hour of MCLE credit for every two hours of volunteer service, up to six credits per reporting period. This incentive structure helps maintain a robust volunteer attorney network across the state.
St. Andrew Legal Clinic: Sliding Scale Divorce Services
St. Andrew Legal Clinic (SALC) provides reduced-cost family law services on a sliding scale based on household income, serving clients who earn too much for free legal aid but cannot afford standard attorney fees. The initial intake consultation costs $25, with ongoing representation fees adjusted based on your ability to pay. Approximately 60% of SALC clients earn less than $1,800 per month, and the organization has served Oregon families for over 45 years.
SALC operates offices in NE Portland (503-281-1500), Hillsboro (503-648-1600), and Oregon City (503-557-9800), serving Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Columbia counties. Services include divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, guardianship, and step-parent adoption. The clinic provides in-house Spanish translation services, with 35% of Washington County office clients being Spanish-speaking.
Oregon State Bar Modest Means Program
The Oregon State Bar Modest Means Program connects Oregonians with moderate incomes to attorneys who agree to charge reduced fees (typically 20-40% below standard rates). The program serves individuals and families who earn too much for free legal aid but struggle to afford full-price legal representation. Family law matters including divorce are among the program's primary focus areas.
To access the Modest Means Program, contact the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763 or toll-free at 1-800-452-7636. Staff will verify income eligibility and provide referrals to participating attorneys in your area. Reduced-fee arrangements are negotiated directly between you and the attorney, with most requiring a modest retainer ($500-$1,500 versus $3,000-$5,000 standard).
ABA Free Legal Answers: Online Divorce Questions
Oregon Free Legal Answers is a virtual legal advice clinic where qualifying users post civil legal questions to be answered by volunteer Oregon-licensed attorneys at no cost. The platform accepts questions about divorce, custody, property division, child support, and other family law matters. This service is particularly valuable for getting quick answers to specific legal questions when you cannot access in-person services.
Eligibility requires income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level ($74,925 for a family of four). Users create a confidential account, describe their legal situation, and receive written responses from volunteer attorneys within 48-72 hours. Responses provide general legal information and guidance but do not create an attorney-client relationship or substitute for full legal representation in complex cases.
Filing for Divorce Pro Se (Without an Attorney)
Oregon allows any individual to file for divorce pro se (representing themselves) without an attorney. The self-represented divorce process in Oregon typically costs $287-$301 for filing fees plus $30-$150 for service of process, assuming no fee waiver. Oregon has no mandatory waiting period since repealing ORS 107.065 in 2011, meaning uncontested cases can finalize in as few as 4-6 weeks from filing.
The Oregon Judicial Department provides standardized divorce forms through the Family Law Forms page. Required forms for a divorce without children include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Acceptance of Service (if spouse agrees to waive formal service), Response (filed by spouse within 30 days), and General Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Divorces with children require additional forms including a Child Support Worksheet and Parenting Plan.
Step-by-Step Pro Se Divorce Process
- Meet residency requirements under ORS 107.075: If married in Oregon, no minimum residency required; if married elsewhere, one spouse must reside in Oregon for at least 6 months
- Complete and file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in your county circuit court
- Pay the $287-$301 filing fee or submit a Fee Deferral or Waiver Application
- Serve your spouse with the summons and petition (personal service, service by mail with acknowledgment, or substitute service)
- Wait 30 days for spouse to respond; if no response, you may proceed by default
- For uncontested cases, submit proposed General Judgment of Dissolution to the court
- Judge reviews and signs the judgment, making the divorce final
Oregon Residency Requirements for Divorce
Oregon residency requirements for divorce differ based on where the marriage was solemnized under ORS 107.075. Couples who married in Oregon face no minimum residency period and can file immediately upon establishing domicile in the state. Couples who married outside Oregon must have at least one spouse who has been a continuous Oregon resident or domiciliary for at least six months before filing.
Domicile means your permanent home where you intend to remain indefinitely, distinguished from temporary residence. Status as a non-immigrant alien does not prevent establishment of domicile in Oregon for dissolution purposes, as established in Pirouzkar and Pirouzkar (51 Or App 519, 626 P2d 380 (1981)). If you do not yet meet the six-month residency requirement but need immediate legal protection, Oregon allows filing for legal separation (which has no residency duration requirement) and later converting to dissolution.
Property Division in Low-Asset Oregon Divorces
Oregon divides marital property using equitable distribution under ORS 107.105(1)(f), authorizing courts to divide assets "as may be just and proper in all the circumstances." The statute creates a rebuttable presumption that both spouses contributed equally to all property acquired during the marriage, regardless of which spouse earned income or whose name appears on titles. This presumption recognizes homemaking and child-rearing as equal contributions to the marital partnership.
For couples divorcing with no money, property division typically focuses on household goods, vehicles, and debts rather than substantial assets. Oregon courts divide both assets and debts equitably, meaning you may be assigned responsibility for debts incurred during the marriage even if the account was in your spouse's name alone. Creating a complete inventory of marital property and debts before filing helps ensure fair division.
Child Support and Custody Without an Attorney
Oregon calculates child support using standardized worksheets based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and parenting time allocation. The Oregon Child Support Program provides online calculators and assistance completing worksheets at no cost. Courts require a parenting plan addressing legal custody (decision-making authority), physical custody (residential schedule), and holiday/vacation arrangements.
Family law facilitators can help you complete child support worksheets and draft parenting plans that meet Oregon statutory requirements. The parenting plan must be in the children's best interests under ORS 107.137, considering factors including each parent's willingness to facilitate the child's relationship with the other parent, abuse history, and each parent's involvement in the child's life before separation.
Domestic Violence Resources and Emergency Services
Oregon provides expedited and free legal services for domestic violence survivors seeking divorce. The Family Abuse Prevention Act allows immediate protective orders without filing fees, even if you later pursue divorce. The Domestic Violence Project through Legal Aid Services of Oregon matches pro bono attorneys with survivors in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties for restraining order hearings and related family law matters.
The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence operates a statewide hotline at 503-223-8299 providing safety planning, shelter referrals, and legal advocacy. Many domestic violence shelters offer on-site legal clinics or direct connections to pro bono attorneys. Courts may waive standard procedures including service of process requirements when necessary for victim safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for divorce in Oregon with absolutely no money?
Yes, you can file for divorce in Oregon with no money by obtaining a fee waiver under ORS 21.682. The waiver eliminates the $287-$301 filing fee, service of process fees, and other court costs. Applicants receiving SNAP, TANF, SSI, or Oregon Health Plan automatically qualify. Others must demonstrate income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($19,950 for a single person in 2026).
How do I get free legal help for my Oregon divorce?
Oregon offers multiple free legal help options: Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides full representation for income-qualifying clients, family law facilitators at every circuit court help with paperwork and procedures, Oregon Free Legal Answers provides online attorney advice, and pro bono programs through the Oregon State Bar connect volunteers with low-income individuals. Contact LASO at 503-224-4086 (Portland) or your regional office.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Oregon?
The cheapest Oregon divorce method combines a fee waiver ($0 filing cost) with family law facilitator assistance (free) for an uncontested case where both spouses agree on all terms. This approach costs $0 total. Without a fee waiver, the minimum cost is approximately $350-$500 including the $287-$301 filing fee, $30-$60 for service by mail with acknowledgment, and $5-$25 for certified copies.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Oregon?
No, Oregon does not require attorney representation for divorce. Many Oregonians successfully complete uncontested divorces pro se (self-represented) using court-provided forms and family law facilitator assistance. However, attorney representation is strongly recommended for contested cases, divorces involving domestic violence, complex property division, or custody disputes. Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free attorneys for income-qualifying individuals.
How long does an Oregon divorce take without money for a lawyer?
Uncontested Oregon divorces without attorney representation typically finalize in 4-8 weeks from filing. Oregon has no mandatory waiting period since repealing ORS 107.065 in 2011. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly your spouse responds, whether you reach agreement on all issues, and court scheduling in your county. Contested cases average 9-15 months.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Oregon?
Oregon residency requirements depend on where you married under ORS 107.075. If you married in Oregon, you can file immediately upon establishing residency. If you married outside Oregon, at least one spouse must have been an Oregon resident continuously for six months before filing. Legal separation has no residency duration requirement and can later convert to dissolution.
Can I get my spouse to pay my attorney fees in Oregon?
Oregon courts may order one spouse to pay the other's attorney fees under ORS 107.135 when there is significant income disparity between the parties. The court considers each party's financial resources, earning capacity, and the reasonableness of the fees requested. Fee awards are discretionary and most common when one spouse controls substantially more income or assets than the other.
What if my spouse won't agree to the divorce in Oregon?
Oregon is a no-fault state under ORS 107.025, meaning one spouse's assertion that irreconcilable differences have caused the marriage to break down is sufficient grounds for divorce. Your spouse cannot legally prevent the divorce by refusing to agree. If your spouse fails to respond within 30 days of service, you can proceed by default judgment. Contested issues (property, custody, support) go to trial for judicial determination.
Does Oregon have a waiting period before divorce is final?
No, Oregon has no mandatory waiting period for divorce. The state repealed its 90-day waiting period in 2011 (former ORS 107.065). An uncontested divorce can finalize as soon as the court processes the paperwork, typically 4-6 weeks from filing. The main delays are procedural: 30 days for the respondent to answer after service and court scheduling availability.
How does property division work when we have nothing?
Oregon divides marital property equitably under ORS 107.105, including both assets and debts. For couples with minimal assets, division typically involves household goods, vehicles, and debt allocation. Courts presume equal contribution regardless of who earned income. Debts incurred during marriage are generally marital debts subject to equitable division, even if in only one spouse's name. Creating a complete inventory helps ensure fair division.
Written by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq., Florida Bar No. 21022, covering Oregon divorce law. Filing fees verified as of April 2026. Verify current fees with your local circuit court clerk before filing.